Blue light, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are currently more talked about than ever, which is good news for the awareness and importance of eye health and interest in lenses that can help protect the long-term health of the eyes.
Tokai, probably best known for its 1.76 index ‘thinnest organic lens in the world’, has recently turned its attention to patients’ eye health and protection. In particular, protecting against the effects of high energy violet light (HEV).
What is HEV light and how does it differ to UV light?
Most patients now recognise and understand the dangers of UV light, but there can be misunderstandings between UV light and the potentially damaging effects of HEV light. UVB can damage the cornea, while UVA is absorbed in the crystalline lens which can lead to long term damage such as AMD and cataracts. People are generally aware that sunglass and almost all clear lenses now have UV protection up to 400nm, but what they may not be aware of is that it is also beneficial to block HEV light between 400nm-420nm.
What is lutein?
Lutein is one of the three carotenoid pigments that are present in very high concentrations in the eye, specifically in the crystalline lens and macula. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘natural sunglass’.
What does lutein do?
- Absorbs high energy violet light including ultraviolet rays.
- De-oxidises the active oxygen radicals within the retina.
- Helps protect the macula from damage and degeneration.
How can we obtain Lutein?
Lutein cannot be produced within the body, so it is important to protect the lutein from damage and degeneration caused by high energy violet light. Lutein is essential in protecting the macula from damage and a stable amount is needed within the eyes to do so. The problem is that lutein can only be absorbed into the body by eating fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, with some of the highest sources coming from: kale, red peppers and spinach.
The Risks of HEV light
Recent studies suggest that the most damaging short wave (HEV) light is between 400nm-420nm – this is where the most oxidative stress on the retinal cells occurs. Therefore, it is useful to block (HEV) light between 400nm-420nm.
It is suggested that prolonged exposure to (HEV) light increases the risk of long-term health problems, including AMD and cataracts.
Many eye disorders and ageing of the eyes are caused by singlet oxygen and the oxidative stress caused by it. Lutein is a substance that reduces the oxidative stress. Blue light accelerates the production of singlet oxygen.
It is possible to reduce oxidative stress the damage to the lutein by cutting out UV-Blue light waves.
Lutina
Lutina is a new lens material that helps to protect the health of your eyes by protecting the lutein. It actively filters out 94% of HEV light between 400nm-420nm (figures 1 and 2). Being a material and not a coating, Lutina gas natural looking anti-reflective coating with no harsh reflective blue bloom.
Figure 2: Lutina actively filters out 94% of HEV light between 400nm-420nm
The lens is available in single vision and varifocal designs in 1.50 (SV only), to 1.76 index. It is recommended for patients who spend a lot of time in high UV environments, post-surgery cataract patients, people at risk of AMD, and to a lesser extent those using a lot of screens. Lutina is for everyone, children included.
Lutina can also be tinted up to 85% ABS to give greater UV protection, and in 1.60 index can be combined with one of the company’s six different colour AR coatings.
Recommended patients:
- Children
- Patients at risk of AMD
- Post-surgery cataract patients
- Patients who spend a lot of time outdoors
- Patients wanting the ultimate in HEV & UV protection in a clear lens, or tinted to achieve the ultimate sunglass.
For more information about Lutina and Tokai UK, or to order a demonstration kit, please contact info@tokai.co.uk, or 0845 388 1542.
See online at www.tokai.co.uk.