No, special glasses do not help people that are colorblind.

-

 

Many of you have probably seen the viral videos of colorblind kids putting on glasses and seeing colors for the first time. They are emotional and we want it to be true. Here is one from ABC news. 

Colorblind kid sees colors for first time

Well, there is no doubt that the kid will see things "differently" than before, but that is much different than actually perceiving color the way most people do. Color vision defects happen due to genetics on the X chromosome that you inherit from your mother. Wearing a lens that simply filters light does nothing to change this. Also, there are many variations of color vision deficiency. How can one pair of glasses know which colors to correct? Also, how does someone who has never seen color normal even know they are seeing color normal?

Well, finally science to the rescue. These folks proved it was not possible. 

Science for the win

It makes for a good story and also greases the wheels for Go Fund Me accounts but ultimately these are a scam. I have no doubt the child sees things differently with the colored glasses just as you or I would with a pair of colored lenses, but again that is not the same as restoration of color vision. 

Now, the videos of babies putting on glasses for the first time and seeing. Those are legit. 

Baby sees mom

Have a good weekend everyone!


Dr. Jason

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My contacts are poisonous? Not so fast.

-
Image
       Recent media coverage has brought attention to a report claiming that 18 soft contact lenses from three major companies in the industry were found to contain PFAS or toxic "forever chemicals".  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of consumer products for their ability to resist heat, stains, and water. They are referred to as "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in people, animals, and the environment over time.  This has prompted concern about potential long-term health effects - studies have shown that high levels of exposure to some PFAS may be linked to increased risk of cancer and other adverse health issues.      In contact lenses, PFAS are used to soften the material and enhance oxygen permeability.  So, you might be wondering, are my soft contact lenses safe to be wearing?     Currently, there is no scientific literature published to show harmful effects
Read more

EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER EYE HEALTH

-
Image
Eat Your Way to Better Eye Health If you’re like most people starting the new year, you may have made a resolution to eat healthier in 2023.  Whether you’re starting to fall off the wagon or holding strong, it’s never too late to start eating well.  There are several vitamins and nutrients specific to the health of the eyes, and chances are, what is good for the eyes is also good for your overall health. 1. Vitamin A     - Required for the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that allows us to see in low-light        conditions.  Deficiency could cause "night blindness" due to impaired dark adaptation.     - Supports healthy functioning of surfaces in the eye like the cornea and conjunctiva.  Deficiency could lead to        dryness and corneal scarring.     - Good sources : orange-colored fruit and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and apricots. Eggs        and yogurt. Green leafy vegetables and liver. 2. Vitamin C     - Neutralizes damage
Read more
-
Image
  The Scary Truth About Costume Contact Lenses This Halloween you may have seen some spooky contact lenses. Costume contact lenses, also known as cosmetic or decorative contacts, are lenses that change how your eyes look by altering the eye’s color or pupil shape. Even though they may be advertised as cosmetic accessories, please keep in mind that  all  contact lenses are considered medical devices by the FDA – this means they require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional, and proper care by the wearer. Purchasing contact lenses without a prescription is illegal in the United States. Only buy costume contacts from retailers who ask for a prescription and sell FDA-approved lenses – not from the gas station down the street, your nearest beauty salon or pop-up Halloween shop. Some cosmetic lenses have been found to be counterfeit or even re-packaged, which is not sterile and could contaminate your eye. Furthermore, one study found costume lenses that tested positiv
Read more