LENS BASICS • SUNVISION CE
SUNVISION May 2016
MOMENTS
IN THE SUN GIVE YOUR SUNWEAR A CHANCE TO SHINE
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF
SUN V
May 2016
ENDLES S EYEWEAR Before my days at 20/20, I seemingly had one pair of sunglasses that I wore every single day. I attempted to match this simple and boring black wayfarer-inspired sunglass purchased from Forever 21 with each and every outfit that I wore. Let’s just say, I wasn’t always successful. But I still insisted on wearing these eight-dollar plastic sunglasses every chance I got. They certainly didn’t suffice for extravagant events or playing sports, but I proudly wore them anyway. Fast-forward a few years, and here I stand with the opposite mindset. The MORE sunglasses, the better. If anyone ever tells you that it’s only necessary to have one pair of sunglasses, point them in my direction because I will gladly explain to them the importance of multiple pairs. In my opinion, you need a pair of sunglasses for every mood, outfit or event that you are attending. Aren’t your accessories meant to be another form of self-expression? Nowadays, I probably spend more time than necessary when picking out what pair of frames I will be wearing each day. Usually it depends on what I’ll be doing, the weather and what I’ll be wearing. For instance, now I tend to switch up my sunglass options depending on what my daily activities or outfit will be. If I’m on the beach playing volleyball, I’ll stick with sporty sunwear that won’t slip off my face or become easily damaged. If I’m attending an exclusive outdoor event, I’ll choose a more glamourous, statement-making frame that enhances my outfit. My cherished black sunglasses eventually made their way into the trash, along with many other not so flattering accessories and outfits I thought were stylish at the time. Since then, I’ve added much more suitable and fun
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frames to my eyewear wardrobe, creating a much more reliable selection
4> Moments in the Sun
for my lifestyle. With springtime upon us, it’s time to jump into the warmer weather with multiple sun styles that will complement your everyday activities.
12> WHAT’S HOT UNDER THE SUN:
Remember, there’s no such thing as too many pairs.
Shining insight into sunny goings-on
14> LENS BASICS: 17> CE: POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
ON THE COVER JOHN VARVATOS Soho V605 from Base Curve/A Luxury division of Rem Eyewear
Everyone’s Most Important Piece
PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHEN MARK SULLIVAN
of Equipment Outdoors
HAIR/MAKEUP RITA MADISON
Color Play
MODEL COREY/Q
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—Victoria Garcia 20/20 Associate Editor vgarcia@jobson.com CREATED BY 20/20 MAGAZINE SUNVISION EDITOR VICTORIA GARCIA > SUNVISION ART DIRECTOR IRIS JOHNSON > GRAPHIC DESIGNER JINCY THOMAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JAMES J. SPINA > EXECUTIVE EDITOR CHRISTINE YEH > ASSISTANT EDITOR JILLIAN URCELAY > GROUP EDITOR, LENSES & TECHNOLOGY ANDREW KARP > SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST JENNIFER WALLER> PRODUCTION MANAGER EDWARD SMITH
Dealer Ordering
Wiley X Active Lifestyle Series sunglasses are made for activities that work up a sweat. Many styles feature rubberized nose bridge or temple tips to ensure a secure fit, while shatterproof lenses and frames provide critical protection during high intensity activities. Every style is ANSI Z87.1 safety rated and Rx ready. Wiley X: For Work. For Play. For Life.
NEW FOR 2016
WX OMEGA 1.800.776.7842 //
WX HUDSON WILEYX.COM
MOMENTS IN With new creative colors and styles, make sure sunwear thrives as your staple accessory this spring.
Photographed by NED MATURA SunVision Editor: VICTORIA GARCIA
PINK PARADISE A bright pink tone radiates from this retroshaped sunglass with cheerful inner temple designs that create an ultra-feminine style. SPERRY TOP-SIDER Castine from Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amy America
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THE SUN
HOLD ON TIGHT This colorful braided eyewear retainer adds an exotic print and extra flair to any pair of sunwear. CROAKIES XL Tite End from Croakies
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AN OLIVE BRANCH This sport frame adds a subtle touch of color and texture with a warm green hue that emits a soft stripe pattern. MOXY from Wiley X Eyewear
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SUNVISION
CAREFULLY CRYSTALLIZED Jimmy Crystal takes temple adornments to an elegant and flashy plateau. JIMMY CRYSTAL NEW YORK 450 from A&A Optical
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SUNVISION
RIDE THE TIDE Wiley X conveys its signature protection with this sleek sport frame with a foam facial cavity and reflective blue lenses. TIDE from Wiley X Eyewear
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GREEN WITH ENVY A sporty square shape adds athleticism to this Nike style featuring green mirror lenses and small ventilation systems, perfect for any on-the-go athlete. NIKE BANDIT E EV0949 from Marchon Eyewear
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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOT UNDER THE SUN FASHION FLIGHT A&A Optical presents Jimmy Crystal New York, a designer eyewear collection consisting of striking and unique limited edition pieces. With a timeless and sophisticated aviator shape, metal sunglass style 117 features Swarovski crystals and CR-39 lenses.
