Red-green color vision deficiency is by far the most common type. These patients often confuse reds, greens, browns, and other hues. Tinted contact lenses designed for this group, such as red or magenta filters, work by absorbing wavelengths where the red and green cone signals overlap. Recent studies have shown these lenses can significantly improve performance on color vision tests, like the Ishihara plates, and help people tell the difference between items like traffic lights, colored wires, or ripening fruit. Many of our patients, guided by Dr. Ariel Chen, OD and Dr. Valerie Lam, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, experience greater independence and ease in daily life after a personalized lens fitting.

Blue-yellow color blindness (tritan defects) is rare and may be inherited or acquired. Tinted contact lenses for this type are still in development. Some promising research is focused on yellow-tinted soft contacts using innovative materials like silver nanoparticles, aiming to improve distinction between blues and greens for those with partial blue-cone function. Our team stays at the forefront of these developments and helps determine if new options could benefit your specific case.

Tinted contact lenses can help many people with color blindness see new differences between colors, perform better on vision tests, and tackle everyday tasks with more confidence. For instance, red-green filters may allow someone to pick out a red apple from green leaves for the first time or pass a color vision requirement for work or school. However, these lenses are not a cure, colors may look enhanced or shifted rather than “normal,” and some objects may appear tinged or darker.

Safety is our top priority. All tinted contacts fitted at our Costa Mesa office use FDA-cleared materials or are made by trusted U.S. labs with rigorous safety standards. Proper lens care and regular check-ups are essential to keep your eyes healthy. Our eye doctors, Dr. Nhi Nguyen, OD and others, will walk you through safe handling and make sure you have the best possible fit. Some patients may notice a period of adjustment, such as a mild headache or visual changes, especially if wearing the lens in only one eye. These effects are usually temporary as the brain adapts.

While tinted contact lenses can make a meaningful difference, they do have some limitations. The improvement is partial, users may not see a “true” full spectrum of color, and some color shifts or mild dimming are common. It’s also important not to use these lenses in situations where perfect color perception is critical for safety (like wiring electrical systems or certain nighttime tasks). Our eye doctors always set realistic expectations and provide careful guidance for safe and practical use.

Every eye is unique, and so is every case of color vision deficiency. During your visit, our eye doctors use advanced testing and diagnostic lenses to determine the exact filter and fit that works for you. We offer trials with several tint strengths and hues, so you can experience the difference firsthand before ordering your final lenses.

Every eye is unique, and so is every case of color vision deficiency. During your visit, our eye doctors use advanced testing and diagnostic lenses to determine the exact filter and fit that works for you. We offer trials with several tint strengths and hues, so you can experience the difference firsthand before ordering your final lenses.