ACHROMATOPSY Meaning and
Definition
-
Achromatopsy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the complete absence or severe impairment of color vision, rendering affected individuals unable to perceive colors. Also referred to as complete color blindness, it is a type of monochromacy, in which only shades of gray are visible. People with achromatopsy see the world in black, white, and shades of gray, resulting in a lack of distinction between colors.
This condition is typically caused by a mutation in one or more of the genes that are responsible for the normal functioning of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. The most common form is caused by mutations in the CNGA3, CNGB3, or GNAT2 genes. Achromatopsy is usually present from birth and remains stable throughout a person's life.
Individuals with achromatopsy often experience additional visual abnormalities, including extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), reduced visual acuity, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). Due to the absence of color perception, they may encounter difficulties in distinguishing objects, recognizing faces, and perceiving depth.
There is currently no cure for achromatopsy, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and improving visual function. This may involve the use of tinted lenses, specialized eyewear, or contact lenses to reduce light sensitivity. In some cases, visual aids, low-vision devices, and assistive technologies may be employed to enhance visual capabilities and mitigate the impact of achromatopsy on daily life.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACHROMATOPSY
- zchromatopsy
- schromatopsy
- wchromatopsy
- qchromatopsy
- axhromatopsy
- avhromatopsy
- afhromatopsy
- adhromatopsy
- acgromatopsy
- acbromatopsy
- acnromatopsy
- acjromatopsy
- acuromatopsy
- acyromatopsy
- acheomatopsy
- achdomatopsy
- achfomatopsy
- achtomatopsy
- ach5omatopsy
- Achromatopsi
- achromatophyl
- Achromaotopsy
Etymology of ACHROMATOPSY
The word achromatopsy is derived from combining two Greek roots: a- meaning without or not, and chroma meaning color. The Greek suffix -opsy denotes vision or sight. Thus, the etymology of achromatopsy can be understood as without color vision or color blindness.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