SUNNING UP Established in 1991, Jimmy Crystal New York is renowned for fashion-forward designs and superior accessories and now offers a rewards program called Shine.
FUN IN THE SUN With a fun pop of color, Croakies adds the Ziggy Festival print to its XL retainer options. Available in an XL model that accommodates wider sunglass temples, this retainer is made in the USA and is constructed with highquality neoprene material that fights against wet outdoor environments. CROAKIES XL FROM CROAKIES
JIMMY CRYSTAL NEW YORK 117 FROM A&A OPTICAL
SUNNING UP
FISH FRIENDLY Wiley X Eyewear adds the Gravity to its Climate Control Series. Featuring a patented removable soft foam facial cavity seal, this frame is perfect for boaters and fishermen who need to block out
SUNNING UP Wiley Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive filter 8 polarized lens technology uses an eight-layer construction that eliminates glare off the water and other light color surfaces, improving sharpness of vision and eye comfort.
peripheral light as well as wind, dust and airborne objects. Ideally sized for medium to large head sizes, this frame also features rubberized temple pieces for a secure fit and polarized blue mirror lenses that enhance visual clarity. GRAVITY FROM WILEY X EYEWEAR
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In 1977, a ski patrolman from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming came up with the idea for an eyewear retainer that would grip his sunwear through all kinds of alpine adventures. So began the Croakies brand.
WARMER WEATHER CALLS FOR HOTTER SUNWEAR STYLES. ADD FUN AND EXCITEMENT TO YOUR SUNWEAR WARDROBE THIS SPRING WITH THESE VIBRANT AND NOTEWORTHY SUN STYLES THAT ARE SURE TO TURN A FEW HEADS.
—VICTORIA GARCIA
AN AMERICAN TRADITION L’Amy America adds new sun styles to its Sperry Top-Sider collection. The collection is built for life’s adventures on the open seas. With mirrored polarized lenses, the Seaford features a misty rich gray horn material that creates a contemporary and classic look. Evoking the
SUNNING UP
rough texture of a dock, the bottom portion of the frame front extending to the temples has an etched finishing. SPERRY TOP-SIDER SEAFORD from L’Amy America
SUNNING UP Signature Sperry Top-Sider details are integrated into the eyewear collection, including the grommet and wave-siping pattern, as well as vibrant colors and timeless craftsmanship.
To protect wearers from the dangers encountered outdoors, the Peak meets ANSI Z87.1-2010 high velocity and high-mass impact safety standards, providing OSHAgrade protection.
A BOLD CHOICE
Part of the Active Series from Wiley X Eyewear, the Peak is built for action. Available in three Rx-ready versions, the Peak is lightweight and nearly indestructible. With secure and comfortable soft rubberized nose bridges and temple gloves, this frame is perfect for all-day wear and protects against 100 percent of the sun’s damaging rays. PEAK from Wiley X Eyewear
SUNNING UP
ELITE EYES Marchon Eyewear and Nike Performance Eyewear has advanced the evolution of the human eye with leading
Flex points along the temples automatically adjust to the shape of the athlete’s head to provide a secure fit, and a floating nosepad automatically adjusts for optimum grip and comfort, while acting as a shock absorber and increasing airflow.
athletic innovation and style. The new Nike Vaporwing Elite features cutting-edge design that fuses the lens with the frame to become one cohesive unit, using lighter materials than average sport performance eyewear. A single shield lens provides an uninterrupted view with protective coverage while cutting through wind and reducing resistance. The arms of the eyewear adjust to the moisture level for added comfort. The material is smooth when dry and grips when the athlete begins to sweat. Soft rubber channels on the inside of the temples wick away sweat from contact points NIKE Vaporwing Elite from Marchon Eyewear
and increase airflow.
