ULTRA-VIOLET AND BLUE LIGHT

Protect your eyes from potentially harmful
ultra-violet (UV) light and blue light.

Most people are aware that ultra-violet (UV) light is harmful to the eye and may lead to cataracts and other eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ultra-violet light is that portion of the spectrum of invisible light below 286nm to 400nm. While the primary source of UV light is the sun, other sources include welder's flash, video display terminals, fluorescent lighting, high-intensity mercury vapor lamps (for night sports and high-crime areas), and xenon arc lamps. UV light is divided into three segments, which are designated as A, B, and C.
UVC (below 286nm) is effectively filtered by the earth's ozone layer. UVB (286-320nm) is that solar energy which is the cause of sunburn and snow blindness and is absorbed by the cornea. UVA (320-400nm) is that part of the invisible spectrum of particular concern to eye care professionals. It is the most damaging of UV radiation and it is the radiation transmitted to the crystalline lens of the human eye.
Researchers have identified melanin as the substance in the skin, hair and eyes that absorbs harmful UV and blue light. It is the body's natural sunscreen protection. Higher amounts of melanin afford greater protection against damaging light rays, but melanin is lost as we age. By age 65, about half of the protection is gone so that we are more susceptible to eye disease such as macular degeneration. The Schepens Eye Institute reports that "the blue rays of the spectrum seem to accelerate AMD more than other rays of the spectrum." Very bright lights such as sunlight or its reflection in the ocean or desert may worsen macular degeneration. The Institute recommends that sunglasses protect against both blue/violet and UV light.

By including synthetic melanin in our sunglasses, we may be compensating for the melanin lost as we age. With such sunglasses, the colors are filtered in proportion to their damage potential and the danger of macular degeneration may be reduced. Many optical shops that sell prescription eyewear now have melanin lenses available. For an online source, see Melanin Products from PhotoProtective Technologies, the inventors of melanin lenses.
Recent studies suggest that the blue end of the light spectrum may also contribute to retinal damage and possibly lead to AMD. The retina can be harmed by high-energy visible radiation of blue/violet light that penetrates the macular pigment found in the eye. According to a study by The Schepens Eye Institute, a low density of macular pigment may represent a risk factor for AMD by permitting greater blue light damage.
Retinal damage is the most important hazard from light. The three types of retinal damage are structural, thermal and photochemical. The type of damage depends on the wavelength, power level and exposure time.
Who needs protection from harmful UV light? - Those who work or play in the sun. For example, construction workers, farmers, truck drivers, sports participants and spectators, police officers, skiers, life guards and beach goers.
Who else? Those in certain light environments.For example, if you work in an environment which is brightly lit with fluorescent light fixtures or if you spend hours in front of a computer terminal.
Anyone else? - Those taking medications! There are many photosensitizing drugs on the market today including certain tranquilizers, diuretics, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics as well as anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive medications, and even artificial sweeteners such as cyclamates.