Color blind glasses, also known as color vision enhancing glasses, are specialized lenses designed to improve color perception for people with color vision deficiency (CVD), commonly known as color blindness. They work by filtering out certain wavelengths of light that tend to confuse the eyes of people with CVD. The cost of color blind glasses can vary quite a bit depending on the brand, lens technology, and where you purchase them. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the typical pricing and what factors affect the cost of color blind glasses.
What Are Color Blind Glasses?
Color blind glasses contain special optical filters that block or filter out wavelengths of light that overlap and make it hard for color blind people to distinguish between colors like reds/greens or blues/yellows. This helps sharpen contrast between colors and enhances separation between color confusion lines. They don’t work for totally color blind people, but can provide significant improvement for those with red-green or blue-yellow color blindness.
Some key things to know about color blind glasses:
- They primarily help with red-green color blindness, which affects about 99% of people with CVD.
- They allow more color information to reach the eye, providing an enhanced perspective.
- They don’t create new colors, but enhance the ability to differentiate existing muted colors.
- Results and benefits can vary greatly depending on the individual and type/severity of color blindness.
- They may take some time getting used to.
While not a cure, the best color blind glasses provide a way for many with CVD to experience and appreciate color more vibrantly and naturally. Major brands producing color blindness correction eyewear include EnChroma, Pilestone, and VinoOptics.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
There are several variables that affect the pricing of color blind glasses. These include:
- Brand – Some brands like EnChroma are known for high-end, premium quality and therefore charge more for their color vision wear.
- Lens Technology – More advanced lens materials, coatings, and specialized filtering can increase cost.
- Frame Type – Frame choice affects price, with high-end frames costing more.
- Extra Features – Additional features like prescription lenses, polarized lenses, etc. can add to the price.
- Vendor – Prices can vary between different third-party sellers.
- Sales/Discounts – Special promotions may lower prices at certain times.
Understanding these factors helps explain the pricing spectrum and why some color blind assisting eyewear is more expensive than others on the market.
Color Blind Glasses Pricing
The cost of color blind glasses ranges from about $100 on the low end to $400-$500 on the very high end. However, most quality color vision assisting glasses tend to cost between $200-$350. Here’s an overview of pricing tiers:
- Budget: $100-$200 – Basic filtering lenses and generic frames. May be less durable.
- Mid-Range: $200-$300 – Decent quality lenses and name brand frames.
- High-End: $300-$500 – Premium lenses, stylish frames, and extra features.
As you go up in price, the glasses generally provide better color enhancement, but you’ll pay more for the improved technology and quality. Now let’s take a closer look at what you can expect in each price tier.
Budget Color Blind Glasses Under $200
On the lower end of the scale, color blind glasses can be purchased for $100 to $200. At this price point, the lenses usually provide basic color enhancement and filtering. The frames are typically generic and basic as well.
Some examples of budget color blind glasses include:
- Oxy-Iso Color Blind Glasses – $129
- ColorLens Basic Model – $169
- Thera Lens Starter Kit – $174
The filtration quality may be lower, materials less durable, and lens coatings minimal at this pricing tier. However, they can still offer noticeable improvement in color perception for some users. This can be a good entry point before making a bigger investment in more advanced color blind glasses.
Mid-Range Color Blind Glasses $200-$300
The $200 to $300 price range is where you start seeing higher quality color blind assisting lenses and improved frame materials. Many reputable brands fall into this mid-tier pricing.
Examples of popular mid-range options include:
- EnChroma Cx-65 – $269
- Pilestone Pilestone HD – $218
- Tillys Irlen – $240
- Vinoptic Pro – $220
In this category, expect solid lens technology with precision coatings and filters. Frames are also more stylish and durable. There are often different lens strengths and tints available to customize performance. Overall, mid-range glasses provide very good color enhancement for most users relative to the price paid.
High-End Color Blind Glasses $300-$500
At the top end of pricing are premium color blind glasses ranging from about $300 to $500. These showcase brand name frames and innovative lens technology. Some features can include:
- Advanced multi-layer filtration
- Prescription lens compatibility
- Polarized or progressive lenses
- Anti-reflective/scratch coatings
- Fashionable frame designs
- Limited edition collections
Examples of high-end color blind glasses include:
- EnChroma CX3 Sun – $349
- EnChroma Cx3 Pro – $429
- Vinoptic Pro X – $339
- VinoOptics Elite – $379
While pricy, these exceptional glasses provide the peak in color enhancement and optical performance. Those with more severe color blindness can benefit from the high-end offerings. The frames are also attractive and durable. Overall you get top notch quality and features.
Factors That Impact Cost-Effectiveness
Beyond just looking at the price tag, there are some important factors that impact the overall cost-effectiveness and value of color blind glasses. These include:
- Level of Color Blindness – The more severe the color deficiency, the greater potential benefit from more advanced lenses.
- Frequency of Use – Those who wear the glasses daily get more value from their investment.
- Vision Needs – Glasses that can incorporate prescription lenses last longer with full-time wearers.
- Care and Durability – How well the owner cares for and maintains their glasses affects longevity.