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LENS BASICS <DESCRIPTION>
By Cheryl G. Murphy, OD
olors can have a dramatic impact on us. Different hues can change our state of wakefulness and improve or deflate our mood. Various shades of color contain different combinations of wavelengths of light. But sometimes we get inundated with so much color and light stimulation that these wavelengths get tangled, and our visual environment gets washed out. New color-enhancing sun lenses are now available that enhance contrast, uplifting our perception of color. These specialized sunglasses selectively filter out some of these tangled wavelengths before
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they reach our eyes. This can help clarify colors and change the way the world looks. Sometimes changes that alter our color perception can cause harm. For example, if tints impair our ability to perceive the colors of traffic lights accurately, then our reaction time to them may be delayed, or signal confusion might ensue, which can make driving unsafe. However, when the theories of color filtering are applied correctly, color perception is improved, as in the case of specialized sunglasses. Specialized sunglasses boost certain wavelengths, allowing some colors to look bolder and pleasantly more vibrant. This can help
S U N G L A S S T I N T S T H AT TA I N T C O L O R P E R C E P T I O N Color vision deficiencies can make color recognition challenging, and wearing sunglasses with particular tints can exacerbate this problem. In April 2009, a study was published in Optometry and Vision Science that took a look at how sunglasses with different colored lenses can affect oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s color recognition of traffic lights. A total of 69 people were tested, 20 of which had normal color vision, and 49 had some sort of color vision deficiency. Researchers showed subjects a simulated traffic signal against a white background 5 degrees to the right or left of a fixation point. The subjects had to press a button that corresponded to the signal color they observed (red, yellow or green) as quickly as possible, and their response times and response errors were noted. According to the study, those with color vision deficiencies had an especially hard time quickly and accurately identifying traffic light colors when wearing sunglasses with either green, yellow-green, yellow-brown or red-brown tint. Ideally these tints should be avoided by sunglass manufacturers when designing sunglasses. Regulations have been placed on the manufacturing of sunglasses so the color filters will meet specific safety standards and not negatively impact oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judgement of whether a stoplight is red, yellow or green. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;CGM
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athletes, outdoorsmen and weekend warriors to further enjoy their experiences and adventures outside. It can also aid people with specific color vision deficiencies to be able to better distinguish between colors that they might normally confuse.
HELP FOR THOSE WITH COLOR VISION DEFICIENCIES Recent breakthroughs have been made that are helping to improve the way those with color vision deficiencies see the world. Lens manufacturers Enchroma and 02Amp have both developed lenses that help correct some of the spectral overlap which contributes to the issues people with redgreen color vision deficiencies experience when trying to distinguish between different shades of red and green. People with red-green color vision deficiencies still have three functioning cones; however, the ranges of light their M and L-cones sense are too similar, and the colors become easily confused. This is why in red-green color deficient individuals, an object that is green will activate both M-cones and L-cones, and an object that is red, again, will stimulate both M and L-cones. Color vision correcting lenses work to filter out some of the overlap in the wavelength ranges that these M and L-cones have in common in these individuals. By eliminating the area on the
color spectrum that would be stimulated by both cones, it leaves a sliver of wavelengths that only the M-cones and only the L-cones will sense. This makes it easier for those with color vision deficiencies to see red and green more distinctly. It can also aid them in spotting other shades of color better, such as purple. Through the use of Enchroma, those with color vision deficiencies can see purple (a combination of red and blue) with a “pure” red component and no green cone interference. Purple will therefore appear “less muddy” and more vibrant to them than ever before. A BOLD BOOST FOR ALL Several other companies have developed sunglasses for everyone that use specialized lenses to block out particular wavelengths
of “spectral noise.” These can enhance one’s perception of specific colors and work to boost color perception in people who are not afflicted with color vision deficiencies. These are just a few of the sunglasses on the market that are designed to make colors pop while reducing glare and protecting against harmful UV light. •Smith Optics’ ChromaPop Lenses eliminate the spectral overlap to further separate the specific wavelength ranges that each cone covers. They are available with polarized lenses and full UV protection. •Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 Lens Technology is also an option for those seeking UV protection, glare elimination and vivid color enhancement through filtering of overlapping cone stimulation.
