Congenital red-green colour deficiency: study of the efficacy of commercial colour filters

Abstract

This study focuses on the effectiveness of passive aids, particularly coloured filters. Although companies have toned down their claims in the face of mounting scientific evidence, they still stand by the effectiveness of their products. This study evaluates the long-term adaptation of EnChroma, Pilestone and Colorlite filters in different CVD subjects using multiple colour vision tests. The results indicate that these filters alter colour discrimination, with a trade-off between red-green and yellow-blue discrimination. The primary inference of this inquiry aligns with established scientific data: coloured filters provide minimal contrast enhancement for certain colour stimuli, but with a likely downside of diminished information for other colour stimuli. Although companies claim that long-term chromatic adaptation is crucial for the filter's effectiveness, this study concludes that such filters do not offer a solution for individuals with CVD seeking normal colour vision.