 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Colorblind
Definition:
Colorblindness is the inability to perceive colors in a normal fashion. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Text Continues Below
Colorblindness is usually an inherited condition that is x-linked recessive. As a result, very few women are colorblind, but approximately 1 in 10 men has some degree of colorblindness. There are also some forms of colorblindness that can be acquired after birth. The most common of these is caused by a rheumatoid arthritis drug called hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). The most common type of colorblindness is red-green, but there is a wide range of variability within this group, from very mild to extreme. The second most common form is blue-yellow, and a red-green deficit is almost always associated with this form. The most severe form of colorblindness is achromatopsia, the inability to see any color. It is often associated with other problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), nystagmus (small, jerky eye movements), severe light sensitivity, and extremely poor vision.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
