Glasses that Help Colorblind People See Colors: Enhancing Vision with Specialized Eye-wear

Colorblindness, or color vision deficit, affects approximately 8% of males and just under 1% of women. The most common form is red-green color blindness, followed by blue-yellow color blindness. Red-green colorblindness is irreversible but can be significantly aided by corrective lenses and eyewear.

Colorblindness usually doesn't mean a complete absence of color vision. The main types include:

Red-Green Color Blindness:

• Deuteranomaly: The most common form, where reds appear greener.
• Protanomaly: Reds appear duller and more greenish.
• Protanopia & Deuteranopia: Difficulty distinguishing between red and green.

Blue-Yellow Color Blindness:

• Tritanomaly: Difficulty differentiating between red and yellow, and blue and green.
• Tritanopia: Challenges in telling blue from green, and yellow from pink.

Colorblind glasses come with specially tinted lenses that enhance color differentiation. They don't cure colorblindness but improve visual deficits in some cases.

Colorblind glasses vary based on the type and severity of colorblindness:

• Prescription Colorblind Glasses: Custom-made to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
• Non-prescription Glasses: Ideal for those without other vision problems or for use over contact lenses.

Colorblindness typically stems from overlapping responses to light by cone cells in the retina, which are sensitive to red or green light. Colorblind glasses use optical materials to filter specific light wavelengths, enhancing the distinction between colors.

• EnChroma: A popular choice with options for indoor and outdoor use. They offer a money-back guarantee and a warranty.
• Pilestone: Corrects various types of red-green and blue-yellow color blindness.
• Vino Optics: Offers a range of glasses, including lightweight versions for athletes.
• STBJ: A budget-friendly option that compensates for red-green deficiencies.

Prices range from $200 to $450, with prescription versions costing more. Be cautious of cheap, ineffective alternatives.

Available on Amazon, or directly from brands like EnChroma, Pilestone, and Vino Optics.

Developed by Dr. Thomas Azman, this system uses special filters and tests to create customized lenses for individual color vision needs.

Research is ongoing in gene therapy, with notable progress by University of Washington professors in treating colorblindness in monkeys.

These glasses enhance the contrast between red and green but don't cure colorblindness or change the fundamental vision mechanisms. Their effectiveness varies among individuals and doesn't provide a true natural color vision experience.