New glasses bring color to the colorblind

EnChroma this week announced a new line of EnChroma Cx eyewear intended for the colorblind to safely engage in sports and other activities while distinguishing more color.

Using the company's Digital Color Boost technology, the Cx lenses work by removing the wavelengths of light between the primary colors. This intensifies color communications between the eyes and the brain.

The lenses are made with the same machines used for manufacturing the optical parts for satellites and lasers, according to the company, which began its research on a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2004.

Made of polycarbonate, they are more durable than lenses made out of glass, so users shouldn't be afraid to wear them for outdoor and physical activity.

They are available in child and adult sizes, ranging in price from $259.95 to $519.95.

To take the Ishihara test for colorblindness: www.colour-blindness.com/colour-blindness-tests/ishihara-colour-test-plates/

While EnChroma's lenses are geared towards activewear, companies that offer standard corrective lenses for the colorblind include ColorMax, ColorView and ChromaGen.