Sunvision 2020 2014

SUNSTATS • LENS BASICS • SUNVISION CE

SUNVISION May 2014

SOME SO

LIKE IT

HOT THIS SEASON’S SUNWEAR GETS A GLOWING REVIEW

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

Dealer Ordering

WILEY X, the WILEY X Eyewear logo, WX, the WX Eyewear logo, the WX WILEY X logo and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks (marca registrada) of Wiley X, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Logos: Š 2007-2014 Wiley X, Inc. All rights reserved.

WX ECHO

FOR WORK. FOR PLAY. FOR LIFE. Wiley X is the only premium performance eyewear brand whose entire line meets ANSI safety standards.

Our Climate Control Series’ patented removable Facial Cavity™ seals block out wind, dust, debris and peripheral light, for a total protection package. Your customers stay protected during aggressive activities, with Rx-ready eyewear that’s stylish and comfortable enough to be worn anywhere.

CLIMATE CONTROL SERIES

WX ARROW 1.800.776.7842 // WILEYX.COM

WX KNIFE

SUN VISION May 2014

HAVE SU N F U N

INSIDE 4> SUNSTATS: Sunwear by the numbers

When I think back to the lighthearted summer adventures of my childhood, I remember toes in shallow sandbars of oceans and lake shores and calm campfire talk intertwined with the song of distant Southern cicadas by the thousands. Since aging into the real world, I have filled a significant portion of my warm months with office hours, errands and essential indoor tasks that just can’t wait.

It’s been easy to forget the simple excitement to be had when the summer solstice hits our sliver of the hemisphere, and everything seems to slow down in the tiniest ways.

On one of the brightest blue-sky weekends yet, two good friends from back home and a Brooklyn rooftop barbecue reminded me that pure joy lies in taking the moment to appreciate what’s around me.

So I’ll take this as an opportunity to remind you—sunwear is seriously something to smile about. For just a second, forget the inventories, bottom lines, staffing and paperwork.

Pause to delight in outfitting people for adventures they’ll remember for years to come. Toting your life’s work, patients will stream outdoors with friends and family this season, protected in shades that no doubt make them feel like timeless celebrity trendsetters and scientifically-equipped sport idols.

They will take to mountaintops, seaside towns and desert stretches, making memories from sun up to sundown, and their outdoor health and happiness starts with you. Take a second this season and bask in the sun(wear).

6> A GLOWING REVIEW 17> WHAT’S HOT UNDER THE SUN: Shining insight into sunny goings-on

20 > LENS BASICS:

—Breanna Benz 20/20 Associate Editor bbenz@jobson.com

A BRIGHT IDEA FOR A BRIGHT IDEAL

23> CE: BALANCING THE BLUES CREATED BY 20/20 MAGAZINE COVER PHOTO BY STEPHEN MARK SULLIVAN HAIR/MAKEUP RITA MADISON MODEL SASHALEE PALLAGI/APM

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SUNVISION EDITOR BREANNA BENZ SUNVISION ART DIRECTOR IRIS JOHNSON GRAPHIC DESIGNER JINCY THOMAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JAMES J. SPINA > MANAGING EDITOR CHRISTINE YEH > SENIOR EDITOR GLORIA NICOLA > ASSISTANT EDITOR VICTORIA GARCIA > GROUP EDITOR, LENSES & TECHNOLOGY ANDREW KARP > SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST JENNIFER ZUPNICK > PRODUCTION MANAGER EDWARD SMITH

Range of Sunglasses for Your Range of Patients Give your patients a visual advantage with Transitions adaptive sunglasses GOLF

PEDAL

RANGE

RIDE

ROAD

RUN

TRAIL

WATER

The Transitions® line of adaptive sunglasses change depending on the outdoor light conditions, to enhance vision during your patients’ favorite sports and outdoor activities.

They are color optimized and increase contrast, improve distance and depth perception and reduce distracting glare outdoors.

All Transitions lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Check us out at Transitions.com/Sunwear Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and the eclipse design is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. © 2014 Transitions Optical, Inc. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature and UV exposure.

