Color can be perceived because photoreceptors in the retina, called cones, have pigments sensitive to light that enable color recognition. The cones are located in the macula, the center of the retina and each cone is sensitive to red, green or blue light wavelengths, notes the American Optometric Association. Typically, the pigments in cones register an array of colors and transmit the information to the brain via the optic nerve, permitting the perception of countless shades of color. However, some medications can affect the sensitivity of the pigments and cause deficiency in color perception.
Viagra
Viagra's main action is to block the PDE5 enzyme, but it also impacts PED6 enzymes, which are used in cone cells, notes Discovery Health. In particular, people who take Viagra report a change in the perception of blue and green colors or that they perceive a "bluish tinge" for several hours after taking the medication. Drugs.com also reports that mild and transient color perception changes and alterations in color tinge to vision, as well as increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision are relatively common side effects of taking Viagra. Of the main drugs used for erectile dysfunction, only Viagra results in color vision problems, according to Discovery Health.
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine, also known as Plaquenil, is a drug used to treat several types of malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Rare side effects of this drug include potentially serious eye changes that affect the retina and can lead to color blindness and loss of vision. Specifically, abnormal color vision, abnormal retinal pigmentation, decreased visual acuity, corneal changes/deposits, nystagmus and pigmentary retinopathy have been reported, notes Merck Manual. It is mandatory that individuals taking this drug are closely monitored by an ophthalmologist, so changes in the retina that suggest toxicity can be detected before serious damage occurs. Therefore, regular eye examinations, even when there are no symptoms, are mandatory.
Amiodarone
Amiodarone, also known as Cordarone, is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Side effects include photosensitivity, hazy vision, colored halos around lights and corneal microdeposits, notes MD Support. Vision abnormalities can include optic neuropathy and/or optic neuritis, where damage can occur to the optic nerve and result in problems transmitting visual information to the brain. In some cases, permanent blindness, degeneration of the cornea, eye pain, photosensitivity and macular degeneration have been reported, notes Drugs.com.
Pamidronate Disodium
Pamidronate disodium, a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate, is most commonly used to inhibit bone resorption in hypercalcemia of malignancy, Paget's disease and osteolytic bone metastases in breast cancer and multiple myeloma, notes MD Support. In addition, this drug is sometimes used to treat osteoporosis. Side effects can include blurred vision, ocular irritation, yellow vision, retrotubular neuritis in which there is a dimming of color vision, and photophobia, which is an excessive sensitivity to light.
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