While budget glasses can be cost-effective for mild color blindness, those with more significant CVD often benefit more from mid-range and eventually high-end glasses as their primary eyewear. Consulting an optometrist helps ensure the best long-term value for your needs and degree of color vision deficiency.
Are Color Blind Glasses Worth the Investment?
For individuals with red-green color blindness, color enhancing glasses can be worth the money if they:
- Improve ability to distinguish between colors
- Make everyday tasks like cooking, driving, or work easier and safer
- Allow fuller enjoyment of nature, art, and other colorful parts of life
- Boost confidence and lessen frustration around color confusion
The benefits can be significant and lifelong, especially when color blind glasses are worn regularly. While not inexpensive, they provide real, practical value that makes the cost justifiable for many with CVD. Trying them firsthand at various price points helps reveal if they make enough of a difference to warrant the investment for your situation.
Are Cheaper Color Blind Glasses Effective?
There is debate around how effective some cheaper color blind glasses really are. Lower quality lenses may not filter wavelengths as accurately. This can lead to minimal improvement or colors still appearing washed out and muted.
Potential drawbacks of very cheap color blind glasses include:
- Lower quality filtering resulting in less color enhancement
- Less durable frames prone to breaking
- Lack of warranty or exchange policy
- No capacity to add prescription lenses
- Short lifespan with regular use
Many experts recommend investing in at least mid-range glasses if you want noticeable results. That said, cheaper glasses can still offer some mild improvement for those on a tight budget or unsure if they will use them regularly.
Other Cost Considerations
Some other cost factors to keep in mind with color blind glasses:
- Kids’ Glasses – Children’s color blind glasses cost a bit less, around $179-$229 for quality pairs. Their eye prescriptions change more often, so cheaper makes sense.
- Testing – To truly identify your type and extent of color blindness, optometrist testing costs $50-$250.
- Prescription Lenses – Adding corrective lenses to color blind glasses has an added fee around $100-$200 in most cases.
- Insurance – Some insurers may cover a portion, but there is typically an out-of-pocket cost. Verify coverage specifics.
While certainly not inexpensive, for individuals who struggle with color confusion daily, investing in color blind glasses can be life-changing. The benefits for careers, hobbies, safety, confidence, and overall enjoyment of life often make the cost justifiable.
Where to Buy Color Blind Glasses
You can purchase color blind glasses from a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retail sources. Some options include:
- Online – Direct from manufacturer websites like EnChroma.com or Vinoptic.com. Amazon also carries many major brands.
- Optical Stores – Stores like LensCrafters, Visionworks, or local opticians may carry or order.
- Doctor’s Office – Optometrists may sell directly or have vendor relationships.
Purchasing directly from the manufacturer can offer better pricing. Trying frames on in person at an optical shop is recommended if possible. Be sure to verify return policies as well in case the color enhancement is not optimal. Many eye doctors also suggest and sell color vision wear.
Are Color Blind Glasses Covered by Insurance?
Unfortunately, the majority of health insurance plans do not cover color blind glasses under vision benefits. Since color blindness is not classified as a disease needing correction, insurers view color enhancing lenses as enhancement instead of medically necessary.
However, people have reported some success getting partial reimbursement by:
- Having an eye doctor prescribe the glasses to aid a documented condition
- Appealing a claim denial by detailing how the glasses improve work performance and safety
- Using HSA or FSA medical spending accounts, which allow eyeglasses
- Demonstrating the glasses as a treatment for migraines associated with CVD
While claiming color blind glasses through insurance can be difficult, it’s sometimes possible to get limited coverage. Verifying plan rules and speaking with your eye doctor helps determine if reimbursement may apply.
Do Color Blind Glasses Go on Sale?
Color blind glasses do occasionally go on sale, typically at the following times:
- Holiday Weekends – Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. often feature sales up to 30% off.
- Winter Holidays – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas sales provide deals.
- New Product Launches – Older color blind glass models go on clearance when new versions release.
- Manufacturer Sales – Direct sales from companies like EnChroma provide periodic discounts.
Signing up for email alerts from manufacturers provides notice of upcoming deals and limited-time savings. Following color blind glasses on sites like Amazon makes it easier to spot price drops as well.
How Can I Save Money on Color Blind Glasses?
Some tips to save money when purchasing color blind glasses include:
- Buy during seasonal sales periods as noted above
- Choose a mid-range pair instead of high-end
- Select a standard plastic frame to save over designer frames
- Look for open box/refurbished color blind glasses
- Request a student, military, or other discount
- Find coupons and promo codes for online shops
- Join vision insurance or use FSA dollars if possible
- Buy a gently used secondhand pair from resellers
Every bit of savings helps reduce the overall investment in color blind glasses. Prioritizing value gets you improved color clarity at a more affordable price point for your budget.
Conclusion
Color blind glasses range in cost from $100 on the budget end up to $500 for top-tier glasses. Mid-range glasses in the $200 to $300 range provide an ideal blend of quality, performance, and sensible pricing for many buyers. Key variables that impact pricing include brand, lens technology, frame type, coatings, and special features.
While a significant investment, color blind glasses can make a profoundly positive impact on daily function, safety, career performance, and overall quality of life for those with CVD. The value derived often makes the cost justifiable. Doing thorough research and shopping sales allows you to get the visual improvement you want at a more affordable price point.
