Optical Prism August 2014 | Page 14

BLUE HORIZON Centennial Optical has introduced BluTech Lenses to Canada, a new lens technology developed by Eye Solutions, Inc. which filters harmful blue and UV light. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common degenerative eye condition that has no known cure and is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. BluTech Lenses technology was developed due to the growing evidence that constant exposure to harmful blue and UV wavelength light increases the risk of AMD. Studies have also shown that exposure to blue light can disrupt sleep patterns by suppressing melatonin. “We are exposed to more highenergy blue light both indoors and out than ever before,” says David Israel, Chief Operating Officer of Eye Solutions, Inc. “BluTech Lenses provide the protection needed to guard the macula from oxidative stress and a lifetime of exposure to damaging blue light.” BluTech Lenses filter high-energy blue and ultra-violet light using ocular lens pigment derived from the autooxidation of 3-Hydroxykynurenine 14 (3-OHKyn). The ocular lens pigment is then combined with melanin and isolated in a durable material. This infusion of pigment in an optical lens provides the same protection, contrast enhancement, and colour perception to the eye as the natural yellow-brown colouration of the human crystalline lens. A unique characteristic of BluTech Lenses is that they maintain natural colour vision and improve contrast sensitivity, making them ideal for everyday wear. The lenses are available in both indoor and outdoor versions. BluTech indoor lenses have a slight tint and protect the eyes from dangerous blue light given off by fluorescent and CFC light bulbs, computer screens, flat panel TVs, and hand-held devices such as tablets and smart phones. The outdoor lenses are polarized with 80 per cent light absorption to eliminate glare, and they protect against blue light and UV radiation emitted by the sun. Unlike other blue light interference coatings, since the filter is infused in the monomer, BluTech Lenses are fully compatible with AR coatings. OPTICAL PRISM | DIGITAL SUPPLEMENT | AUGUST 2014 BLUE VIOLET Today people spend hours in front of computer screens, cell phones and other digital devices. These devices emit a significant amount of harmful blue light which can damage the eyes and lead to eyestrain. Announcing the Partnership of This year Plastic Plus introduced the Blue Violet Filter AR Coating which offers protection against these harmful rays. “In today’s age where your patients eyes are continuously exposed to the harmful “Blue Lights” given off by LED Screens on their Televisions, Smart Phones, tablets, computers and car headlights, it is very important to offer them the best possible protection for their eyes,” said Paul Faibish, President of Plastic Plus. He said the new “BV-Filter” AR Coating will provide your patient’s eyes with an additional 20 per cent protection from harmful Blue Violet light which are known to cause reduced melatonin production which is harmful to a patient’s sleep-wake rhythm. The light can also lead to an increased risk for the onset of such eye diseases at cataracts a