•Costa’s 580 Color Enhancing Lenses block UV and blue violet light while also offering a wide variety of color-filtering tints and eye-catching mirrored color tints. •Essilor’s Kolor Up sun lenses have UV and blue light protection and aim to amp up the brightness of “pure primary colors.” They are available in various color tints. Many of these specialized sunglasses are offered in a wide variety of color tints including amber, gray, gray-green, brown and copper so one can choose the best tint for them depending on what activities they enjoy the most. Lenses with an amber, copper or brown tint can make things seem sharper and enhance color differentiation particularly between grass and sky. Continued on page 16
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THE PROVEN SOLUTION FOR LIFE’S EVERYDAY ADVENTURES . . . . . . . g Cable Articulatin
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LENS BASICS <DESCRIPTION>
Continued from page 15 Green or combo gray-green lenses tend to give a little boost of contrast without impairing color recognition and are often used by golfers and baseball players. And
finally, gray lenses tend to reduce overall brightness while affecting color differentiation the least and are said to be great for driving. It is important to note that while tints
THE ABCs OF SEEING COLOR Our retinas contain photoreceptors. “Photo” is another way of saying light. These photoreceptors are rods (which sense the presence or absence of light and its intensity) and cones (which can detect light of a specific wavelength or color). In humans, cones typically come in three types, those that detect wavelengths of red (long wavelengths or L-cones), green (medium wavelengths, M-cones) and blue (short wavelengths, S-cones). Of course, we see more colors than just red, green and blue in the world, and that is because we can also sense wavelengths that stimulate different combinations of these three cones at the same time. The exact mechanism by which our eyes and our brain put all of this neural stimulation together to process it into the perception of individual colors remains largely unknown. However, the majority of what we have learned about color perception has come from what has been observed through studies involving people who have known color vision deficiencies.
—CGM
will change the way one perceives color, tints are put on as an addition to these specialized sunglasses. A tint alone does not yield the same kind of color enhancement and spectral overlap filtering that specialized sunglasses do and will therefore not be as useful to patients with color vision deficiencies. Eyecare professionals should prescribe specialized sunglasses to help those with color vision deficiencies. They should also be offered to those with normal color vision who wish to experience the richness of the world’s colors on a whole new level. By doing this, we can give ourselves and our patients a more purified view of the beauty all around us. Sometimes a new lens can help us to appreciate our planet “through new eyes.” ■
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POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Everyone’s Most Important Piece of Equipment Outdoors [1 CE CREDIT] By Alexander Bennett
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ake a look at any professional athlete competing in an outdoor sport: baseball, cycling, golf, fishing, shooting, skiing, tennis, track and field, beach volleyball, sailing… the list goes on. What do they have in common? Most of these athletes wear sunglasses. They are no longer an accessory, but a piece of equipment just as important as the rest of their uniform and gear. It ensures that athletes compete at their best without interruption or distraction. Sunglasses are an essential tool for optimum vision, especially in action sports where split-second decisions mean the difference between winning and losing, or even preventing an accident. These athletes demand the most cutting-edge equipment in order to maximize their performance, and they utilize polarized sunglasses to help them succeed. However, polarized sunglasses are not limited to the elite competitor. Because of their affordability, they can be used by everyone—even if you aren’t a professional athlete. The reason they are so popular is due to the increased visibility and performance they provide the wearer in everyday situations. While athletes use them to maximize their performance,
the consumer can use them to maximize their experience. Whether it’s taking a relaxing hike, enjoying a casual Sunday drive, or relaxing with a book on a beach, polarized sunglasses can eliminate the distracting glare that causes visual discomfort in any sunny situation. Polarized sunglasses can best be described as a sunglass option for everyone.
LIGHT The light we see is electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, 380 nm to 700 nm. The invisible radiation discussed in this course will include ultraviolet (UV), and most opticians are already accustomed to discussing this. UV light is electromagnetic radiation outside of the human visible spectrum, has a range of 215 nm to 380 nm and is known to cause damage to the eyes and skin if exposed unprotected for prolonged periods. Light acts like both a particle and a wave. Photons, the common unit of light, move in a particular vector (a specific speed in a specific direction) but they also oscillate up and down along their path, giving them the properties of a transverse wave as well. Bundles of light reaching the earth from the sun oscillate
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the fundamental causes of blinding glare. 2. Learn the limitations of polarized lenses and when to not recommend them. 3. Know why polarized lenses provide enhanced acuity and visual comfort for the wearer, and methods of explanation. 4. Comprehend how the proper polarized lenses can maximize patient performance and experience. Alexander Bennett, ABOM, graduated from Colorado State University in 2007 with a degree in Natural Resources Management. He has been an optician since 2008 and currently works in the Denver metro area. Alex is completing prerequisite courses in order to qualify for optometry school. In his free time, he enjoys running, rock climbing and traveling. CREDIT: This course is approved for one (1) hour of CE credit by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). General Knowledge Course SWJMI517 This CE is available online at www.2020mag.com
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at all angles, horizontal, vertical and everywhere in between. Some of this light lands directly on the eye, while some of it is reflected off of surfaces like roadways or water. This reflected light is slightly bent and scattered in all directions according to its angle of incidence on the reflective surface; some of these reflected light rays become polarized.
