LENS TECHNOLOGY
REFERENCE GUIDE
This handy quick-reference guide provides breaks down some of
the most-common terms associated with lenses. It also provides some
information on the types of products available on the market today.
BLUE LIGHT
What is it?
Blue light, also known as high-energy visible
light, is emitted by smartphones, tablets,
computer screens and televisions as well as
compact fluorescent light bulbs and the sun.
Blue light can cause digital eye strain, which
is marked by dry, irritated eyes, headaches
and neck and back pain, but research suggests
long-term exposure can also lead to long-term
issues like age-related macular degeneration
and cataracts.
PHOTOCHROMIC
What are they?
Photochromic lenses adapt to lighting conditions. The
specialized light-adaptive lenses contain photochromic
molecules that cause the lenses to automatically darken
when exposed to ultraviolet light. The lenses return to
clear while indoors.
On the market: Transitions is the leading manufacturer of
photochromic lenses, but other companies, such as Vision
Ease, Rodenstock and Centennial Optical also develop and
sell self-tinting lenses.
On the market: Many eyewear companies have
developed lenses and lens treatments to help
protect the eyes from blue light.
HOYA Recharge, for one, is an anti-reflective
lens treatment that helps to protect the eyes
from damaging blue light wavelengths. All
Transitions lenses also help shield the eyes
from harmful blue light.
10 Optical Prism | July 2016
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