In the world of eyewear, photochromic transition lenses have long been praised for their ability to adapt to changing light conditions, providing convenience and protection outdoors. However, a common question arises: Can these lenses also protect our eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by digital screens?
Let’s delve into the science behind photochromic lenses and blue light to uncover the truth behind this popular belief.
What Are Transition Lenses?
Transition lenses are eyeglass lenses that stay transparent indoors or in low light conditions and turn dark in the presence of UV light. They made by using photochromic molecules that undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to UV radiation, causing them to darken. That being said, the terms of transition lens and photochromic lens can typically be used interchangeably to describe a lens that transitions from clear to tinted based on the lighting in your environment. Additionally, light responsive lenses and light-adaptive lenses all used to describe them. Sometimes you may see Transitions®, that’s a brand of photochromic lenses. With the increasing popularity of transition lens, Transitions® is frequently referred to as “transition lenses” because people also commonly omit the “s” from the end.
Where is Blue Light Found?
Blue light, also known as HEV (High Energy Visible) light, is a color within the visible light spectrum that the human eye can perceive due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy level. Unlike certain other types of light, the human eye struggles to efficiently filter out blue light, allowing it to penetrate through to the retina.
Blue light is emitted all around us, every day, everywhere— both outdoors with the sun as the biggest source and LED & fluorescent lighting, as well as by some screens on our digital devices, including continuous use of computers, laptops, mobile devices, tablets, and television channels throughout the day.
The Harmful Effects of Blue Light
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum with a short wavelength and high energy, capable of penetrating deeply into the eye. While blue light has beneficial aspects in natural light, helping to maintain the body’s natural rhythm and enhance alertness, excessive exposure to blue light from electronic devices and artificial lighting may have negative effects on eye health and overall well-being.
One of the primary concerns of blue light is its potential to cause digital eye strain. Prolonged staring at screens of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and other discomforts. Additionally, research suggests that exposure to blue light may disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to reduced sleep quality and affecting metabolism and immune function.
Blue light is also thought to potentially damage the retina, especially with prolonged exposure to high-intensity blue light. This damage may be associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, increasing the risk of eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
In conclusion, while blue light is beneficial in moderation, prolonged exposure to excessive artificial blue light may have negative effects on eye health and overall well-being. Therefore, taking measures to reduce blue light exposure, such as using blue light blocking lenses or reducing screen time, may help protect the eyes and promote health.
Do Transition Lenses Block Blue Light?
Transition lenses are designed to automatically adjust their tint based on sunlight and UV exposure. While these lenses are primarily used to provide comfort and protection from UV damage, they generally do not have blue light blocking capabilities. UV index is a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV index typically refers to the UVB index, as UVB is one of the main types of UV radiation that can be harmful to the skin and eyes. A higher UV index indicates higher levels of UV radiation, requiring more protective measures for the skin and eyes. The UV index for photochromic lenses is 400, but the UV index for blue light is generally 420. Therefore, common transition lenses can’t block blue light.
Can You Get Transition Lenses with Blue Light Filter?
The answer is yes! In fact, more and more customers are choosing transition lenses with blue light filter because it not only adapts perfectly to outdoor sunlight without the need to change glasses but also provides maximum protection against harmful blue light.
Blue cut photochromic lenses are designed to not only adjust their tint based on sunlight and UV exposure but also to filter out a portion of blue light emitted from digital screens and artificial light sources. These lenses offer the convenience of transitioning from clear to tinted in different lighting conditions while providing protection against blue light.
Conclusion
Transition lenses with blue light filter are a great way to reduce eye strain and fatigue, especially if you work long hours in front of a computer screen. They can also help improve your sleep quality by blocking harmful blue light that can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. While they may not be suitable for everyone, they are a great option for those who are looking for a way to reduce eye strain and improve their overall vision health.
