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Color, Contrast and Cone Cells
January 05, 2022
Hello

Color, Contrast and Cone Cells

One thing I am very good at, that in fact I am quite known for among my friends and neighbors, (and yet I must give all the credit to the Creator) is growing perennials. These pink peonies grow in our yard and can be seen by neighbors and walkers who use the walking path on the side of our house.


If I am outside when someone comes along on the path when the peonies are in full bloom, I am always asked, "What is your secret to growing these fragrant, colorful flowers?" Truly, they must be in just the right spot, because they thrive on neglect and yet reward me every spring with their beautiful pink blossoms.

Color Vision and Cone Cells

Did you know that the macula, the center of the retina responsible for our straight ahead vision, is also responsible for our ability to see colors? Thanks to a heavy concentration of cone cells, colors are vivid and bright.


However, one of the symptoms of macular degeneration (AMD) is that colors appear faded and less brilliant. This is the result of the cone cells becoming less functional and less abundant. Not only does one find that colors appear more dull, it is also more difficult to distinguish similar colors such as black from navy blue.

The degeneration of rods and cones, also known as photoreceptor cells, changes ones vision in many different ways. The loss of vivid color perception is just one of the signs of AMD.

To help you better understand vision changes that result from this retinal disease visit:

How Macular Degeneration Affects Your Vision

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com

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