Cyanopsia

Cyanopsia is a medical condition where everything a person sees is tinted with blue. It is generally temporary and can be caused by a number of factors, including exposure to high altitudes, certain medications, and some medical conditions.

Causes

Cyanopsia is often caused by changes in the eye's lens. This can occur due to aging, cataract surgery, or exposure to ultraviolet light. Certain medications, such as sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra), can also cause cyanopsia. This is because these medications can affect the enzyme PDE6, which plays a crucial role in the phototransduction pathway of the retina.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of cyanopsia is a blue tint to all visual images. This can be distressing for the individual, as it can significantly alter their perception of the world. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and in some cases, a temporary loss of vision.

Treatment

Treatment for cyanopsia depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by medication, discontinuing the medication can often resolve the symptoms. If the cyanopsia is due to changes in the eye's lens, treatment may involve wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light, or surgery to replace the lens.

See also

• Visual perception
• Color vision
• Retina
• Sildenafil