Seeing the World in Color: How a Simple Lens or Filter Can Transform Life for the Colorblind
Imagine living in a world where red and green look exactly the same.
For millions with red-green color blindness, this isn’t imagination—it’s everyday life. But now, thanks to a recent breakthrough study, there’s hope for a brighter, more colorful future.
The Mission: Can We Bring Color Back?
Final year students at The University of Faisalabad conducted a study to test two simple, non-surgical tools that might help:
• X-Chrome contact lenses
• Red filters
They tested 30 individuals with red-green color vision deficiency. Each person used either the lens or the filter for just six hours. The results? Incredible.
Figure 1: Comprehensive Ocular Examination: Visual Acuity, Colour Vision, Constarst Sensitivity, Slit Lamp Examination and Stereopsis
1. COLOR VISION: Dramatic Improvement
Before any intervention, participants could only correctly identify 1 out of 24 color plates using the Ishihara test.
After wearing the aids
X-Chrome lens users scored 22.5 out of 24 plates
Red filter users scored slightly higher—22.9 out of 24
That’s not just improvement—it’s a transformation.
2. CONTRAST SENSITIVITY: A SMALL TRADE-OFF
Contrast sensitivity (the ability to detect slight differences in shade) dropped a bit:
With X-Chrome: from 1.34 to 1.32
With Red Filters: from 1.35 to 1.31
In everyday life, this change is so small it’s barely noticeable. Users still saw clearly and functioned normally.
3. DEPTH PERCEPTION: A SLIGHT SHIFT
Depth perception also changed slightly, due to wearing the lens or filter in one eye
X-Chrome group: 55 → 67
Red Filter group: 54 → 66
This small shift happens due to monocular use because the brain receives slightly different signals from each eye. Still, it didn’t cause any practical problems.
So, Which One Is Better?
It depends on the person
X-Chrome contact lenses were more popular with those who cared about cosmetic concerns and appearance—they’re less noticeable.
Red filters were chosen by those who wanted something simple and effective without touching their eyes.
Both tools are safe, effective and easy to use.
Why This Matters?
Color vision might seem like a small thing—until it’s gone. For people with color blindness, it can limit job options, impact safety and even affect confidence. This study proves that life-changing improvement is possible—with just a lens or a filter.
Figure 2: A vivid representation of the Ishihara plate, a diagnostic tool for color vision deficiency in Picture A, while Picture B offers a unique perspective through X-Chrome Contact lens (Captured by Author Maryam Faryad)
Final Thought
If you or someone you know has red-green color blindness, several tools and technologies are available that may help. It’s important to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination and a proper color vision assessment. Based on the findings, they can recommend the most appropriate correction methods or supportive tools.
Whether you’re an artist, a student, or pursuing a career in healthcare, aviation, or engineering, accurate color perception can significantly impact your performance and confidence. Because the world was never meant to be seen in shades of gray.
Patient Preference & Satisfaction
When it came to satisfaction:
• X-Chrome lenses scored 7.01/10
• Red filters scored 5.7/10
This suggests users found contact lenses more comfortable and aesthetically acceptable—especially among younger individuals more sensitive to appearance.
So Which One’s Better?
Both X-Chrome lenses and red filters significantly improve color vision in red-green CVD individuals. While lenses may offer slightly better comfort and satisfaction, red filters are easier to use and provide comparable results. There’s no one-size-fits-all—preference and context matter.
The Takeaway
Color may seem like a subtle part of life, but for someone with color vision deficiency, tools like these can transform not only how they see the world—but how they live in it. This study confirms that simple aids can make a big difference, opening up new possibilities in education, employment and everyday living.
A Call for Further Research
The study also points out the need for follow-up research. It doesn’t yet tell us how these aids affect long-term performance or quality of life. Larger studies and extended trials could provide deeper insights into the everyday impact of these interventions.
Figure 3: X-Chrome Contact Lens
Full Text Available at:https://thejas.com.pk/index.php/pjhs/article/view/1598
Published In: Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 5 (May 2024)
Authors; Maryam Jabbar, Amna Aslam, Maryam Faryad, Ayesha Mehboob, Naveera Zahid, Marriam Amjad, The University of Faisalabad
DOI: 10.54393/pjhs.v5i05.1598
