Types of Achromatopsia


There are a number of types of achromatopsia, the severity of each determines how well you will be able to see. The type you have depends on what type of cone cell you are lacking. If you have no functioning cones, you have complete rod monochromatopsia, which causes colour blindness. The two main other types are incomplete rod monochromatopsia and blue, red or green cone monochromatopsia. Depending on which you have you will experience varying degrees of visual disability.

Vision with Achromatopsia

Vision with achromatopsia is dependent upon the type and severtiy of achromatopsia you have. The most severely affected individuals are those who suffer from complete rod monochromacy. If you have this condition, the cones within your eyes are unable to detect any form of light, so you can only see in black and white, so called colour blindness. This condition also prevents you from seeing in very bright light, as this is the main job of the cones. Less severe types of the condition include incomplete rod monochromatopsia and blue cone monochromatopsia. Incomplete rod monochromatopsia is less severe than the complete type, where sufferers may retain some of their colour vision. If you have blue, red or green cone monochromatopsia, you will have problems seeing the colour of cone you are missing, i.e. if you have no blue cones you will not be able to see blue or any colours that need blue with red and green to make.

Unfortunately if you have the condition but none of your parents do, so called acquired achromatopsia there is a risk of your vision becoming progressively worse over time. This is not the case if you have congenital achromatopsia which is present from birth. This condition is usually static and does not worsen.

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