Cause of Achromatopsia


Within your eye there are millions of special receptors that allow you to see light, known as photoreceptors. They are located at the back of your eye called the retina, which is responsible for detecting light and signaling this to the brain. There are two main types, these are rods and cones, both of which have a different job to do.

The rods are located towards the outer aspect of the retina and allow you to see in black and white. These receptors are particularly active in low light situations, such as late at night. If you suffer from achromatopsia your rods function perfectly well, allowing you to see in black and white. The main problem for people with achromatopsia is that the cone receptors within their eyes do not work well. The cones are responsible for your ability to see colour and are present in the central part of your retina. They start to detect light when it is bright and there is lots of light, whereas rods are active when there is very little light.

People who suffer from this condition therefore notice that they can only see in black and white, usually only when there is very little ambient light. These are the symptoms of the most severe form called complete achromatopsia.

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