How and why do ChromaGen lenses work?
Research studies indicate that patients with Dyslexia have an imbalance in processing speeds between the Magnocellular (M) and Parvocellular (P) systems. The M system is significantly slower. ChromaGen filters work by slowing down the processing speed of the P system so that they become synchronized.
The ChromaGen lenses synchronize both eyes so they work together as a team, which causes the text to become clear and in focus, and effectively stops the words from moving. The lenses modify light's wavelength as it passes into each eye, which dynamically balances the speed of the information traveling along the neurological pathways to the brain.
Will the effect of the chosen lenses likely wear off after a short time and need to be changed?
The processing speed of neurons are stable and not subject to adaptation, stress or environmental factors.
Have the lenses been studied with head trauma or stroke patients?
Some doctors are using this technology "off label" for CVA and TBI patients with good results. However, no formal studies have been done at this time.
What makes ChromaGen lenses special and why has a patent been granted?
ChromaGen lenses are precision tinted, with a proprietary formula that has specific hue, saturation and value components.
Why does the patient wear two lenses rather than one?
The patient will notice some improvement in reduction of symptoms and increase in reading rate with only one ChromaGen filter. The amount of improvement will also be affected by which eye has the filter, either the dominant or non-dominant eye. However, when both eyes are wearing the ChromaGen filters the amount of improvement is significantly greater because both eyes are now balanced and working together.
Are the filter colors the same or different for either glasses or contact lens prescriptions?
They are the same color in either a contact lens or spectacle prescription.
Will the color of the filters change with puberty?
No. The optic nerve does not change with puberty. Once the ChromaGen filters are determined they will remain the same. The only change may be the patient’s refractive error over time.
Can low powered prescriptions or prism be added to ChromaGen lenses?
Low plus (~ +0.50) added to a ChromaGen Rx can be very beneficial. The best way to check for low plus, and against the rule cylinder, is to do near point retinoscopy. Use either plano or the patients habitual Rx and have the patient view age and grade appropriate text. For patients with higher than average phorias consider using yoke prism. For exo deviations 2 PD base UP and for eso deviations 2 PD base DOWN.
What are the "word movement' symptoms?
ChromaGen lenses will benefit patients that suffer from the following word movement symptoms. 90% of people who see words moving on the page will get a solution with ChromaGen.
Double words or double sentences.
Words that come in and out of focus.
Words that move left to right or up and down.
Words that scrunch together or pull apart.
Words that are blurry or wiggly.
Spaces in between the lines move.
What physical symptom relief should be expected?
Of our patients that do not suffer from word movement symptoms, 70% will benefit from ChromaGen lenses if they are experiencing any of the following physical symptoms.
Headaches, Nausea and Fatigue while reading
Eyes get red, irritated, or watery when reading.
Eyes feel uncomfortable when reading.
Feel a “pulling” or “pressure” around the eyes when reading
While working on the computer, gets headaches, eyestrain or fatigue
Is ChromaGen covered by insurance and what are the financing options?
VSP accepts ChromaGen for partial reimbursement of the costs and a majority of our practices offer a financing plan like Care Credit.
Questions concerning eyeglasses
Clip ons – Customizable?
Yes, all clip ons are custom fit. The Lab will need the frames to ensure the correct fit.
Anti Scratch Coating
ChromaGen comes with a one year anti scratch warrantee.
What is the turn around time for glasses?
ChromaGen lenses are usually shipped within 10 business days after placing the order.
Questions concerning contact lenses
Are the ChromaGen contact lenses hard or soft?
They are soft silicone lenses.
What material is available for contact lenses?
Materials available are: Methafilcon 55% water and Hioxifilcon 49% water / both Sphere and Toric.
What is the standard Base Curve?
The standard Base Curve is 8.6, but can be customized for each patient.
What is the standard Diameter?
The standard Diameter is 14.5, but can be customized for each patient.
Why is the measurement of the Pupil Zone needed?
The pupil zone is needed because the ChromaGen tint is only added to this area of the contact lens.
How often should the ChromaGen contact lenses be replaced?
It is recommended that these lenses should be replaced every six months.
What is the date on the vial of the contact lenses for?
The short date on the vial is for the doctor to know that the lenses need to be dispensed to the patient within 30 days. This is NOT the expiration date.
What is the turn-around time for contact lenses?
ChromaGen contact lenses are usually shipped within 10-14 business days after placing the order.
What is the 90 Day Guarantee?
ChromaGen has a 90 day unconditional money back guarantee. As a doctor conducts the ChromaGen exam, the patient receives an immediate result, and this result will not change over time. As a point of reference, 100% of our patients who have received a positive result from ChromaGen have not asked for a refund.
How long will a patient need their ChromaGen lenses?
The patient will have to wear their ChromaGen lenses all their life. It is just like wearing a pair of glasses with a normal prescription. If they wear their glasses, they will get the intended benefit, it they don’t wear their glasses, they will not.
