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XANTHOPSIA
What
is xanthopsia?
Xanthopsia
is a form of chromatopsia, a distortion in color vision, in which
objects appear more yellow than they truly are. Chromatopsias
cause the observer to experience an effect similar to looking
through a colored filter. In the case of xanthopsia it is based
on a yellowing of the optic media, usually the lens. It has the
effect of looking at the world through a yellow acetate transparency
filter. There are a variety of factors that cause xanthopsia.
Systemic use of drugs such as digitalis and santonin, can generate
this problem. Fluorescein (used in flourescein angiography), jaundice,
and hysteria are other causes. Cataract-induced changes in the
lens can also bring about xanthopsia.
How
does xanthopsia affect vision?
Xanthopsia
makes the world appear as if viewed through a yellow filter. White
objects appear more yellow and blues are less intense.
Below
is a simulated view of how the world would appear to a viewer
with xanthopsia. Compare the view seen without any color deficiency
(below, top) with the view seen with xanthopsia (below, bottom).
Notice the yellow tinge of the buildings in the background,
and the relative absence of blue in the pavement.
Treatment
Treatment
for xanthopsia depends on its cause. If it is drug-induced, ceasing
the course of the drug may eliminate the xanthopsia. In the case
lenticular yellowing, the lens can be removed and replaced with
an intraocular lens (IOL).
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Cassatt
| Cézanne | Degas
| El Greco | Monet
| Rembrandt
| Renoir | Van
Gogh
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