POLARIZED LIGHT When a bundle of light hits a flat surface, it becomes polarized, i.e., is reflected only horizontally. It becomes concentrated and is blinding to the viewer. This intense reflection is commonly referred to as blinding glare. The reflections can be uniform, like light reflected off of the road ahead of a driver or from another car’s hood. The reflections could also be from non-uniform or changing surfaces, like running water or a non-uniform patch of ice on the road. No matter the case, the desired requirement is to filter out the distracting reflected light and provide a clear viewing experience for the wearer. POLARIZED FILTERS The properties of polarized filters are used in a variety of fields such as chemistry, engineering, professional photography, geology and astronomy. As an example, polarized filters can be used to highlight clouds for photographers or detect the amount of stress in lenses in a frame by observing the amount of birefringence (internal stress) induced. This is used in a variety of engineering stress tests and is used in many finishing labs to ensure proper lens fit with minimal stress placed on the finished lens. One can think of polarized lenses as linearly aligned slit filters used to block incident light of a particular orientation. Think of the filter acting like Venetian blinds: The horizontal blind blocks incoming light from above and below. By blocking this light, it provides a clearer view when looking out a 1 8 <M a y
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window; there are fewer distractions and reflections observed. For optimal viewing, a polarizing lens should stop horizontally polarized light from view while allowing vertical light rays through the lenses. As stated, reflected light off flat surfaces becomes polarized in a horizontal direction to the viewer. It causes blinding glare. This light obstructs images from the observer, such as the bottom of a shallow streambed. By eliminating the reflected blinding glare from water, the wearer is able to see below the surface of the water and clearly identify rocks and fish. The advantage in this example is safely avoiding obstacles while wading through the stream, locating the fish one might be trying to catch as in fly fishing or from a boat. Another instance in which polarized lenses provide an advantage is while driving because of the elimination of glare from oncoming traffic or the road itself. Both the metal finish from other cars and the road itself can be quite reflective on bright days, but this effect is amplified if it has recently rained or snowed. Suddenly these surfaces are reflecting much more light and in many more directions. Polarized lenses filter and reduce the most intense horizontal reflections from these surfaces. This ensures that the wearer’s eyes are relaxed and don’t feel strained, which can result from even a short drive.
DISADVANTAGES OF POLARIZED LENSES Polarized lenses have never been suitable for pilots of major aircrafts. The Federal Aviation Administration (or FAA) advises pilots
against wearing polarized sunglasses. The FAA specifically mentions polarized lenses creating striations and decreased visibility through aircraft windscreens. This can create much more visual noise (a colorful rainbow effect and visual obstruction) for the pilot. This is extremely important when spotting other aircraft in high-traffic situations during takeoff or prior to landing. Polarized lenses effectively mask the sparkle of light from other aircraft, which is necessary to provide an additional measure of safety for pilots in these high-traffic situations. The FAA even discourages the use of polarized sunglasses due to reduced visibility of instrument clusters equipped with anti-glare filters. This is a result of newer instruments incorporating LCD technology for digitally displaying flight data such as altitude, pitch and yaw of the plane. A polarized filter can dim or even make gauges disappear entirely, which can result in an unsafe situation for the pilot. The AR surface of the gauge helps reduce reflections from the sun or other lights in the cockpit that might mask the LCD display. However, this AR cannot reduce the problem of polarized sun lenses. To the average consumer, the largest drawback is the disappearance of LCD screens like smartphones, car gauges, radio displays and gas pumps while wearing polarized sunglasses. LCD displays utilize a polarizer, placed at 45 degrees to ensure proper color contrast and clarity of the picture. This isn’t a problem for the wearer when their lenses are aligned in a parallel orientation to the polarizer in the LCD screen. But when the wearer is looking at an LCD device at a perpendicular angle to the polarizer, the image turns black. The same effect occurs if you hold two polarized lenses at 90 degrees to one another. While this has been more of an issue in the past when looking at digital displays
such as GPS navigation, advances in screen technology displays emit light at various angles to ensure that displays can be seen through polarized lens filters, though potentially dimmed. This is still a critical point of note when choosing lenses for those who work outside and rely on digital displays. I have asked many engineers and construction workers to bring in their digital devices and explore how their screens look through polarized lenses. This has saved costly remakes and patient dissatisfaction from choosing the wrong lenses for their needs. One other note of importance is that some skiers prefer tinted lenses instead of polarized lenses because of the reduced visibility of ice. Since the reflections are eliminated, skiers might not be aware of the ice until it is too late. Those competing in slalom events need to know where they have to check their speeds to safely take the corners. Although competitive skiers wear goggles for competition, many recreational skiers will wear their sunglasses and
purposes or to discuss how polarized lenses will work for patients’ specific needs.
