Most of us are aware of the term "color blind", but its not always known that there are actually several different kinds of color vision deficiency. Further, the effect that eyeglasses and vision-correction utensils, in general, have on color vision deficient eyes is typically unknown. However, recent research actually reveals that the optical industry has developed new technology to help!
Firstly, the term color blindness is actually a bit misleading. Recently "color vision deficiency" is coming up more often in literature as the meaning is not an actual blindness, but instead: a failure to see color in general, or to be able to pick out differences in color under certain lighting conditions in which color vision isn't formerly hindered. Furthermore, there are different variations of color vision deficiency: monochromacy, dichromacy, and anomalous trichromacy. These three inherited or congenital deficiency types can then be broken down even further. The spectrum goes from fully color blind - or: monochromacy - to specific pigment loss. Additionally, males have a much higher chance of being color deficient than females. The X chromosome carries the gene that generates photopigments, therefore any optical problem would come from it. However, since females have two, they have a much higher probability that one of the X chromosomes will not have any problems, and therefore color blindness would be ruled out for them; as men only have one X chromosome, if its a optically problematic chromosome, they will be effected.
In recent years, with technology continuing to grow, special eyeglasses have actually been invented that can help correct some of the problems associated with it. There is some skepticism in regards to the color blindness-correction eyeglasses, however research is proving that they are in fact working. Of course further studies need to be conducted, however currently this could ideally be a helpful regulation for those suffering from the lack of color in their lives. The eyeglasses have special coatings placed on them - much like sunglasses - that can enhance certain pigments needed for the deficient eyes. They are in no way a cure for color vision deficiency; simply a tool that can help those effected use what they have to see the colors they are missing. At this time unfortunately they have been able to create these special eyeglass lenses that can aid to those who endure red-green color blindness. However, since roughly eighty percent of those suffering from some sort of lack of seeing color have red-green color blindness, it can significantly help for the time being.
Not everyone has picked up on the trend of fixing color blindness vision-correction with their prescription eyeglasses. However, if you have any additional problems with your eyes, you certainly should still invest in a good pair of glasses. So, whether you need your eyeglass lenses to fix simply a vision distortion or color vision deficiency, try to stay as up-to-date as possible on your needs. You only have one pair of eyes, so take good care of them!
Hillary Glaser is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects forGlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online. She over sees day-to-day operations for all marketing and promotions of eyeglasses for the company.
