Why blue-violet light filtering lenses?
Every day, we are exposed to High-Energy Visible (HEV) Blue-Violet Light mainly from the sun. In a lesser degree we are also exposed to blue-violet light emissions from bright LED screens, LED lights, including headlights, as well as energy-efficient light bulbs. This increase in blue-violet light may potentially impact our long-term vision and disrupt our normal sleeping patterns. For these reasons, our eyes need more protection than ever before.
What is blue-violet light?
Light is energy1 and each color of the spectrum is created by different energy wavelengths measured in nanometers. In the color spectrum below, HEV blue-violet light wavelengths represent the violet and blue colors visible to the human eye.
What are the effects of blue-violet light?
Overexposure to bright blue-violet light may contribute to long-term damage to our eyes, effect our mood, and disrupt our sleep. In fact, sleep study centers have discovered a correlation between blue-violet light exposure and sleeping disorders, and several articles have been published about the effects on our natural sleep cycle3. It is recommended that whenever possible, the exposure to bright device screens be reduced or eliminated, especially before bedtime.
Not all blue light is harmful. Only the blue-violet light wavelengths on the high-frequency end of the spectrum have been noted to have potentially damaging effects. Low energy blue light is essential for full color perception and helps regulate the sleep cycle. Blue-violet light, in general, promotes alertness which is beneficial during the day but disturbs necessary rest at nighttime4.
How can you reduce your exposure to blue-violet light?
Optical and electronic companies have created lenses, coatings, screen covers and software that reduce bright blue-violet light emissions. Eyeglass lenses are also available with light-filtering technology to reduce your exposure to blue-violet light.
The KODAK Lens solution is KODAK Total Blue® Lens, which offers your eyes 100% protection from direct UV rays and significantly filters blue-violet light, decreasing the risk associated with long-term exposure to UV and bright glare. KODAK Total Blue Lens filters the uncomfortable blue-violet light but allows low energy blue light, which is essential for true color perception and regulating sleep cycle rhythms, to pass through to the eye.