WHY POLARIZED LENSES? The advantages to the consumer are invaluable in creating a better visual experience during daytime activities. First, they remove reflections in the form of scatter (“visual noise” as the reflected short wavelengths are polarized and crisscross over one another). This is called Rayleigh’s Effect and is a major reason that polarized lenses are so comfortable overall. Secondly, polarized lenses increase color saturation to the viewer by increasing edge contrast and color variations of an object. Because of this, environments look more vivid than if observed by the unaided eye: Leaves are a vibrant green, and the sky is a darker hue of blue. By eliminating blinding glare, polarized sunglasses provide visibility of an otherwise hidden object for the wearer. This is important for spotting debris and road imperfections whether on a bicycle, motorcycle or while driving a car.
the sun is behind the wearer. In competitive sports, back-surface reflections can get in the way of a critical decision leading to poorer performance or a loss of the event. As a cyclist, I can attest to the importance of the best optics while looking at the road for hours at a time. The visual demand is intense: constantly scanning for debris and imperfections while managing your position next to other cyclists—sometimes only inches away from you. The action is very fast, and split-second decisions are constantly being made— do you drink water now or press on a bit further? The wrong move could cost you valuable time or your position in the peloton. At worst, it could mean an accident, causing injury to yourself or others. Even an insect can lead to disaster: A bug contacting a rider’s face at 30 mph can be quite shocking and jar the most skilled rider. This is why states without helmet laws will mandate eye protection for motorcyclists. The acuity polarized lenses can provide to the wearer is also important to mention.
P O L A R I Z E D L E N S E S I N C R E A S E C O L O R S AT U R AT I O N T O T H E V I E W E R B Y I N C R E A S I N G E D G E C O N T R A S T A N D C O L O R V A R I AT I O N S O F A N O B J E C T. B E C A U S E O F T H I S , E N V I R O N M E N T S L O O K M O R E VIVID THAN IF OBSERVED BY THE UNAIDED EYE: LEAVES ARE A VIBRANT GREEN AND THE SKY IS A DARKER HUE OF BLUE. go straight from the mountain to their après-ski activities. This is another point of mention with patients who express interest in using their sunglasses on the mountain. Despite these cautions, the advantages of wearing polarized sunglass lenses outweigh the disadvantages. It is important to consider lifestyle and overall use of the sunglasses to make the most appropriate decisions concerning patient lens selection. It is very important that these limitations are understood and easily explained by the dispensing optician for troubleshooting
Anti-reflective coatings, especially on the back surface of polarized lenses, are a requirement for the best sunglasses. These coatings improve acuity while driving and should be recommended to anyone wearing sunglasses when commuting. This option eliminates distracting reflections from objects behind the wearer, most noticeably the image of the wearers’ eye reflected on the inside of the lens, which can obstruct vision. Some premium antireflective coatings also prevent harmful UV from being reflected into the eye when
Colors look truer and better defined than a neutrally tinted sunglass. Depth perception and horizon differentiation is improved due to this filtration. This makes a big difference to the golfer following a ball bouncing down the golf course or a spectator at a baseball game tracking the ground ball from the infield into the outfield. However, golfers may have difficulty “reading the green” because of the individual grass blade reflections (the grass blades are pointed in all directions) and as a result, many prefer golf-specific tints. <May
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While you don’t need polarized sunglasses to watch these events happen in real time, they are more comfortable and noticeably reduce eye fatigue over the course of several hours of watching the same events. Comfort is a major factor to wearing polarized sunglasses. The eyes can become tired after viewing the same activity occur for several hours. This is most evident to
so think of polarized sunglasses as sunscreen for the eyes. The protection from damaging UVA and UVB is necessary for anyone who spends a lot of time around water and snow. Due to the reflective nature of these environments, wearers are subjected to much more incident light radiation than those who vacation or infrequently visit these types of areas.
