Scientists at Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates have developed a prototype pink-dyed contact lens to correct red-green colour blindness. Using advanced 3D printing technology and a cost-effective dye will make the lenses much more affordable compared to previous models.
Testing the potential of the CL as a wearable aid for those with colour vision deficiency (CVD), the scientists found its filtering capacity was equivalent to that of commercial CVD wearable aids (filtering 520-580nm, the wavelengths where red and green overlap). It also exhibited minimal leakage and the lens’ water content and contact angle were comparable to those of commercial CLs.
Researchers said they will conduct the Ishihara test to assess the CLs’ efficacy in patients. “The successful deployment of these contact lenses will ensure patients have access to low-cost, customisable and effective colour-blind wearable solutions,” they concluded.
