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Optical Aid Approved by FDA for Color BlindnessRecently, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration approved the first optical aid — eyeglasses with colored filtered lenses — for people who have trouble distinguishing colors (color blindness). Colorblindness affects nearly 13 million individuals in the United States. Because of the genetic defect it affects one in 12 men and one in 200 women. In the retina, there are three types of “cones” — one distinguishes red, one distinguishes green and one distinguishes yellow and blue. Together, the brain can sort through all the wavelengths in the color spectrum. However, if there is a genetic defect, one or more colors may be lost.
The new color filtered lenses — developed by Color Vision Technologies, Tustin, Calif. — may help some people see more colors by adding brightness or darkness to the colors that are difficult or impossible to distinguish. Unfortunately, other colors may be impaired. The FDA is investigating whether or not the company’s claims have gone too far.
Jay Cohen, O.D., a professor of optometry and an eye doctor at State University of New York College of Optometry, has fitted these glasses. He says that whether to wear them or not is highly individualized. “Some people do great with [them], and others don’t like [them]. But everybody gets some effect.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is studying the ColorMax lenses, but says that the glasses have not been good enough to be worn in the cock pit. Other agencies are also investigating them before the glasses are allowed on the job. Until further research is conducted on the genetic defect, these glasses can only reduce the confusion of the eye (Source: Associated Press— Robert Davis, USA Today, Jan. 11, 2000). The Visionary , published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,is available upon request. The information contained in this issue, taken from sources considered to be accurate, does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.
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