form the eye socket from projectiles. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 800,000 total eye injuries occur in the United States annually. Of those total recorded injuries, roughly 100,000 occur while engaged in sports; but it is estimated that 90 percent could have been prevented with proper eyewear. Sunglass manufacturers purposely pair
LARGE SUNGLASS FRAMES ACT LIKE A SHIELD, PROTECTING THE E Y E A N D T H E S E N S I T I V E S K I N A R O U N D T H E S O C K E T. S U N S C R E E N IS USED TO PROTECT THE BODY FROM SUNBURN, SO THINK OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES AS SUNSCREEN FOR THE EYES. those with long commutes or individuals who drive for a living—they are fixated for hours at a time on a road emitting horizontally reflected light and blinding glare. This reflection can cause discomfort, sensitivity and distraction. Polarized lenses help to reduce this fatigue by filtering “noisy light” (or distracting reflective polarized light). This can relax the eye, eliminating eye strain and making the wearer more comfortable.
SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION Part of the necessity of sunglasses is to protect the eyes and the adnexa (the skin surrounding the eyes) from UVA and UVB light. All polarized filters are engineered to block these specific wavelengths of light waves regardless of the material of the lens. However, very light polarized lenses may not be as UV-absorbing as dark sun lens densities. Significant absorption is important for the health of the eye and ensures protection from damaging ultra-violet radiation that is associated with cataract development and retinal damage from prolonged exposure. Large sunglass frames act like a shield, protecting the eye and the sensitive skin around the socket. Sunscreen is used to protect the body from sunburn, 2 0 <M a y
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This is also very important to consider at higher altitudes where the UV and visible light is much more intense. Sunlight includes potentially damaging high-energy blue-violet radiation (415 to 455 nm) of concern by ECPs and a predominant conversation with patients using digital devices. This light, associated with retinal damage is also filtered by polarized lenses. This makes for another crucial talking point when recommending polarized lenses to the wearer. Polarized sunglasses act like sunscreen for the eyes by blocking these damaging frequencies of light. In fall 2012, Anderson Cooper suffered from sunburn to his cornea (commonly referred to as snow blindness, the clinical term is photokeratitis) while reporting for “60 Minutes.” He was recording a segment from a ship off the coast of Portugal without wearing any eye protection for only two hours. Even with limited exposure to light reflected from the water’s surface, it was enough for him to lose sight in his right eye for 36 hours. While the effects of a corneal burn are temporary, the long-term effects of intense UV exposure could result in cataracts, pingueculae, pterygia, skin cancers or permanent damage to the eye. Sunglasses can also protect the bones that
Trivex or polycarbonate lenses in sport frames for maximum protection. Large sport sunglasses wrapped close to the face can provide maximum eye protection in the event of an impact. A skateboarder can feel secure knowing that their eyes are protected from dust, debris and grit. Sport shooters can be confident that spent casings won’t become distracting projectiles. Volleyball players can concentrate on setting up their next attack after diving into the sand, not wiping sand from their eyes. Each scenario offers a solution to a common theme—the peace of mind that nothing will compromise the experience.
