title: The ChromaGen contact lens system: colour vision test results and subjective responses.
abstract: The ChromaGen lens system is designed to enhance colour perception in colour vision deficiency (CVD). To investigate its efficacy, 14 CVD subjects were prescribed ChromaGen contact lenses. Colour vision tests (Ishihara, Farnsworth Munsell D-15, Farnsworth Lantern) were administered at baseline, lens dispensing, and after a 2-week lens-wearing trial during which subjective responses were recorded daily using visual analogue scales. ChromaGen lenses significantly reduced ishihara error rates (p < 0.001; ANOVA), particularly for deutan subjects. There was also a significant reduction in errors (p < 0.005) on the D-15 test. Conversely, lens wear had no significant effect on Farnsworth Lantern test performance. Subjectively, subjects reported enhanced colour perception, but poor vision in dim light. Judgement of distance and motion were only slightly affected. We conclude that ChromaGen lenses may enhance subjective colour experience and assist in certain colour-related tasks, but are not indicated as an aid for CVD in occupations with colour vision-related restrictions.
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. h.swarbrick@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Swarbrick
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pham
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003119:Color Perception Tests / Q000379:methods; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000592:standards*; D003623:Dark Adaptation / Q000502:physiology; D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome