After cataract surgery, which type of chromatopsia may occur due to the removal of the yellow filter?

Following cataract surgery, the lens that is removed typically has a natural yellow tint, which serves as a yellow filter. This yellow filter helps to absorb some of the blue light and enhance contrast, providing a warm tone to the overall visual experience.

When this yellow filter is removed during cataract surgery, an individual may experience a shift in color perception. Without this filtering effect, there is an increase in the perception of blue light. Consequently, objects that would ordinarily appear neutral or warmer in tone may seem more vivid in blue hues. This phenomenon is known as blue chromatopsia, where the absence of the yellow tint leads to an increased sensitivity to blue wavelengths, making them appear more pronounced.

Understanding this allows individuals to anticipate changes in color perception after surgery and can help in postoperative adjustments and conversations about visual expectations.