CONCLUSION Polarized sunglasses in many ways sell themselves to the consumer. It is important to demonstrate the advantages and to be able to explain how polarized lenses will benefit the wearer whether they are recreating or competing. Reinforce to the viewer that polarized sunglasses ensure the highest quality of vision to maximize both their performance and experience. This way you will strategically align your practice to sell more polarized lenses, because polarized sunglasses are truly everyone’s most important piece of outdoor equipment. ■
S E L F - A S S E S S M E N T E X A M I N AT I O N 1. The scattering of electromagnetic radiation (or the visual noise of reflected short wavelengths of light) is called: a. James Clerk Maxwell’s Electromagnetic Theory of Light b. Rayleigh’s Effect c. Snell’s Law d. Compton Scattering 2. _________ improve acuity and protect the eyes from reflected UV light. a. Polarized lenses b. Tinted lenses c. Anti-reflective coatings d. Sport frames 3. According to the National Eye Institute, of the 100,000 sports-related eye injuries, it is estimated that ________ are preventable with proper eye protection. a. 30 percent b. 60 percent c. 80 percent d. 90 percent 4. Polarized light that causes blinding glare is light that is: a. Reflected b. Scattered c. UV light d. Seen through a tinted lens
c. Horticulturist d. Painter 8. The FAA advises pilots against the use of polarized sunglasses because: a. It highlights reflections from other planes b. LCD gauges and windscreens are polarized c. They do not improve contrast d. Polarized sunglasses are too dark to use while flying 9. Polarized light occurs at what wavelengths? a. At all wavelengths b. Only in the visible range of 380 to 700 nm c. Only in the ultraviolet range of 215 to 380 nm d. Only in the infrared range above 700 nm 10. Some skiers prefer tinted lenses instead of polarized lenses because: a. They look cooler b. Polarized lenses are too dark for skiing c. They do not help improve vision on the snow d. They show ice reflections differently 11. The common unit of light is called a: a. Vector b. Particle c. Photon d. Ray
5. Polarized lenses consistently deliver wearer advantages for all of the following sports except: a. Baseball b. Golf c. Beach volleyball d. Cycling
12. By eliminating glare from the surface of water, anglers can properly: a. Cast their lines b. Spot fish c. Keep water out of their eyes d. Tie their lures
6. Which activity exposes the wearer to an increased level of ultraviolet light? a. Daytime commuting b. Deep-sea fishing c. Watching a baseball game d. Playing beach volleyball
13. Polarized filters are linearly aligned crystals. In the case of polarized sunglasses, they are comparable to: a. Fence posts b. Vacuum filter c. Venetian blinds d. Air filter
7. Another profession that utilizes polarizing filters in their work is: a. Professional photographer b. Roller-derby skater
14. Polarized lenses help improve acuity in tracking a baseball by increasing: a. Contrast-enhancing depth perception
b. Brightness c. Color saturation d. Visibility of the stitching 15. Polarized lenses are a great option for individuals with long commutes or who drive for a living because: a. They reduce visibility b. They look cool c. They protect the eye in case of an accident d. They reduce eye fatigue 16. Photokeratitis, commonly referred to as snow blindness, is the result of: a. Not applying sunscreen b. Prolonged exposure to UV light without any eye protection c. Skiing with tinted lenses d. Light reflecting off the back surface of a lens 17. Polarized lenses protect the eye from all of the following damaging wavelengths of light except: a. UVA b. UVB c. High-energy blue light d. Green 550 18. Roadways reflect more polarized light under what conditions: a. When the sun is highest in the sky b. At dusk, just prior to sunset c. Just after a fresh rain d. When drivers have their lights on 19. Many optical labs utilize polarized filters to detect: a. Imperfections in a frame b. Problems with anti-reflective coatings c. Irregularities in a lens d. Stress placed on a finished lens 20. Intensely reflected polarized light is commonly called: a. Incident light b. Light aberration c. Blinding glare d. Mirage
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Examination Answer Sheet 1 hour of CE credit by the American Board of Opticianry ~ Valid for credit through March 2, 2021 This exam can be taken online at www.2020mag.com. Upon passing the exam, you can view your results immediately. You can also view your test history at any time from the Web site. POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Important Piece of Equipment Outdoors Directions: Select one answer for each question in the exam and completely darken the appropriate circle. A minimum score of 80% is required to obtain a certificate. Mail to: Jobson OptSC, PO Box 488, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013. Payment: Remit $14.99 with this exam. Check is enclosed (payable to Jobson Publishing). Charge my: American Express Mastercard Visa Name on card: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit card #: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration date: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________
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1=Excellent
2=Very Good
3=Good
4=Fair
5=Poor
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In questions 21-23 please rate the effectiveness of each activity:
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21. Met the stated learning objectives?
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22. Avoided commercial bias/influence?
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23. How would you rate the overall quality of the material presented?
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24. How were you directed to this course? A 2020mag.com D Ohio Opticians Website
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B OAA Website
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C NYSSO Website
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E Other
25. Please describe the office in which you work. A Independent Optician
C Chain retail
B Independent Optometry
D HMO/Military/Other
Comments on this course: ____________________________________________________________________ Future Topics: ______________________________________________________________________________
Please retain a copy for your records. Please print clearly.
First Name Last Name E-Mail The following is your:
Home Address
Business Address
Business Name Address City
State Fax
Telephone # Profession:
Zip
Optician
Contact Lens Fitter
Other
By submitting this answer sheet, I certify that I have read the lesson in its entirety and completed the self-assessment exam personally based on the material presented. I have not obtained the answers to this exam by any fraudulent or improper means.
Lesson 112655
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Date ________________________
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Signature _________________________________________________________________________
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