Discover color blindness correction options in Malaysia, including EnChroma technology, CVD testing, and expert optometrist support at Malaya Optical.
Understanding Colour Blindness: More Than Just Red and Green
As professional optometrist with years of clinical experience at Malaya Optical, we’ve met many patients both children and adults who struggle with colour vision deficiency (CVD), commonly known as colour blindness. This condition often goes undiagnosed until it begins to interfere with school, work, or daily tasks.
Colour blindness doesn’t mean seeing in black and white, it refers to difficulty distinguishing between certain colours, most commonly red and green, followed by blue and yellow variants. In rarer cases, total colour vision loss (achromatopsia) can occur.
Types of Colour Vision Deficiency
To better understand your needs, here’s a breakdown of the main types of CVD:
| Type | Affected Cones | Colour Distortion |
|---|---|---|
| Protanomaly / Protanopia | Red cones | Red appears dark, brownish |
| Deuteranomaly / Deuteranopia | Green cones | Greens and reds appear similar |
| Tritanomaly / Tritanopia | Blue cones | Confusion between blue and yellow |
| Achromatopsia | All cones | Complete lack of colour perception |
Diagnosing Colour Blindness: Simple Tests, Lasting Impact
At Malaya Optical, our eye exams can include Ishihara colour plates and advanced digital CVD assessments, especially for children suspected of having difficulties in school or adults applying for jobs that require accurate colour recognition.
For official documentation (e.g., aviation, driving school, maritime, design industries), we can provide a formal eye health report that states the type and severity of colour vision deficiency, helping clients comply with application requirements.
Can Colour Blindness Be Corrected?
While CVD is a genetic and permanent condition, there are emerging technologies that enhance colour contrast perception, helping wearers see colours more vividly. These include:
1. EnChroma® Glasses
Originally developed for red-green colour blindness, EnChroma lenses use spectral notch filtering to increase colour separation. While not a cure, many users report noticeable improvement in distinguishing reds from greens, especially outdoors.
Note: At Malaya Optical, we currently do not stock EnChroma or similar CVD-specific eyewear, but we are familiar with the technology. If you are interested, we can assist in sourcing these lenses or advise if they are suitable based on your individual test results.
2. Pilestone, VINO Optics, and Other Brands
These brands offer colour-enhancing glasses using various filter technologies. Results vary, and we recommend clinical testing before investing in any product.
3. Digital & VR Tools
Apps and screen overlays can simulate or correct colour vision digitally. These may be helpful in specific scenarios like digital design, education, or gaming.
What to Know Before Trying Colour Blind Glasses
✔ Not all users benefit equally—results depend on the CVD type and severity
✔ Most helpful outdoors in natural lighting conditions
✔ May alter colours unnaturally, especially indoors
✔ Cannot be used for medical or legal colour vision correction
✔ Should be assessed with professional testing beforehand
Color Vision and Career Guidance: We’re Here to Help
In Malaysia, certain careers like aviation, marine navigation, electrical engineering, and graphic design may require accurate colour perception. At Malaya Optical:
- We offer comprehensive CVD assessments
- We can issue official letters or vision reports to support applications or educational planning
- We consult on visual aids and lifestyle adjustments for children and adults alike
Children with Colour Vision Deficiency: What Parents Should Know
Colour blindness is usually inherited and more common in boys (affecting 1 in 12 males vs. 1 in 200 females). School-aged children may:
- Struggle with colour-coded learning
- Be mislabelled as inattentive or poor at art
- Feel isolated or frustrated in visual tasks
Early detection through pediatric eye exams allows us to tailor visual environments for learning. We also offer child-friendly frames like LIPO that accommodate prescription lenses and comfort for all-day wear.
Why Choose Malaya Optical?
As Malaysia’s most trusted optometry centre since 1957, Malaya Optical provides:
- Comprehensive eye care by a team of professional optometrists
- ZEISS Vision Expert Centres (Damansara, Subang) and ESSILOR Expert Centre (KL)
- Scientific myopia control, precision progressive lens fittings, and boutique eyewear styling
- Designer and exclusive frames including LINDBERG, MYKITA, RYAN ADDA, and more
- Aftercare assurance: 7-day exchange, 1-year warranty, and lifetime servicing
Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or clinical expertise, we’re here to deliver it with heart, precision, and style.
Book a Colour Vision Consultation Today
If you or your child have concerns about colour perception or are exploring colour blindness glasses, we invite you to book a consultation with our qualified optometrists. Let’s find a solution tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.