EnChroma Lenses: Who They Are For and How We Fit Them in Madison Heights

EnChroma lenses have attracted considerable attention in recent years: viral videos of people appearing to see color for the first time, emotional reactions, and dramatic “before and after” moments. When they work, the effect can be remarkable. They are not, however, a one-size-fits-all product, and they do not work the same way for everyone. This article sets out how we determine who is a suitable candidate, and what the fitting process involves once you are.

Color vision deficiency, commonly called color blindness, is more prevalent than most people suppose. Red-green deficiency is commonly cited as affecting roughly one man in twelve and one woman in two hundred.

To arrange a color blindness test and evaluation at our Madison Heights office, call 586-302-3222 or book online.

Step One: The Evaluation

Before anyone is fitted for EnChroma lenses at our office, we perform an in-office color vision evaluation using the Rabin Cone Contrast Test. Unlike a basic screening, this test identifies which cone type is underperforming and how severely. That matters because EnChroma lenses work by filtering specific wavelengths of light to reduce the overlap between red and green cone signals. Without a precise understanding of your color vision, we cannot know whether that filtering will help you.

The evaluation also answers a question many patients bring with them. EnChroma lenses are most effective for red-green color deficiency, the most common type. They are not designed for blue-yellow deficiency or complete color blindness (achromatopsia), and the evaluation tells us, before anyone spends money on a pair, whether you are a candidate.

The evaluation takes about 20 minutes. We will confirm the details of the visit, including any insurance question, with you before testing begins, so that there are no surprises.

Step Two: Choosing the Right Lens

Not every candidate requires the same lens. Depending on your evaluation results and how you intend to use them day to day, we will discuss:

• Outdoor lenses — designed for natural light, where most patients notice the most pronounced shift in color perception. Suitable for everyday wear, daytime driving, and time outdoors.
• Indoor lenses — tuned for artificial and mixed lighting, and better suited to office environments and screen use.
• Polarized options — available on select lenses, for patients who also want glare reduction.

Patients whose days divide between the outdoors and screens often find that one pair of each serves them best. We will advise you according to your own circumstances.

Step Three: Fitting Into Your Frames

EnChroma lenses can be made in your prescription and fitted into most of the curated frames in our optical gallery, so that you may choose the style you actually want rather than a designated “EnChroma frame.” If you already wear glasses, this is often a straightforward exchange of lenses into the frame of your choice. A few frames and stronger prescriptions have fitting limits, and we will tell you at the evaluation if yours is one of them.

Results Are Individual

It is worth stating plainly: not everyone experiences EnChroma lenses in the same way. Some patients describe an immediate, striking difference. Others notice something more subtle. That range is normal, and it is part of why the evaluation matters so much — it sets realistic expectations before you commit, rather than after.

It is equally important to be clear about what these lenses are. EnChroma lenses do not cure or correct color vision deficiency. They change how certain colors are perceived while you are wearing them, and the effect ceases when the glasses are removed. They are also not a means of passing an occupational or licensing color vision screening.

Q&A

Q: How do I know whether I am a candidate?

The only way to know is an in-office evaluation using the Rabin Cone Contrast Test. It identifies which cone type is affected and how severely, which determines whether EnChroma lenses are likely to help.

Q: What is the difference between indoor and outdoor lenses?

Outdoor lenses are designed for bright natural light and tend to deliver the most noticeable color enhancement. Indoor lenses are optimized for artificial and mixed lighting, making them better suited to office environments and everyday indoor use. Some patients choose both.

Q: Can EnChroma lenses be made in my prescription?

Usually, yes. EnChroma lenses can be made with your prescription and fitted into most of the frames we carry, so you need not choose between vision correction and color enhancement. We will confirm your specific frame and prescription at the evaluation.

Q: Are EnChroma lenses covered by insurance?

The lenses are a specialty optical product and are self-pay. Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account funds may be applicable; please confirm eligibility with your plan administrator. Where your vision plan offers out-of-network benefits, we can assist you in submitting for reimbursement through Anagram, with the amount depending on your plan. Financing is available through CareCredit. We will review your options with you at your evaluation.

Q: Will they work right away?

Many patients notice a difference within minutes of wearing them outdoors, and the full effect typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Individual experience varies, and we will discuss realistic expectations with you at your evaluation.

Q: Can children be fitted for EnChroma lenses?

EnChroma offers lenses designed for children. As with adults, results vary, and we begin with the same evaluation so that the whole family knows what to expect.

Ready to Find Out Whether You Are a Candidate?

The process begins with the in-office evaluation, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, we will tell you candidly whether EnChroma lenses are likely to work for your eyes, and help you select the right lens if they are. Michigan Eye Consultants welcomes patients from Madison Heights and throughout East Metro Detroit.

Call us: 586-302-3222

Book online: michiganeyeconsultants.com/mecappt.html