That is, either the spectral sensitivity of the L cone shifts towards the M cone (blue shift), or that of the M cone shifts towards the L cone (red shift). These are then called anomalous cones and denoted by an asterisk (L* or M*). Since the mutated OPN1LW and OPN1MW genes are on the X chromosome, they are sex-linked, and therefore affected males and females disproportionately. Because the colorblind alleles are recessive, colorblindness follows X-linked recessive inheritance. Males have only one X chromosome (XY), and females have two (XX); Because the male only has one allele of each gene, if it is mutated, the male will be colorblind. Because a female has two alleles of each gene (one on each chromosome), if only one allele is mutated, the dominant normal alleles will "override" the mutated, recessive allele and the female will have normal color vision. However, if the female has two mutated alleles, she will still be colorblind. This is why there is a disproportionate prevalence of colorblindness, with ~8% of males exhibiting colorblindness and ~0.5% of females (0.08² = 0.0064 = 0.64%). The following table shows the possible allele/chromosome combinations and how their interactions will manifest in an individual. The exact phenotype of some of the combinations depend on whether the mutation yields an anomalous or non-functioning opsin. Blue cone monochromacy also follows these inheritance patterns, since it essentially a superposition of protanopia and deuteranopia. Y
male-only chromosome, no affect on colorblindness. X
X chromosome. M
(as subscript), normal M opsin. L
(as subscript), normal L opsin.
an acuity of 6/60 (20/200) or worse, and often leave a person with complete blindness. Non-genetic causes
Physical trauma can cause color blindness, either neurologically – brain trauma which produces swelling of the brain in the occipital lobe – or retinally, either acute (e.g. from laser exposure) or chronic (e.g. from ultraviolet light exposure). Color blindness may also present itself as a symptom of degenerative diseases of the eye, such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration, and as part of the retinal damage caused by diabetes. Vitamin A deficiency may also cause color blindness.Color blindness may be a side effect of prescription drug use. For example, red–green color blindness can be caused by ethambutol, a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Blue-yellow color blindness can be caused by sildenafil, an active component of Viagra. Hydroxychloroquine can also lead to hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, which includes various color defects. Exposure to chemicals such as styrene or organic solvents can also lead to color vision defects. Mechanism
Color blindness is any deviation of color vision from normal trichromatic color vision (often as defined by the standard observer) that produces a reduced gamut. Mechanisms for color blindness are related to the functionality of cone cells, and often to the expression of photopsins, the photopigments that catch photons and thereby convert light into chemical signals. When an individual does not satisfy the requirements for trichromatic vision, they will express dichromacy or monochromacy and be colorblind.