Blue light is currently the hot topic in the ophthalmic lens sector. With exposure to the dangerous spectrum of blue light higher than ever, most major lens producers now offer a filtering option in their product portfolios.
Exposure to this harmful blue light spectrum comes from a number of sources: TVs, computer screens, smart phones and tablets and, in particular, the current generation of energy-saving light bulbs. All these examples are difficult to hide from and you have to wonder if blue light coatings will soon end up in the same often-specified bracket as AR coats. That’s probably a question for another time.
Optician wanted to spend some time with some of the new crop of blue light filtering lenses on the market to see if they fitted in with everyday lifestyles. The first product we tried came from Jai Kudo in the form of its Blue Shield coating. Available initially on its Infinity Hydro XT range, the Blue Shield coating was said to block 35-40 per cent of short wave lengths (380-500nm) and reduce harmful exposure while enhancing contrast and depth perception.
The first thing we noticed about the lenses glazed in a pair of the supplier’s JK London frames, even before trying them on, was a very slight brown tint. It was nothing substantial, but it did warm the colour tone on computer screens and the like.
After a week or so with the lenses, eyes did feel slightly more relaxed, especially at the end of the day. A good practical example of this was in the evenings looking an iPad or smartphone at home – which no longer felt like a strain on the eyes and didn’t need any brightness adjustments on the device.
It soon became evident that the handling of reflections was going to be different on a lens of this type. Externally, blue flashes were easily visible to others and back surface reflections were evident in some lighting conditions. The reflections did give cause for concern as to what the lenses would be like when driving, but these turned out to be unfounded. Night driving was surprisingly good, with crisp handling of headlights and glare. The reflections in general weren’t bothersome, but some patients may comment on them and it could be argued that blue reflections are easier on the eye than the pinks seen on some coatings.
Optician’s first experience with blue light filtering lenses has, on the whole, been very encouraging. The Blue Shield lenses performed well, with reflections the only real issue of any note, and this from a lens situated at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. Optician will be testing other blue light filtering lenses in a future issue, but the Blue Shield lenses have set a high standard.