Erythropsia

Erythropsia: features and causes of occurrence

Erythropsia (from the Greek "erythr-", meaning "red", and "opsis", interpreted as "sight") is an optical phenomenon in which objects are perceived by humans in red hues. This condition can be temporary or permanent, and it is often accompanied by distorted color perception, which can negatively affect the quality of vision and a person's daily life.

The causes of erythropsia can be varied. One of the most common factors is the use of certain medications such as digoxin, quinine, chloroquine and some antibiotics. This may cause temporary erythropsia, which disappears when these drugs are stopped.

Another cause of erythropsia may be migraine. Some people with migraines experience temporary changes in color perception, including erythropsia. This may be due to abnormalities in the retina or brain structures responsible for processing visual information.

It is also worth mentioning that erythropsia can be a manifestation of certain eye diseases. For example, glaucoma, cataracts, inflammatory processes and retinal defects can cause distortion in color perception. In these cases, erythropsia may be permanent and require medical intervention to eliminate the underlying disease.

To diagnose erythropsia, doctors usually examine the eye and ask specific questions about color perception. Additional tests, such as visual fields and retinal tests, may be ordered to help identify possible problems related to eye disease.

Treatment of erythropsia directly depends on its cause. If erythropsia is a side effect of a drug, stopping the drug may make the symptoms go away. When erythropsia is associated with an eye disease, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease to eliminate the symptoms. In some cases, special optical correction tools may be used to improve color perception.

In conclusion, erythropsia is an optical phenomenon in which objects are perceived in red hues. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, migraines, and eye conditions. Diagnosis and treatment of erythropsia depend on its cause and may include an eye examination, additional tests, and stopping medications or treating the underlying condition. It is important to see your doctor if you experience changes in color vision to get professional advice and appropriate treatment.