ZELTZER X-CHROM™ Soft Lens
A Specialized Lens for Red-Green Color Deficiency
The ZELTZER X-CHROM™ is a specialized monocular soft contact lens designed for individuals with red-green color deficiency. The lens is worn on the non-dominant eye and incorporates a red pupil filter that provides additional visual color cues, helping the wearer distinguish certain colors and shades that may otherwise appear similar.
Adventure in Colors holds exclusive worldwide manufacturing and distribution rights for the ZELTZER X-CHROM™ soft contact lens.
Understanding Red-Green Color Deficiency
Color deficiency refers to a reduced ability to distinguish certain colors and shades. Red-green color deficiencies are among the most common forms. A person may have difficulty identifying colors, comparing similar shades, or distinguishing a colored object from its background.
The degree of color deficiency varies widely. Some individuals experience only mild difficulty differentiating certain shades, while others experience more substantial limitations.
Approximate Prevalence
How the X-CHROM Lens Works
The ZELTZER X-CHROM™ is worn on one eye, typically the non-dominant eye. The red pupil filter changes the color information reaching that eye while the untreated eye continues to receive normal visual information.
Together, the two eyes provide additional perceptual color cues that may help the wearer differentiate certain colors and shades.
red pupil
Adapting to the Lens
When first fitted, some wearers may notice that certain colors appear more vivid or noticeably different than they did previously. Because the two eyes are receiving different color information, an adjustment period may be needed as the wearer becomes familiar with the additional visual cues.
Individual experiences vary, which is why professional evaluation and trial fitting are important.
Where Color Differentiation Can Matter
The ability to distinguish colors and shades can be important in many everyday, educational, professional, and occupational settings.
These are presented as examples only. Wearing the lens does not automatically qualify someone for any occupation, certification, licensing requirement, driving privilege, or safety-sensitive role.
Lens Specifications
The red X-CHROM filter covers the pupil region while allowing the wearer's natural iris color to remain visible.
Professional Fitting & Evaluation
The ZELTZER X-CHROM™ should be evaluated and fitted by an eye-care professional. The fitting process includes determining the appropriate eye for monocular wear and evaluating the patient's response to the lens.
The non-dominant eye is generally used.
Trial Lens Availability
Keeping an X-CHROM trial lens available in the practice can help streamline evaluation and fitting.
History of the ZELTZER X-CHROM™
The X-CHROM lens was developed by Dr. Harry I. Zeltzer, O.D., D.O.S., F.A.A.O., who developed and patented the original X-CHROM lens and became recognized for his work involving color deficiency.
The original X-CHROM lens was manufactured in rigid PMMA material. Adventure in Colors now manufactures the ZELTZER X-CHROM™ in HEMA soft lens material under its exclusive worldwide manufacturing and distribution rights.
The rigid PMMA version continues to be available through Art Optical Contact Lens.
Common Questions About ZELTZER X-CHROM™
Interested in ZELTZER X-CHROM™?
Eye-care professionals can review ordering information or contact Adventure in Colors with questions regarding evaluation, fitting, and availability.