How Do EnChroma Glasses for Color Deficiency Work?

Color deficiency, better known as color blindness, is contrary to what many people believe and rarely means that you can’t see any color at all. Instead, people who suffer from color deficiency struggle to see the vibrancy of certain shades, and this can make many colors seem the same. Most people who live with color deficiency struggle to tell the difference between shades of red and green. However, there is also a type of color deficiency where people find it hard to distinguish between shades of blue and yellow.

Color deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough of one of three photopigments in your eyes. Photopigments are located inside receptors in the retina – the area of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye – called cones. These cones tell your eyes how much blue, red, or green is in an object. Without enough photopigment, you will find it hard to see that color.

What Causes Color Deficiency?

It’s not known exactly why some people develop or are born with color deficiency and others aren’t. In most cases, it is a hereditary condition, but a disease or injury that affects the optic nerve or retina can also trigger color deficiency. These include:

• Diabetes
   

• Glaucoma
   

• Macular degeneration
   

• Alzheimer’s disease
   

• Multiple Sclerosis
   

• Parkinson’s disease
   

• Leukaemia
   

• Sickle cell anemia
   

• Chemical burns to the eye
   

• Taking certain medications including some prescribed for heart problems, high blood pressure, and psychosis

Although there is no cure for color deficiency, there are treatments that can help. One of these is EnChroma glasses.

What are EnChroma Glasses?

EnChroma lenses are eyeglasses that are designed specifically to help patients who suffer from red-green color deficiency. EnChroma glasses work by selectively filtering out the red and green wavelengths of light at the precise point where the color sensitivities overlap before hitting the retina. This creates a much greater contrast between the colors, enabling patients to be able to distinguish between them much more easily. It’s important to note that EnChroma glasses will enhance the colors that you can see, rather than actually creating color. This means that it isn’t a suitable treatment for the small percentage of people who can only see the world in shades of grey.

EnChroma lenses are made from cutting-edge Trivex lens material for optimal clarity, lightness, strength, and 100% UV protection. This makes them some of the most superior glasses currently on the market. Best of all, there is a huge range of frames to choose from, enabling you to choose one that best suits your face shape, skin, hair tones, and your personal style.

If you are concerned about your color vision, we strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with our experienced team. We can perform assessments to evaluate your color vision and provide you with EnChroma glasses if required. Please contact NVISION Eyecare in Rosedale Auckland at 09-884-0034 today.