TL;DR
Diminished colour perception can subtly or severely impact daily life, and for many, it comes as an unexpected challenge.
While some experience colour changes gradually with age, others may notice sudden differences due to underlying health conditions.
Here, we’ll explore common causes of diminished colour perception and provide practical insights for managing this change.
Common causes of diminished colour perception
Ageing and colour perception
As you age, your vision naturally changes, and this includes how you see colours. The lens in your eye gradually yellows, making it harder to distinguish between shades, particularly blues and yellows. This is a common, gradual shift that can become noticeable in your late 60s or 70s.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often blurring vision and muting colours. People with cataracts may feel like they’re looking through a foggy window, and colours appear duller.
Thankfully, cataract surgery can often restore vision clarity and, in many cases, bring back the full spectrum of colours.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration, particularly the wet form, damages the retina’s central area, making it challenging to see fine details and distinguish colours accurately.
Wet AMD affects the part of your eye that’s most responsible for sharp central vision, making it hard to pick up subtle colour variations.
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Diabetic retinopathy and its impact on colour
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects blood vessels in the retina, often leading to blurred vision and diminished contrast sensitivity.
People with diabetic retinopathy may find it harder to differentiate between certain colours, especially reds and greens.
Glaucoma
Increased pressure in the eye, as seen in glaucoma, can damage the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain, any damage here may reduce your ability to distinguish colours, primarily affecting blues and yellows.
Inherited colour vision deficiency
Genetic conditions like red-green colour blindness impact many from birth. Unlike other causes, inherited deficiencies remain stable throughout life, affecting colour perception from childhood.
Medications that alter your view of colours
Certain medications list changes in colour perception as a side effect. For instance, medications used to treat conditions like heart disease, mental health disorders, or even malaria can affect how you see colours.
These changes are usually reversible upon stopping the medication, but it’s essential to consult your doctor if you notice any visual changes.
Chemical exposure
Exposure to chemicals, particularly in industries involving solvents or pesticides, can impact colour perception over time.
This is because certain chemicals can damage the retina or optic nerve, leading to a slow but noticeable reduction in colour discrimination.
Multiple sclerosis and colour changes
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause optic nerve inflammation, a condition known as optic neuritis. This may result in reduced colour perception, particularly with reds and greens, as the damaged optic nerve struggles to relay colour information accurately.
Optic neuritis
Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, can develop from MS or other causes, and it often leads to a reduced ability to see colours.
Those affected may find it particularly challenging to differentiate bright colours, feeling as if they’re viewing the world through a slightly dimmed lens.
How to managed diminished colour perception
Regular eye exams
Routine eye exams are essential, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of eye conditions. Early diagnosis can often slow the progression of certain conditions, like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Adapting your environment
Small adjustments can make a significant difference if you struggle with colour perception. For instance, using labels with high-contrast colours on items like medication bottles or household products can help. Lighting is also crucial – natural or bright lighting can make colours more distinguishable.
Seeking medical advice for sudden changes
If you experience a sudden shift in colour perception, it’s important to consult an eye specialist. Sudden changes can indicate conditions like optic neuritis or wet AMD, which require prompt treatment to preserve vision.
Adjusting daily routines
Adapting your daily routines may also help. For example, using assistive tools like colour identifiers or adjusting screen settings on digital devices can provide additional support in recognising colours more accurately.
Protecting your eyes from UV and blue light
Excessive exposure to UV and blue light can exacerbate certain eye conditions. Wearing UV-protective eyewear when outside, or using blue light filters on screens, can help protect your eyes and potentially reduce the impact of age-related changes in colour perception.
Final notes
Understanding the causes and learning ways to adjust can significantly improve your quality of life if you face diminished colour perception.
By taking proactive steps and consulting professionals when necessary, you can better manage the challenges associated with these changes, ensuring that you continue to experience the richness of colour as fully as possible.
