Red contact lenses for alleviation of photophobia in patients with cone disorders

Abstract Purpose To describe the use of red contact lenses to alleviate photophobia in patients with cone disorders. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Methods Twenty-three patients with achromatopsia or an acquired cone disorder with complaints of severe photophobia were fit with absorptive red soft contact lenses to alleviate photophobia and improve their ability to use their remaining vision more effectively Results The contact lenses immediately resolved the aversion to light, with dramatic improvement in visual function in all patients (determined by observation of the patient and by patient report). It allowed eight patients to become eligible to drive. Conclusions Red contact lenses successfully alleviate photophobia in patients with cone disorders.