Living with Cone monochromatism
An inherited X-linked eye condition (blue cone monochromatism) with color vision problems, low sharpness of vision and light sensitivity.
Understanding Cone monochromatism
Only the blue cones work normally. Features include impaired color vision, low visual sharpness, light sensitivity, nearsightedness and fast, uncontrollable eye movements. It begins in infancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Color vision problems
- Low visual sharpness
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Shaky eye movements (nystagmus)
- Looking off-center to see better
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
BCM Families Foundation and Foundation Fighting Blindness may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: BCM Families Foundation, Foundation Fighting Blindness
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with BCM Families Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by changes in the OPN1LW or OPN1MW gene and is inherited in an X-linked manner.
Also known as: atypical x-linked achromatopsia; bcm; blue cone monochromacy; blue cone monochromacy, x-linked recessive; blue cone monochromatism; blue-mono-cone-monochromatic type colorblindness
Patient organizations
- BCM Families FoundationCone monochromatism · United States
- Foundation Fighting BlindnessCone monochromatism · United States
- The Vision of Children FoundationCone monochromatism · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cone monochromatism.
Explore research for Cone monochromatism
Explore actively recruiting Cone monochromatism studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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