Understanding and Correcting Color Vision Deficiency

Color vision deficiency, or color blindness, is an inability to distinguish between different colors, such as red and green. Although color vision deficiency can be caused by injury or disease, most cases are inherited by an X-linked recessive gene. Doctors have not yet found a cure for color vision deficiency, but corrective lenses can improve an individual's ability to distinguish between colors. Only one such type of corrective lens, manufactured by ChromaGen, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In an independent research trial, Swarbrick, Nguyen and Pham found these lenses to be very effective at reducing the number of errors on a standard color vision deficiency exam. Ophthalmologists must be certified by ChromaGen in order to prescribe these corrective lenses to their patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Use the detection kit supplied by ChromaGen. The company makes this kit available to all interested individuals, not just eye doctors. The use of the kit will help you determine if the lenses could benefit you.

• 2

  Make an appointment with a certified practitioner for further testing.

• 3

  Follow the instructions given by the certified practitioner.