Cataracts develop slowly.
The changes in your color perception develop slowly as well, so slowly, you may not be aware of them.
I have a degree in art and a good color memory.
When I make color choices I rely on this memory.
However, I didn't know my cataracts had changed my color perception until the painter asked, "You really want me to paint the walls this color?" "Yes," I replied.
"I love it.
" "Okay," he answered, a resigned tone in his voice.
According to the paint can, the color was Parisian Taupe, and almost every room of our house is this color.
After cataract surgery in both eyes I realized the color wasn't as dark as I thought.
Don't get me wrong.
I still love the color, though there isn't as much contrast between the walls and white trim as I thought.
Still, as the afternoon ends and dusk begins, I see subtle, intriguing changes in the wall color.
The walls aren't dark at night, they are cozy.
My color perception was skewed when I bought bath towels on sale.
The towels were heaped in a large bin and I picked out four that matched.
After surgery, I realized the colors had the same tone, but didn't really match.
Mismatched towels are not a big deal, but they are annoying.
As cataracts develop they become yellowish in color, according to the American College of Eye Surgeons.
This yellowish color filters the colors you see, especially blue.
I thought age was making my blue eyes gray.
It turns out, the cataracts changed the way I saw the color blue.
Now that the cataracts are gone, my eyes are bright blue again.
The American College of Eye Surgeons says untreated cataracts eventually become completely white and opaque.
"A Patient Guide to Cataracts and Cataract Surgery" by Kelly D.
, Chung, MD, of the Oregon Eye Specialists, cites changes in color perception as a reason for surgery.
Symptoms of cataract include blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision, and "washed out color perception.
" Though most cataract surgery is successful, there are some risks, and your eye doctor may ask you to defer surgery for a while.
What can you do about skewed color perception? First, you can become more aware of it.
In hindsight, I should have asked the painter to describe the taupe paint.
If you're choosing paint for a major project, such as the exterior of a house, ask a friend to help you.
The store staff will also be glad to help you.
When I was choosing fabric for a new couch, the sales associate used special software program to show me how the three fabrics I was considering would look on the couch.
This program, along with her advice, helped me choose the fabric.
Skewed color perception can throw off your clothing choices.
Again, friends may be able to help you.
Many department store chains have personal shoppers and you can request their assistance.
Thanks to cataract surgery, my color perception is acute again and I'm living in a bright, colorful world.
The changes in your color perception develop slowly as well, so slowly, you may not be aware of them.
I have a degree in art and a good color memory.
When I make color choices I rely on this memory.
However, I didn't know my cataracts had changed my color perception until the painter asked, "You really want me to paint the walls this color?" "Yes," I replied.
"I love it.
" "Okay," he answered, a resigned tone in his voice.
According to the paint can, the color was Parisian Taupe, and almost every room of our house is this color.
After cataract surgery in both eyes I realized the color wasn't as dark as I thought.
Don't get me wrong.
I still love the color, though there isn't as much contrast between the walls and white trim as I thought.
Still, as the afternoon ends and dusk begins, I see subtle, intriguing changes in the wall color.
The walls aren't dark at night, they are cozy.
My color perception was skewed when I bought bath towels on sale.
The towels were heaped in a large bin and I picked out four that matched.
After surgery, I realized the colors had the same tone, but didn't really match.
Mismatched towels are not a big deal, but they are annoying.
As cataracts develop they become yellowish in color, according to the American College of Eye Surgeons.
This yellowish color filters the colors you see, especially blue.
I thought age was making my blue eyes gray.
It turns out, the cataracts changed the way I saw the color blue.
Now that the cataracts are gone, my eyes are bright blue again.
The American College of Eye Surgeons says untreated cataracts eventually become completely white and opaque.
"A Patient Guide to Cataracts and Cataract Surgery" by Kelly D.
, Chung, MD, of the Oregon Eye Specialists, cites changes in color perception as a reason for surgery.
Symptoms of cataract include blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision, and "washed out color perception.
" Though most cataract surgery is successful, there are some risks, and your eye doctor may ask you to defer surgery for a while.
What can you do about skewed color perception? First, you can become more aware of it.
In hindsight, I should have asked the painter to describe the taupe paint.
If you're choosing paint for a major project, such as the exterior of a house, ask a friend to help you.
The store staff will also be glad to help you.
When I was choosing fabric for a new couch, the sales associate used special software program to show me how the three fabrics I was considering would look on the couch.
This program, along with her advice, helped me choose the fabric.
Skewed color perception can throw off your clothing choices.
Again, friends may be able to help you.
Many department store chains have personal shoppers and you can request their assistance.
Thanks to cataract surgery, my color perception is acute again and I'm living in a bright, colorful world.
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