An
important new treatment for those with achromatopsia is the use of red
central soft contact lenses. These contact lenses have a small red circle
that when properly positioned looks like the pupil of the eye. On the eye
they appear as dark circles looking just like the normal pupil of the eye.
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These red contact lenses not only reduce the light entering each eye, but
allow primarily red light to enter the eye. Red light allows the remaining
rods to function better, and in complete achromatopsia, where the patient
sees no color, the patient is not aware of the red hue. In the incomplete
form of achromatopsia, patients report it enhances their ability to detect
red stoplights and red brake lights.
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These lenses work much the way submariners in World War II turned red
lights inside the submarine on to allow their eyes to adapt for night or
“rod” vision before surfacing at night. With the contact lenses in
place, mild sunglasses may be worn outside and no filters are usually
required inside. We find that patients are astounded by the dramatic
improvement of their functioning in bright light.
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contact lenses may or may not contain the patient’s prescription.
We often fit these contacts under the patient’s eyewear.
Thus, they can be worn during the day and removed in the evenings
without the need for extra eyeglasses.
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Dark
red or plum filters may also be used to control light sensitivity. We also
recommend wearing fit-over or wrap-around sunglasses to block excessive
light from getting around eyewear. Also the use of visors and hats to limit
light may be needed.
