The most effective contact lenses were those with 40 nm-wide gold nanoparticles, because in tests, these particles did not clump or filter more color than necessary. To make the contact lenses, the researchers evenly mixed gold nanoparticles into a hydrogel polymer, producing rose-tinted gels that filtered light within 520-580 nm, the wavelengths where red and green overlap. So, Ahmed Salih, Haider Butt and colleagues wanted to see whether incorporating gold nanoparticles into contact lens material instead of dye could improve red-green contrast safely and effectively. Gold nanocomposites are nontoxic and have been used for centuries to produce “cranberry glass” because of the way they scatter light. Although the prototype hot-pink dyed lenses improved red-green color perception in clinical trials, they leached dye, which led to concerns about their safety. Thus, researchers have shifted to the development of special tinted contact lenses. However, these lenses are bulky and the lens material cannot be made to fix vision problems. Most people with this genetic disorder have trouble discriminating red and green shades, and red-tinted glasses can make those colors more prominent and easier to see. Some daily activities, such as determining if a banana is ripe, selecting matching clothes or stopping at a red light, can be difficult for those with color blindness. ![]() Now, in ACS Nano, researchers report infusing contact lenses with gold nanoparticles to create a safer way to see colors. And dyed contact lenses currently in development for the condition are potentially harmful and unstable. Tinted glasses can help, but they can’t be used to correct blurry vision. Some people with color blindness see everything this way, though most can’t see specific colors. Imagine seeing the world in muted shades - gray sky, gray grass. “Gold Nanocomposite Contact Lenses for Color Blindness Management”
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