Zeiss Vision Care has introduced new technology for device-dependent patients by incorporating blue light blocking properties into its lens chemical structure, helping to reduce disruptive reflections on the lens surface.
As eyewear consumers seek greater eye protection from digital devices, modern LED light exposure and during outdoor activities, the company’s new generation ZEISS BluePro Lenses are said overcome common disadvantages in many blue light blocking solutions.
Compared to the current blue light coating ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect, the reflections of digital blue light are reduced by up to 50%.
As a result, Zeiss says the ZEISS BluePro lens design offers excellent lens clarity and can block up to 40% of the potentially harmful and irritating blue light in the wavelength between 400 and 455nm, which it says has known links to digital eye strain.
ZEISS BluePro lenses also come standard with ZEISS DuraVision Platinum UV, offering full UV protection up to 400nm.
Dr Christian Lappe, director technical communication at ZEISS, said digital screens and indoor LED lighting emit a higher proportion of blue light than traditional incandescent or halogen-type light bulbs.
“In addition, we are often exposed to this blue light for long periods of time, often until late at night at short visual distances. This combination of excessive near work and chromatic intraocular challenges linked to blue light strains the eye muscles and can contribute to visual discomfort and asthenopic symptoms associated with digital eye strain,” he said.
ZEISS BluePro Lenses block a part of the blue light spectrum that could exacerbate symptoms of digital eye strain, including tired eyes, blurred vision, sleep disturbances and dry or irritated eyes. The positive properties of blue light, ranging from about 455 to 500 nm, remain unaffected.
In general, the company stated that high-energy visible light (part of the blue light spectrum) is presumed to have an influence on sleep and alertness, mood and concentration.
It noted the relatively high levels of energy inherent in the comparatively short wavelengths of blue light have also been shown to impact metabolic processes in retinal cells, making it possible that excessive blue light exposure could lead to retinal damage.
“However, it is still part of medical research to better determine what dose and what specific light sources have a significant damage-causing potential,” Zeiss said.
“While caution is advised when exposing the eye to high intensity daylight from the sun, there is a relief for eyes exposed to digital devices, displays, monitors or normal illumination. In fact, there is currently no evidence from patient studies that these devices pose a health risk to the retina. Nevertheless, patient complaints of decreased visual comfort, asthenopic symptoms such as blurred vision, burning, painful or tired eyes, and eyestrain are common and familiar topics to eyecare professionals.”
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