Boots Opticians has rolled out a new lens which reduces exposure to harmful elements of the blue light spectrum emitted by electronic devices and some low energy light bulbs.
The multiple said the launch of the Boots Protect Plus Blue lens was an extension of its 2014 patient eye health offer which included a clearer pricing structure, UV protective lenses with every frame sold and digital retinal photography as standard.
Research conducted by Boots to coincide with the launch found that 34 per cent of its patients spent up to four hours on a digital device each evening before going to bed. It said blue light emitted by these devices could have an impact on quality of sleep and eye health and that 60 per cent of people said they had problems sleeping at least one or two nights a week.
The new lens was said to block out 20 per cent of bad blue light while allowing through 96 per cent of good blue light. Benefits included prevention of premature eye ageing and a 25 per cent reduction in cell death at the back of the eye.
Ben Fletcher, managing director of Boots Opticians, said: ‘The launch of Boots Protect Plus Blue lens is another example of how Boots Opticians is supporting the everyday eye health needs of our customers.
‘We understand how our customers live their lives today and how the rise of technology focused lifestyles means our eyes are increasingly exposed to blue light – which can not only impact eye health but can also affect sleep patterns. This is why we are leading the way in developing products that help to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of blue light
Stuart Peirson, associate professor in the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, added: ‘Exposure to blue light produced by many modern day electronic devices can inhibit the release of melatonin and affect our sleeping and waking cycles. Recent studies have shown this may explain why many people often wake feeling unrested and less alert on a morning. Disrupted sleep can also cause broader health issues such as an increased risk of weight gain and impaired concentration, so it is important to try and maintain a healthy sleeping pattern and limit the use of light-emitting electronic devices before bedtime.’
The new Boots Protect Plus Blue lens costs an additional £70 per pair.