SUNSTATS

( FA C T S A N D F I G U R E S A B O U T C O N S U M E R S U N W E A R T R E N D S ) LET SUNSTATS ROUND UP SUN TRENDS AND TAKE-AWAY POINTS TO GET AHOLD ON THE BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR PRACTICE FOR THIS SEASON OF SUNWEAR RETAILING. —BREANNA BENZ

U.S. PLANO SUNGLASS SALES

$36.46

$36.72

ADULTS CURRENTLY WEARING PRESCRIPTION VISION CORRECTION

$37.54

Average Retail Price at All Retail Types

Currently wear eyeglasses at all

64%

Currently wear contact lenses at all Currently wear Rx sunglasses at all

+2.2% 2013 against 2012 +3.0% 2013 against 2011

16% 12 ME DEC11

12 ME DEC12

12 ME DEC13

11%

12 Months Ending December 2013

PLANO SUNGLASS SALES, OPTICAL INDEPENDENT DOLLAR SHARE

PLANO SUNGLASS SALES

When it comes to retailing, it can be deep on perception. Your shop location,

Unit Shares by Annual Household Income

brands stocked, frames sold per month… and how you view yourself.

Take another look at this statistic and flip the perception that optical

50%

50%

independents make up a just a sliver of plano sunglass sales and instead consider that you and your peers—optical retailers—

96%

are exclusive. You provide goods and services that

4%

are backed by your special abilities as an optical professional. And there’s nowhere to go but up.

Optical Independent 12 Months Ending December 2013

UP TO $60K

OVER $60K

12 Months Ending December 2013

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PLANO SUNGLASS SALES Unit Shares by Census Region It’s no secret that some people overlook their suns when they stroll out the door, especially in regions often overcast or buried under snow. Take up the task to train patients in the importance of shades in every corner of the country and outdoor activity and

37% 38%

why. It may seem second

US Population 18+ Plano Suglass Unit Shares

nature to you, but you understand the solid reasoning and science behind eye health. Their

18%

preparedness against

22% 21%

23% 23%

MI DWEST

WEST

17%

snow, water and sand light reflections can mean the difference between selling them one sun frame per decade and suiting up a patient with a collection of

N O RT H E AST

perfectly-suited sun frames.

SOUTH

12 Months Ending December 2013

THOSE EXTREMELY/VERY LIKELY TO BUY A NEW PAIR OF PLANO SUNGLASSES Costing $50 or more within the next 6 months by age

PLANO SUNGLASS SALES Unit Shares by Age The majority of plano sunglass customers are under 35 years old. This unpredictable yet energetic demographic craves thought-out details and a brand story to back them

17%

up. Since they have most likely only purchased from big

16%

box fashion retailers and sporting goods stores, you’re offering these Gen Xers and Yers something more than just sunwear. You’re selling them on the very idea of optical

11%

shops. Use social media, celebrity

49%

trends, selections with a narrative and your own brand awareness to hook them for the long haul.

5% 18-34

35-44

4 5 -5 4

55+

23% METHODOLOGY

15%

14%

45-54

55+

These sunwear stats were pulled from the large-scale, continuous, consumer-based VisionWatch study, conducted by The Vision Council in the 12 months ending in December 2013. All respondents are over 18 and live in the United States. For more information about how to run your own survey, please contact Jobson Research at (212) 274-7164.

18- 34

35- 44

12 Months Ending December 2013

—Jennifer Zupnick, Senior Research Analyst <M a y 2 0 1 4 SU NV I SI ON>

5

A GLOWING REVIEW Photographed by NED MATURA

SunVision Editor: BREANNA BENZ

TROUBLEMAKER Stand up to lackluster sport performance sunwear and blaze a new trail with a renegade.

REBEL from Wiley X Eyewear

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SUNVISION

OWN THE LIGHT

This ultra-hardworking sun/lens tag team equip athletes with eye protection in a spectrum of sun conditions.

