Tetrachromacy

Have you ever heard of tetrachromacy? It's not a word you often hear. Tetrachromacy is, in a nutshell, the opposite of colorblindness.

As you may know, the eye contains rods and cones, which help distinguish color and contrast. Most people have three types of cones, which are often called blue, green, and red cones. As one may expect, they deal with specific light wavelengths and colors.

People with this unique condition have a fourth type of cone cell in the eye. They can see more colors than others. Often it is the yellow-green hues that they see more clearly. This isn't unique to humans: many animals have the condition. Birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects are all technocrats. In fact, most mammals were once technocrats.

People who have tetrachromacy can't see ultraviolet light, but they can see close to it. They may also see better in dark, dim rooms, or when watching things on screens.

If you know or suspect that you have tetrachromacy, reach out to your Bellingham, WA eye care center. Make an appointment today!

Winter Eye Protection

Winter is coming soon. Seasonal weather changes affect us in many different ways. With winter, the combination of cold, dry air and bright snow can definitely do a number on your eyes.

Here are a few tips:

Dry Air

Along with the cold, snow, and ice, one complaint many people have is the dryer air. This can affect your eyes and vision. Those with dry eyes are particularly likely to suffer discomfort and irritation. Stay hydrated, and consider using a humidifier.

Use Sunglasses

You've heard the term snowblind before. It's not a myth! The light reflecting off snow can cause eye problems. Blindness—typically temporary—is one issue. You may also notice pain, light sensitivity, watering, blurry vision, and headaches. Keep using sunglasses, even when it doesn't seem sunny.

Wear Goggles

If you like skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling, you're in good company. However, you should always wear protective goggles for these winter sports.

Ask your Bellingham, WA optometry center  for more tips on how to protect your eyes.