ChromaGen lens

Treatment for: Colour blindness and dyslexia

Cost: $280 per lens

For those who are colour blind or dyslexic, the ChromaGen lens can be of help.

According to Dr Lim, ChromaGen lenses are coloured contact lenses. However, they are not the same as those used for cosmetic purposes. "These are lenses with different pigments within them which allow patients to determine different colours," said Dr Lim.

He added that they were invented mainly for people who are colour blind. They enhance the contrasts between colours, helping those with colour blindness to distinguish different colours.

"We have some patients who fail all the colour test charts but with the lenses, they are able to pass their colour vision test," said Dr Theng.

ChromaGen lenses can also be used to help dyslexic patients, who may often have problems reading.

"With the lens, the patients can read better. However, we do not understand yet exactly how this works," said Dr Lim.

For children with dyslexia who may not be able to handle contact lenses properly, ChromaGen lenses can be fitted into spectacles.

As in all contact lenses, any risk of infection in the use of ChromaGen lenses often stems from the improper care of the lens. These lenses can last for about two years.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.