Color Vision Changes Upon Waking: Causes and Insights

Q: Color Vision Changes Upon Waking: Causes and Insights

Hello, A-Zhu： This situation is quite rare, and the most likely factor is an issue with the optic nerve. <br>I recommend that you visit a major hospital for an examination. <br>In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8：00 AM to 12

Color changes in vision upon waking?

Hello doctor, when I wake up in a state of extreme fatigue, the world outside appears yellow, even though the light bulbs are white daylight bulbs; they look as if they are yellow bulbs.
This lasts for about four to five seconds before returning to normal.
This situation occurs rarely, maybe two or three times a year.
Recently, the color has changed from yellow to green, which is even stranger.
These episodes happen during times of significant fatigue.
What could this problem be?

A Zhu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/19

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, A-Zhu: This situation is quite rare, and the most likely factor is an issue with the optic nerve.
I recommend that you visit a major hospital for an examination.
In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek care at a medical facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2017/02/19

More Info

Experiencing color vision changes upon waking, especially in a fatigued state, can be concerning and perplexing. The phenomenon you describe, where your visual perception shifts to a yellow or green hue despite the presence of white light, is likely related to temporary changes in the way your eyes and brain process visual information.
One possible explanation for this occurrence is related to the concept of visual fatigue or visual stress. When you are fatigued, your eyes may not function optimally, leading to alterations in color perception. This can happen due to several factors, including the way light is refracted through the lens of the eye or how the retina responds to light stimuli. In a state of fatigue, the photoreceptors in your eyes (rods and cones) may not respond as efficiently, leading to a temporary distortion in color perception.

Another potential cause could be related to afterimages. Afterimages occur when the photoreceptors in your eyes become overstimulated and continue to send signals to your brain even after the stimulus has been removed. For instance, if you were exposed to bright light before sleeping, your eyes might still be adjusting to the absence of that light upon waking, resulting in a temporary yellow or green tint in your vision.

Additionally, the phenomenon could be linked to neurological factors. The brain processes visual information, and fatigue can affect how it interprets signals from the eyes. This can lead to temporary visual distortions, including changes in color perception. Stress and fatigue can also impact the visual cortex, which is responsible for interpreting visual signals, potentially causing these unusual color experiences.

While these explanations can account for the temporary color changes you experience, it is essential to monitor the frequency and duration of these episodes. If they occur more frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, or changes in vision that persist beyond a few seconds, it would be prudent to consult an eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye examination to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to these visual changes.

In summary, the temporary yellow or green tint you experience upon waking, particularly when fatigued, is likely a benign phenomenon related to visual fatigue, afterimages, or neurological processing. However, if these occurrences become more frequent or are concerning, seeking professional advice is always a wise course of action. Regular eye check-ups can help ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning correctly, and they can provide peace of mind regarding any visual anomalies you may experience.

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