By Andrew Karp: Group Editor, Lenses + Technology

 
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.—A new generation of ChromaGen lenses, a system of filtered lenses designed to aid people with dyslexia and color blindness, is being introduced in the U.S. The prescription-only lenses, which are available as eyeglasses or contacts, are being marketed by ChromaGen Vision LLC, which acquired the ChromaGen patents and worldwide rights from a previous U.S. distributor.

The company, based here, has negotiated a partnership with Pech Optical, a leading wholesaler and Essilor partner lab, to manufacture and distribute ChromaGen lenses, which have received FDA clearance. It is also building a roster of optometrists and ophthalmologists who are being trained to prescribe the lenses and conducting pilot studies of patients in Dallas and other cities.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the first recipients of ChromaGen lenses, who are reporting dramatic, instantaneous relief from conditions that were previously debilitating,” said Ted Edwards Jr., CEO of ChromaGen.

The ChromaGen system consists of 16 subtly shaded lenses that appear neutral gray when worn. The fitting of the filters helps re-synchronize and selectively change the wavelength of light going into both eyes in a dynamically balanced format. The use of different filters effectively changes the speed of the information in the brain’s neurological pathways allowing synchronization to take place, according to ChromaGen Vision. ■

akarp@jobson.com