Chromatopsia

Chromatopsia is a complex defect in color vision caused by an impairment in the perception or interpretation of information coming from cones or ganglion cells. They are caused by changes in the function of these cells and/or information transmission pathways in the neurons of the optic tract and brain. Chromatopic disorders reflect the existing dissociation between the function of light and its perception. Depending on the affected component, daytime and nighttime partial lameness is distinguished (protanopia and deuteranopia); seasonal homozygous or heterozygous polar chromotropy; as well as impaired ability to distinguish colors and their sequence with progressive complete darkness of the eyes. There is a hereditary association of some types of chromotropic deficiency, presumably due to quantitative differences in the genetic systems that encode light receptors: RPE65 and CRYIPR. At the same time, visual field impairments in individuals with color vision impairments may be due to the development of cataracts or progressive optic nerve atrophy. The lack of chromatic sensitivity makes it possible to differentiate between chromatic defects and congenital complete blindness.

However, it should be noted that both physiological and pathological color vision disorders are caused by different mechanisms. It is important to determine not only their cause, but also the effect. Errors in this extremely negatively affect the quality of diagnosis of the disease, without which, in turn, it is impossible to prescribe the correct treatment.