EnChroma Glasses: Shedding Light on How They Work to Address Blindness
Colour-blindness, which is also known as colour vision deficiency is a condition in which a person cannot differentiate or perceive certain colours accurately. People suffering from colour blindness have difficulty in differentiating the colours such as red, green, blue and yellow most commonly.
There are various types of colour blindness, consisting Protanomaly or Protanopia, Deuteranomaly or Deuteranopia, Tritanomaly or Tritanopia. It is inherited and occurs mainly due too absence of ‘colour sensitive cells’ in the retina of human eyes.
The problem caused due to colour blindness can not neglected as it puts forward a difficult situation that not affects the daily routine work but it also hampers the emotional well being as well. There are certain advancements in technology such as EnChroma glasses that helps an individual to see a broader range of colours and henceforth improving the ability to distinguish between two colours.
It helps an individual in doing the ordinary things with such an ease such as reading, driving etc. The EnChroma glasses broadens the spectrum of vibrant colours. These glasses have been proved to be a transformation in the sector as it allows the individuals to perceive more shades that they could not access earlier.
EnChroma’s colour blind lens technology is designed to selectively filter light, specifically targeting the overlap between red and green colour signals. By doing so, it increases the contrast between these colours, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with red-green colour blindness. This filtering process helps alleviate the symptoms associated with this type of colour vision deficiency, leading to a more vibrant and colourful experience of the world.
What are EnChroma Glasses?
EnChroma lenses are the result of extensive research and development aimed at providing the best possible vision for individuals with colour blindness. These lenses are designed to enhance colour contrast, making it easier for people with colour deficiency to differentiate between different colours.
Each EnChroma lens is made from Trivex lens material, which is known for its durability and impact resistance compared to other lens materials. This material also offers a clear and sharp view for the wearer, improving overall visual clarity.
It’s important to note that there are different types of EnChroma lenses for indoor and outdoor use. The outdoor lenses are optimized for bright sunlight conditions, providing maximum colour distinction. On the other hand, the indoor lenses are ideal for low-light environments where distinguishing between shades may be more challenging.
All EnChroma lenses provide 100% UV protection to safeguard the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, they feature anti-reflective coatings on both sides to reduce glare and improve vision clarity, eliminating any haziness. These lenses also exceed FDA standards for impact resistance, offering over 50 times more protection than required by regulations.
Working of EnChroma Glasses
EnChroma glasses work by addressing the challenges faced by individuals with colour deficiency. Normally, people with typical vision have cones in their eyes that capture white light and separate it into three primary photopigments: blue, red, and green.
However, those with colour deficiency have fewer cones, making it difficult to distinguish certain colours. This deficiency can manifest as difficulty with red, green, or blue colours, leading to a perception of the world in yellow and brown tones.
The most common type of colour deficiency is red-green or green-red deficiency, where individuals have fewer red or green cones in their eyes (protanopia or deuteranopia, respectively).
EnChroma lenses address this by filtering specific portions of the light spectrum, reducing excessive light that contributes to colour blindness. This filtering results in increased contrast for red or green signals, making it easier for the eye to differentiate between these colours.
While EnChroma glasses don’t cure colour deficiency, they enhance the functional contrast between colours. For example, when trying to distinguish between a red and green signal on a stoplight, wearing EnChroma glasses may allow for quicker differentiation compared to relying solely on visual clues.
Who should wear these glasses?
EnChroma glasses are most effective for individuals with difficulties in distinguishing red or green colours. While those with blue colour deficiency may experience some improvement in contrast, the glasses are primarily designed for red-green colour blindness.
To pinpoint your specific type of colour deficiency, you can undergo a colour-blind test, such as the EnChroma test. This test uses a “hidden digit” method, where a pattern of dots contains a concealed number or letter in a different colour. If you struggle to recognize the hidden digit, it indicates difficulty in distinguishing that particular colour.
One of the significant advantages of EnChroma glasses is that they can provide a richer colour perception for approximately 80% of people with red-green colour blindness. This improvement allows wearers to distinguish between a wider range of colours and nuances, enhancing their overall visual experience and quality of life.
EnChroma makes special glasses that help people who have trouble seeing colours. These glasses have lenses that block certain types of light that can make colours look confusing or blend together. For example, if someone has difficulty telling green and red apart, the glasses can make these colours look clearer and easier to distinguish.
The technology in EnChroma glasses changes how the eyes receive signals for green and red colours. This change makes the colours stand out more, making it easier for the person to see the difference. EnChroma has been studying how to improve colour vision using science, optics, math, and advanced research for more than 10 years.
A recent study showed that wearing EnChroma glasses can make a big difference for people with common types of colour blindness. People who tested the glasses saw immediate improvement in their ability to see colours, and this improvement lasted even after they took off the glasses. The study also found that wearing the glasses can activate the part of the brain that processes colour vision, showing how effective these glasses can be.
In a nutshell, EnChroma’s technology represents a significant breakthrough in the field of colour vision correction, offering a practical and effective solution for individuals with red-green colour blindness to enjoy a more colourful and vibrant world.
