Blue light blocking lens coating launched

The company created the lens coating due to the increasing awareness around the strong blue-violet light component of LEDs, Xenon lights, energy-saving bulbs and the electromagnetic radiation from displays such as smartphones, computer screens, tablets and e-readers.

Evidence shows that exposure to blue light in the spectrum between 400 and 520nm, with a maximum at 460nm, is necessary for biological processes, including regulating the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. However, too much blue-violet light, below 460nm, could damage the eye. 

Extended exposure to short wavelength light could lead to painful inflammation and could cause damage to the lens and retina, increasing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, says Zeiss.

The company has labelled the positive and negative effects the ‘dualism of blue light.’ To combat the undesirable effects, without completely blocking the useful blue-violet light, the DuraVision BlueProtect filters blue-violet light at 440nm and below, providing protection from potential phototoxicity, while having minor impact on the circadian day-night rhythm. 

Zeiss lenses with DuraVision Blue Protect can be worn all day for indoor activities. For all outdoor activities in the sun, however, the company recommends its tinted or photochromic lenses, such as Skylet and PhotoFusion, which, it states, offer 100% UV protection.

For more information, visit the Zeiss website.