Acquired achromatopsia is a rare condition in which a person who previously had normal colour vision loses the ability to perceive colours, often seeing the world mainly in shades of grey. It results from damage to colour-processing pathways in the brain or, less commonly, to cone cells.
Causes and Features
Brain injuries, strokes affecting the occipital or temporal lobes, and certain degenerative or toxic processes can all cause acquired achromatopsia. People may also report reduced visual acuity, light sensitivity, and difficulty with fine detail.
- Colour naming and discrimination are severely impaired
- Symptoms usually affect both eyes similarly because the brain is involved
- Neuroimaging often shows lesions in visual association areas
- Associated visual field or recognition deficits can occur depending on lesion location
Management
Management focuses on rehabilitation and adaptation, as structural damage is often permanent. Visual aids, occupational therapy, and strategies that rely on brightness or pattern rather than colour can improve everyday functioning.
- Treatment of the underlying neurological cause may prevent further deterioration
- Patients may benefit from counselling to adjust to the change in perception
- Environmental design using high contrast and clear labelling supports navigation
- Follow-up assesses stability and any additional neurological changes
