Protanomaly

Protanomaly

Color vision deficiency refers to a hampered ability to differentiate colors. Protanomaly is a type of color vision defect characterized by an inability to discriminate the red shades. The patient is considered as ‘red weak.’

Causes and risk factors

Protanomaly is a hereditary condition caused due to the malfunctioning of green photoreceptors (M-cone). It is a sex-linked disorder (X-chromosome), affecting predominantly the male gender.

Clinical presentation

The patient cannot properly discriminate hues of red, orange, yellow, and green-yellow. There is a shift of hue towards green. The hue as well as intensity of color is perceived wrongly. The intensity of color appears dim. The red shade may appear black. Purple or violet shades appear blue.

Investigations

This condition is diagnosed by an anomaloscope examination. Other tests include the Ishihara color test, the Farnsworth lantern test and the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test.

Treatment

There is no cure for protanomaly or any other color vision deficiencies. Using contact lenses can, however, improve the condition.

Complications

Individuals with protanomaly may experience issues with driving vehicles.

When to contact a doctor

Contact a doctor as soon as you experience any defect in perceiving colors such as red, yellow, orange, or green.

Prevention

Being a hereditary condition, no preventive measures are available.

Facts and figures

Protanomaly affects approximately 1% of the male population and 0.01% of female population.

Systems involved

Ophthalmology

Organs involved

Eyes

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