OAKLEY TRANSITIONS CLEAR TO BLACK IRIDIUM sun lenses from Transitions Optical in RACING JACKET from Oakley

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SUNVISION

UNDER COVER Superb sun protection to instantly transform all optical options… case closed.

POLAROID SUNCOVERS 8300 from Sàfilo Group

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9

SUNVISION

MAKE SPACE

From Lafontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s otherworldly understanding of sunwear comes Neptune, a sweet candy-colored sunglass with angles to elevate it to favorite.

NEPTUNE from Lafont

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— the Dolen sunglass

E = D I D

SEE THE WORLD D I F F E R E N T LY the world’s most advanced polarized lens

B 6 G @ L : A H =

Available in Smith Prescription — smithoptics.com/chromapop

SUNVISION

O CALVIN! MY CALVIN! Navigate the drama behind minimalist Calvin Klein frames that boasts soft beveled edges and a streaked inner layer.

CALVIN KLEIN 4252 from Marchon Eyewear

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SUNVISION

STRAIGHT SHOT

Ready, aim, fire at targeted sun protection. Wiley X wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint.

ARROW from Wiley X Eyewear

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13

Some light waves hit your eyes.

Others touch your soul.

4HEÂ&#x;SUN SÂ&#x;RAYSÂ&#x;AREÂ&#x;LIKEÂ&#x;AÂ&#x;LANGUAGE Â&#x;&ROMÂ&#x;THEÂ&#x;Ă&#x161;RSTÂ&#x;NOTESÂ&#x; of dawn until the last whispers of sunset, they hold the PROMISEÂ&#x;OFÂ&#x;AÂ&#x;WORLDÂ&#x;Ă&#x161;LLEDÂ&#x;WITHÂ&#x;VIVIDÂ&#x;COLORÂ&#x;ANDÂ&#x;STUNNINGÂ&#x; detailâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is, as long as you understand what the sun is saying.

Only NXTÂŽ lenses truly know how to translate the language of light. They liberate you from a dark, dull world full of distorted images by utilizing advanced technology to control light at its purest level. Light that carries color, detail and depth, so you can experience life in its purest form.

Total Experience Enhancement.

Every NXTÂŽ lens is made with TRIVEXÂŽ material and is designed to accomplish two goals: deliver an unbelievably rich visual experience and stand up to the physical demands of your customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; high-performance lifestyles. Consistent performance is seen in all NXTÂŽ lenses from plano to prescription.

www.nxt-vision.com

The NXT logo is a registered trademark of Intercast Europe S.r.l. TRIVEX is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

SUNVISION

COLOR WONDER Lighten up with poppy pink and a P3 shape from boundary-busting sport brand Smith.

MARVINE from Smith Optics

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W H AT ’ S H O T UNDER THE SUN IT’S ALMOST SUMMER TIME, WHICH MEANS THE SUN IS BLAZING AND S O A R E T H E L AT E S T S T Y L E S I N S U N W E A R . F O L L O W S U N V I S I O N T O STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT’S HOT THIS SEASON. —VICTORIA GARCIA

MARVELOUS MARBLE Black Marble, a new Calvin Klein capsule collection from Marchon Eyewear, features eight sunglass styles available in both modern and updated classic shapes. Made with luxurious zyl in an interlocking crystal-like pattern, the new styles inherit the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic with sleek temples that highlight subtle detailing while creating a high-end concept inspired by rich mineral patterns.

CALVIN KLEIN 4252 from Marchon Eyewear

CONTROLLED COMFORT With the addition of the Arrow, Wiley X has expanded its Climate Control series for 2014. The Arrow features a wraparound style with a patented and removable facial cavity seal to block out dust, debris, wind and reflected light. With a range of frame and lens combinations, all wearers receive occupational-grade eye protection, enhanced eye comfort and crystal clear vision.

