What Is Color Blindness?

Color blindness, more accurately known as color vision deficiency, is most commonly caused by an overlap between the M (green) and L (red) cones in the eye. This overlap makes it difficult to distinguish certain shades and hues. Some individuals with color vision deficiency may see only a small percentage of the full spectrum of color compared to those with typical color vision. Red-green deficiencies are the most common type, though blue-yellow deficiencies also occur. Most color vision defects are inherited and affect both eyes. In some cases, color vision loss may result from diseases affecting the retina, optic nerve, or other parts of the visual system, and may impact one or both eyes.

How Enchroma® Works Science & Lens Technology

EnChroma lenses are engineered to selectively filter specific wavelengths of light where red and green cone overlap occurs. By reducing this overlap, the lenses help improve color discrimination and expand the range of distinguishable hues. For many patients, this technology can significantly enhance the richness and clarity of colors in everyday life.

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Diagnosis & Testing

Color vision testing may be performed as part of your comprehensive eye examination, as changes in color perception can provide important diagnostic information for certain eye conditions. Color vision deficiency can impact daily activities such as:

  • Driving
  • School performance
  • Workplace tasks requiring accurate color differentiation

You can take a quick, two-minute screening test to assess your color vision:

Take the Color Blind Test

Treatment Options

Recent advances have made it possible to improve color perception for many individuals with color vision deficiency. Available options include:

  • X-Chrom® contact lenses (worn in one eye)
  • EnChroma® glasses

If you are interested in exploring whether these solutions are right for you, we would be happy to schedule an appointment with our licensed optician to try EnChroma glasses or discuss other available options.

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