Are X-Chrome Lenses An Occupational Succor for the Colour Vision Defectives?

Abstract

Purpose: To understand total visual experience of a colour vision defective, this study evaluated responses with X-Chrome lenses on three most prevalent colour vision testing techniques. Methods: The colour vision responses were assessed at baseline and after wearing X-Chrom lenses on Ishihara’s plates, Edridge Green Lantern and anomaloscope of 51 defective males in the age range of 13-41 years in a non-randomized intervention study. Results: While red and orange lenses gave better results on Ishihara’s plates in terms of SS increase in mean number of plates read (p=0.03) and on anomaloscope by shift of Aq values towards normal range (not SS, p=0.44) but green lenses increased mean number of colours seen on Edridge Green Lantern (p=0.03). Conclusions: The red and orange lenses absorb shorter wavelengths of light facilitating red-green blinds to improve on techniques testing red/green defect i.e. Ishihara’s and anomaloscope. However, green lenses may have improved hue discrimination on Edridge Green Lantern.