ARROW from Wiley X Eyewear

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17

W H AT ’ S H O T U N D E R A BLOCK OF COLOR Lafont introduces a new colorblocking theme to its spring and summer Collection Romance. A brand synonymous with color, Lafont uses elements of the summer season as inspiration for its new sunglasses Nec Plus Ultra, Neptune and Nominee. Each style highlights the elegant colorblocking trend with hues brought together on frame fronts, NEPTUNE from Lafont

subtle lines of color seen from the edges and temples, and contrasting stripes hidden inside each sunglass.

PERSONAL PROTECTION PERSONA Polaroid Suncovers from Sàfilo are designed designe for those who choose not to buy their eyes. Offered in prescription sunglasses but still want sun protection for th six sleek styles, three for men and three for women, Polaroid SSuncovers fit perfectly over prescription frames and provide glare-free vision acetate colors and with all-day comfort. Frames are available in various acetat feature Polaroid premium polarized UltraSight lenses, which offer 100 and convenient. percent UV400 protection and make driving much safer an

POLAROID SUNCOVER SUNCOVERS 8302 from Sàfilo Group

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THE SUN BE A REBEL Wiley X introduces two new models, the Rebel and the Tobi, to join its popular Active Series for 2014. The Rebel has two REBEL from Wiley X Eyewear versions, and both are Rx-ready for all wearers. The Tobi features a lightweight and comfortable semi-rimless frame offered in brown crystal with bronze lenses or gloss black with polarized silver flash lenses. Both models have soft rubber nosepads for a comfortable, secure fit during any activity.

A CELEBRATED COLLECTION The Archive Collection from Smith Optics celebrates its heritage with exact replicas of original Smith frames. Each style is offered in its original colors and labeled with its initial launch year, paying homage to generations of free-spirited and creative intellectuals. The iconic Marvine circular frame offers a distinctive round shape with vintage curves. Available in multiple colors and lens options, the Marvine combines all traditional elements from the past including simplicity and quality craftsmanship.

DAY AND NIGHT Iridium Transitions clear-to-black sun lenses are perfect for endurance athletes who need a sport sunglass that can go from day to night. Paired with Oakleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fast Jacket frame, the unique Transitions lenses automatically lighten or darken depending on the time of day and filter out 100 percent of harmful UV light. Switching between lenses is easy with Switchlock technology that locks lenses in place with a quick release that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alter optics.

MARVINE from Smith Optics OAKLEY TRANSITIONS CLEAR TO BLACK IRIDIUM sun lenses from Transitions Optical in Oakley Racing Jacket

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19

LENS B AS I C S

A BRIGHT IDEA FOR

BY CHERYL G. MURPHY, OD My grandparents had a camp in the Adirondacks on White Lake. On a clear day, you could see how the lake had gotten its name as its surface would sometimes appear to be a sparkling, even glowing white. It was beautiful but you wouldn’t want to gaze toward its reflected light for very long, at least not without the right sunglasses.

In the early 20th century, scientist and inventor Edwin Land embarked on a journey of scientific inquiry which would

ultimately give us a great solution to the glaring nuisance of reflected sunlight: polarized lenses. Land left Harvard University his freshman year and headed to New York City. With the financial backing and support of his Harvard physics professor George Wainwright, he set out to do what no one else had done yet: make inexpensive polarized filters commercially available for a variety of uses including film and sunglasses. Land succeeded in making polarized sunglasses in 1936, and his invention literally changed the way we see the world on a sunny day.

A SIMULATION OF POLARIZATION

T

o better envision how polarizing filters work, imagine

in all directions, they are not as efficient as polarized sunglasses

yourself holding a broom across your chest so that its

at eliminating glare bouncing off of horizontal surfaces.

stick is oriented horizontal and parallel to the floor, and

Of course, the unprotected eyes of people not wearing any

then imagine trying to walk with it through a doorway. It just

sort of high quality sunglasses are even worse off when it comes

won’t happen. You are blocked. The broom will only pass

to being bombarded by glare. Not only are they left defenseless

if it is held parallel to the vertical orientation of the door.

against UVA/UVB damage, but they also may wince at the

Similarly, light will only pass through a polarized filter parallel

brightness of light reflected back toward them. So reflected light

to the direction it is oriented, meaning vertically polarized

produces glare, and glare can make us wince and squint. But

filters only allow vertically-oriented light to pass, and they

why is this intense light such a problem for eyes?

block horizontally-oriented light.

