The Glasses That Help Colorblind People See New Colors

Imagine seeing a sunset, a traffic light, or a ripe strawberry the way most people do—for the first time in your life. That's the experience some people with red-green color blindness have when they put on a pair of specially designed colorblind glasses.

Videos of people trying these glasses for the first time have gone viral, showing emotional reactions as wearers suddenly distinguish colors they've never been able to tell apart. But how do these glasses actually work, and do they really let colorblind people see "normally"?

The Science Behind the Lenses

The most well-known brand, EnChroma, uses optical filters that selectively remove specific wavelengths of light where red and green color perception overlaps. For people with red-green color blindness—the most common type, affecting about 8% of men—the photoreceptors in their eyes respond too similarly to red and green light.

By filtering out the overlapping wavelengths, the glasses increase the contrast between red and green signals reaching the brain. The result? Colors that previously looked muddy or identical suddenly appear more distinct and vibrant.

It's Not a Cure

Here's what the viral videos don't always make clear: these glasses don't give colorblind people normal color vision. They enhance color perception within the existing capabilities of the wearer's eyes. The experience varies significantly:

• People with mild to moderate red-green color blindness often see the most dramatic improvement
• Those with severe colorblindness or other types (like blue-yellow) may see little to no benefit
• The glasses only work in certain lighting conditions—typically bright, natural light
• Colors still don't look exactly as they do to people with typical vision

EnChroma estimates their glasses work for about 80% of people with red-green color blindness, but "work" is subjective. For some, it's life-changing. For others, the difference is subtle.

The Emotional Impact

Even with these limitations, the effect on wearers can be profound. Many describe finally understanding why people make such a fuss about fall foliage or being able to tell if meat is cooked properly. Parents have cried seeing the true color of their children's eyes for the first time.

The technology has practical applications too. Some professions that previously excluded colorblind individuals—like certain military roles or electrical work—have begun accepting applicants who can pass color vision tests while wearing the glasses.

The Growing Market

EnChroma pioneered the technology in 2012, but competitors have since entered the market. Pilestone, VINO, and other brands offer alternatives at various price points, from $50 to over $400. Some are designed specifically for indoor use, and prescription versions are available.

Research continues to improve the technology, with scientists exploring everything from contact lens versions to gene therapy that could potentially cure color blindness entirely. For now, though, these glasses represent the most accessible option for millions of people wanting to experience a more colorful world.

They may not be a perfect solution, but for many colorblind individuals, "enhanced" beats "nothing" any day.