In Part I of the series, we introduced the situation concerning blue light and its relationship to eye strain. In Part 2, we’ll be exploring the different lenses and enhancements designed to reduce blue light exposure, how they work, where they provide the greatest benefit, and why you would choose each. And be sure to read all the way through to receive a dispensing checklist for blue light and digital eye strain.
Understanding the Blue Light Challenge
We are continually exposed to blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, on a daily basis, both outdoors from the sun and indoors from viewing digital device screens. This blue light comprises a range of short wavelengths (380-500 nanometers) representing the highest amount of energy in the visible light spectrum. Our eyes experience great difficulty focusing on blue light, causing them to perceive it as glare, which can lead to eye strain.
Fortunately, whether emitted by natural or artificial sources, the uncomfortable effects of blue light exposure can be alleviated by specially designed lenses and enhancements. Virtually all traditional blue light products filter most strongly in the shortest part of the blue light range (415-455 nanometers). Based on optical principles, filtering these short blue light wavelengths can alleviate the visual symptoms associated with electronic device usage. [1]
The Importance of Transmittance Graphs
It’s especially important to understand the precise blue light reduction capabilities of a lens or enhancement. The most technologically advanced lens manufacturers conduct rigorous testing of their products to measure how they attenuate blue light at numerous ranges across the spectrum. They utilize blue light transmittance graphs to show the actual percentage of filtration by the lens at different nanometers (nm).
Some manufacturers use a fixed percentage of filtration/reduction for their products, such as “Brand X lenses filter 80% of blue light” with no reference to a specific range of blue light. SunSync® Light-Reactive Lenses do not provide a fixed percentage because we don’t feel this is the most scientifically accurate way to discuss blue light defense. Instead, we use transmittance graphs to provide a fully transparent look at how our products defend against blue light at all points in the spectrum. For example, the transmittance graph below shows the blue light reduction of SunSync Elite XT Light-Reactive Lenses in clear and dark states. To read the graph, simply select a wavelength along the bottom, then reference up vertically. As you can see, in the clear state, SunSync Elite XT filters out 95% of blue light at 410 nm and 90% at 420 nm.[2] When considering a product for blue light defense, it’s in your and your patients’ best interest to request to see that product’s transmittance graph. If the manufacturer is reluctant to provide it, ask yourself, “Why?” ![]()
When considering a product for blue light defense, it’s in your and your patients’ best interest to request to see that product’s transmittance graph. If the manufacturer is reluctant to provide it, ask yourself, “Why?”
Choose Your Flavor
Several technologies are commonly used by optical manufacturers to combat the effects of blue light exposure: those that absorb, those that reflect, and those that both absorb and reflect varying wavelengths of blue light. Following are lens products and enhancements that leverage one or a combination of these to provide blue light defense:
Why choose a light-reactive lens for blue light defense?
SunSync Elite and SunSync Elite XT go from dark to clear and clear to dark in seconds,[3] providing exceptional blue light filtration in both states, thus making them an ideal, always-on solution for filtering blue light.
Why choose a multifunctional AR coating for blue light defense?
Why choose a single defense blue light coating for blue light defense?
Why choose an infused lens for blue light defense?
Remember, with all the aforementioned products, it’s extremely important to view their transmittance graphs to see how they perform across the blue light spectrum and how that performance benefits your patients. It’s in Your Hands
As an eye care provider, you can help improve patients’ visual comfort indoors and out by dispensing lenses and/or enhancements that reduce blue light exposure and help to alleviate the effects of eye strain. Referring to the following checklist can help you determine the best solution for each patient’s unique needs:
In Part 3 of our series, you’ll discover why a product that wasn’t designed exclusively as a blue light product has emerged as the can’t miss solution for patients and opticians across the country. Read Part 3 now! [1] “The Evolving Science of Blue Light: Technical White Paper.” Gary Morgan, O.D. VSP Optics Group. © 2017 Vision Service Plan. [2] Blue Light Basics-Benefits of a Photochromic Lens. UUniversity Course. VSP Global. [3] t½F of SunSync Elite in polycarbonate is 51 seconds at 73.4°.
17 Comments
CRIS E BOGUS
10/6/2021 09:34:58 am
I had to read through this twice to understand. So much information. Thanks
Reply
FRED
10/6/2021 09:59:25 am
good info thank you
Reply
Christi Golding
10/6/2021 10:19:51 am
Highly informative
Reply
Cheryl
10/6/2021 01:15:50 pm
Great information !
Reply
Melanie G
10/6/2021 01:17:11 pm
Good information. It took a minute to digest everything!
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Connie
10/7/2021 05:00:33 am
This is good information that I will be sharing with my fellow employees. Thank you
Reply
Belinda J
10/7/2021 06:10:37 am
Great info. It answers a lot of questions.
Reply
Patricia Mickler
10/7/2021 06:20:23 am
Thank you for the information. I want to memorize parts of this when talking to my patients about Blue light.
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Debbra Saunders
10/7/2021 09:36:28 am
Good information.
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Dana Phan
10/7/2021 10:27:10 am
Good to know these info.
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Kingman Louie
10/8/2021 03:48:24 pm
Good information for us to share with our patients.
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Kristi.Robinson
10/14/2021 01:36:42 pm
Thank you. Very informative.
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Kippie
10/19/2021 10:24:27 am
Thank you
Reply
Karen Erickson
10/20/2021 08:28:23 am
Will pass this info on to my patients
Reply
Brenda
10/21/2021 10:21:03 am
Very informative
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