Why Does My Vision Have a Yellow Tint?
Blurry or foggy vision is a commonly known side effect of cataracts, but other changes occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Overtime, cataracts affect color perception and overall quality of vision. Cataracts primarily form due to a breakdown of proteins in the lens of the eye that clump together, blocking light from passing through the eye clearly.
Photoreceptors in the retina, specifically cones, receive light entering the eye and send signals to the brain, creating the familiar experience of color sensations. There are 3 types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to red, green and blue. The brain’s interpretation of these signals allows the eyes to distinguish millions of colors. When cataracts cloud the natural lens of the eye, colors gradually become faded or less vibrant. Consequently, the lens develops a yellowish or brownish tint, which filters out certain wavelengths of light, especially blues and purples. This phenomenon leads to a diminished ability to perceive colors accurately, causing whites to appear yellowish. As cataracts progress and vision deteriorates, color contrast decreases, making it more difficult to distinguish different shades.
As cataracts become more advanced and produce a yellow tint to vision, they can also darken, affecting night vision and causing increased light sensitivity. Driving at night becomes further compromised as glares and halos around bright objects like headlights and streetlamps become another adverse side effect as the cataract progresses. Depending on which part of the lens is affected by the cataract may determine what your vision looks like. Cataracts with a yellow tint that turns brown are nuclear cataracts, positioned at the center of the lens, and happen to be the most common type of cataract. In a study of older Americans over the age of 75, 40% had nuclear cataracts in at least one eye.
When cataracts cause changes in color vision, such as dull or yellow-tinted hues, it signals that the clouding of the lens is significantly affecting your sight. Ongoing discussions with your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery will become necessary to ensure treatment not only prevents further deterioration of vision but improves quality of life. To learn about the benefits of cataract surgery, visit WEBSITE. Left untreated, cataracts will only worsen, leading to further vision impairment. Cataract surgery is quick, painless and restores vision by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. To schedule an appointment to evaluate your cataract progression and or to schedule cataract surgery, call Premier Eye care & Surgery Center at 847-459-6060.