Colorblind man sees color for the first time… and is more impressed by grass than his friend's rainbow jumper

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A colorblind man treated himself on his 23rd birthday in the best possible way - by getting a pair of Enchroma glasses.

The special specs use a technology that help people suffering from color blindness see shades that can often appear brown to them.

Protanopia is one of the most common types and prevents sufferers from seeing two colors, usually red and green, separately, but instead as one muddled brown/grey tone.

Alex removes the glasses from the packet (left) and puts them on with shaking hands before turning around and smiling (right)

The glasses, however, enable wearers to differentiate between these two colors and view the world regularly.

Alex Kriz, from Northborough, Massachusetts, but who now lives in Rochester, New York, posted the emotional video of himself to YouTube.

Alongside the clip he wrote: 'Finally decided to give the Enchroma colorblind correcting sunglasses a try for my 23rd birthday.

'While I still have a hard time seeing blues, reds and greens are... absolutely unreal. Thank you Enchroma. Thank you so much.'

The stunned 23-year-old comments on the color of the grass (left) before spotting his friend's rainbow-colored hoody (right)

Overwhelmed: Things get a little emotional as Alex starts to well up but his friend gives him a comforting hug 

The video shows Alex trying on the lenses with his friend - who wears a rainbow-colored hoody for the occasion - and the filmmaker.

He tells the camera: 'My heart is beating so fast right now,' as he removes the glasses from the packet and puts them on with shaking hands.

He pauses for a second and stares off into the distance in shocked silence before turning in a circle with a smile on his face and commenting on the color of the grass.

HOW THE SPECIAL ENCHROMA GLASSES WORK THEIR MAGIC

Instead of adding color, EnChroma glasses filter and separate muddled colors using a technique called chromatic contrast enhancement.

People with color blindness are unable to differentiate between two colors - usually red and green - so the lenses add a new dimension to their vision and allow them to see the colors separately.

People report that their color discrimination is faster and more accurate and that they are able to see more vibrant colors when wearing the glasses.

They are also more likely to notice objects that are differentiated against a background based on color (such as a flower against background of leaves), whereas without the lens those objects would be overlooked.

EnChroma glasses separate muddled colors using a technique called chromatic contrast enhancement

He says: 'Oh my god, the grass, it's beautiful. And your shirt,' while pointing at his friend and reaching out to touch his hoody.

Things get a little emotional as Alex starts to well up and his friend gives him a comforting hug.

Regaining his composure slightly, Alex says: 'This is so cool, oh my god. I wish there was a rainbow in the sky or something. What a good time for a pride parade, huh?'

The video concludes with Alex comparing his view with and without the glasses on.

Spot the difference: On the left is Venice seen by someone with color blindness while on the right is Venice seen by a color blind person wearing EnChroma glasses