Effects of Notch Filters in Correcting Color Vision Deficiency: A Quantitative Clinical Trial.

Background/

Objectives

Color vision deficiency (CVD) arises from the absence or dysfunction of one or more cone photoreceptors in the retina, resulting in impaired color discrimination. Although inherited CVD cannot be cured, optical compensation strategies such as color-filtering glasses have been developed to enhance color perception. However, quantitative clinical evaluations of their corrective efficacy remain limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of notch filter-based color blind glasses in improving color perception and discrimination in individuals with CVD.

Methods

Notch filters were employed as color correction lenses, and clinical assessments were conducted to evaluate their impact on human color perception. Subjects underwent standardized color vision tests, including the Color Bridge test, Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test, and D-15 panel test, both before and after wearing the glasses. Outcomes were quantitatively analyzed using total error score (TES), confusion angle, and confusion index (C-index) to determine changes in color discrimination performance.

Results

Quantitative analysis demonstrated that wearing the notch filter glasses amplified color differences along confusion lines. In clinical trials, 83% of subjects showed improved color discrimination in the F-M 100 Hue test, with TES reductions between 6.67% and 50.00%. Furthermore, D-15 panel testing revealed that 67% of participants exhibited a decreased C-index and reduced scatter index (S-index), with specific cases shifting from deficient to normal color perception (C-index < 1.6). These results indicate that the filters effectively mitigate symptoms of color vision deficiency by increasing perceptual contrast.

Conclusions

Notch filter-based color correction glasses can enhance chromatic discrimination in individuals with CVD by increasing perceptual color contrast. These findings provide practical insights for the optimization and fabrication of color vision correction eyewear utilizing spectral notch filtering strategies.