What Does It Mean to Be Colorblind?

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Someone who is colorblind has difficulty seeing colors as they actually appear. There are different degrees of colorblindness, which means some people who are colorblind see colors better than others with the same disorder. This condition is usually present from birth and is very common. If you have difficulty viewing colors as others see them, your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, can test for and diagnose color blindness.

What Causes Colorblindness?

Colorblindness happens as a result of a deficiency in the ways cone cells in your retina function. Your retina contains both rod cells and cone cells. Rod cells distinguish between light and dark, while cone cells detect different colors. Both types of cells must work in unity for you to view the world realistically.

Colorblindness is almost always congenital, passed down from birth through the mother to the infant. This form of colorblindness results from missing cone cells. If one cone cell is missing, you may have trouble viewing the color red, blue, or green. If all cone cells are missing, the world may just exist for you in shades of gray. This condition is often diagnosed during the preschool years, when children are unable to grasp the names and appearance of colors.

Sometimes, this condition develops later in life as the result of drug use, disease, or injury. Usually, this happens because the retina or optic nerve has been damaged.

Is There Treatment for Colorblindness?

Currently, there is no existing treatment for colorblindness. But special eye glasses or contact lenses that replicate the work of cone cells can improve how someone who is colorblind sees different colors.

If you’re experiencing colorblindness in Champaign, IL, talk with your vision specialist today. There may be ways to improve the way you see colors. Champaign Eye Professionals may have solutions if you call to schedule your appointment today.

Common Eye Conditions: Cataracts

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Many changes happen to our bodies as we grow older, and some affect our vision. One common condition that’s often brought about by normal aging is cataracts. If you’re experiencing sudden changes in your vision, a trip to your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, is recommended.

What Is a Cataract?

When a cloudy film forms over the lens of your eye, you may be diagnosed with a cataract. Cataracts affect your vision and make it difficult to perform routine tasks, such as driving, reading, or using your computer. If you have a cataract, you’ll want to have it removed so vision can be restored.

How Do I Know If I Have Cataracts?

If you have cataracts, you may not understand why it’s becoming more and more difficult to see clearly, but you’ll definitely know something is changing with your vision. The symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Dim or blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Seeing ‘halos’ around bright lights
  • Being bothered by glare

You may have one symptom, or many, depending on how far your cataract has advanced. The good news is that this is a fairly common condition your eye doctor can diagnose and treat.

Are Cataracts Easily Treated?

Usually, simple surgery is required to treat cataracts. Cataract surgery involves having the cloudy lens in your eye removed and replaced with a new artificial lens. This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you won’t need a hospital stay. You will need to have someone drive you home after your surgery, however. You may also experience mild discomfort for a few days following your procedure, but afterward, you’ll be able to see much better.

To learn more about diagnosis and treatment of cataracts in Champaign, IL, contact Champaign Eye Professionals today.