Non-polarized sunglasses differ from polarized sunglasses in

Our eyes aren’t built to handle intense glare. You can think of light as energy packaged into photons. Our eyes can only

that they use tints or dyes to reduce the amount of light entering

consume so many of these photons at one time. When the

the eyes, but this overall dampening of light, although it may be

intensity of light is high, and when it is reflected toward our

selective for wavelength, is not selective for orientation. Since

eye at a certain angle, we see this intense light as glare.

non-polarized sunglasses reduce the brightness of light oriented

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On a bright, sunny day, the intensity of outdoor light our eyes

A BRIGHT IDEAL Polarized sunglasses block light rays reflected off of horizontal surfaces such as water, roadways and ice. In the case of water, they also may improve visibility below its surface, which is one of the reasons why they have become the favorite sun accessory of fisherman. But how do polarized sunglasses work?

Light from the sun travels through the air in longitudinal waves, and elements of those waves vibrate in all directions.

When light reaches a reflective surface, some of the elements Continued on page 22

are subjected to can be anywhere from 1,000 lumens in the shade to upwards of 6,000 lumens reflected off of a concrete highway. Most indoor artificial light has an intensity of between 400-1,100 lumens with the average 60-watt traditional incandescent bulb giving off about 800 lumens. Eyes will begin to feel discomfort around strong direct or reflected light with an intensity of approximately 3,500 lumens. When light exceeds an intensity of about 4,000 lumens, people will wince or squint their eyes and at around 10,000 lumens, eyes may try to close altogether to try to block out light. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder people feel the urge to wear sunglasses while driving, since light reflected off of a concrete highway can have an intensity close to 6,000 lumens, creating discomfort and provoke squinting, which is not the ideal situation for a hectic morning commute or a relaxing Sunday drive.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;CGM

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21

LENS BASICS

Continued from page 21 of the light are bounced back. This reflected light vibrates in a plane parallel to the surface off of which it was reflected. So when light reflects off a horizontal surface like the surface of White Lake, the reflected light

that is bounced back vibrates toward our eyes with its orientation in the horizontal plane.

In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by many horizontal surfaces which produce glare such as ice, asphalt and the hoods of cars. Polar-

ized sunglasses have filters oriented in the vertical plane so they block light vibrating in the horizontal plane and only allow light in the vertical plane to pass, and that is how they cut down the glare of reflected light, thus improving visual contrast and comfort. ■

MELANIN, MACULAR PIGMENT AND NUTRITION INFLUENCE GLARE RECOVERY

I

t is important to consider that different people may

refract light in the air. Wearing polarized sunglasses reduces

each have a different level of sensitivity to light. Also,

the amount of diffuse glare resulting from the scattering

people with less melanin pigment in their retinas are

of light in the sky, and some say in addition to the overall

said to be considered more susceptible to retinal damage

reduction in diffuse glare, polarized sunglasses also make

from UVA/UVB and HEV light, and these people, with fair

colors seem more saturated and more visually crisp so the

skin, hair and “fair retinas,” tend to be the patients who

benefit of eliminating diffuse glare can be appreciated by

are most light sensitive and bothered by glare. Today,

anyone wearing polarized sunglasses on a bright, sunny

researchers are studying Melanin Optical Density (MOD)

day, not just ballplayers.

and Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) to better

There are some minor drawbacks to wearing polarized

understand the influence they have on visual function and

sunglasses, but eyecare professionals are usually careful

degenerative eye disease. One recent study in 2013 by

to educate patients about them ahead of time. Patients

Hammond et al showed that Macular Pigment was signifi-

wearing polarized sunglasses may notice waffle-like

cantly related to serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin,

patterns on side windows and rear windshields of cars.

and that subjects who had higher MPOD scores and higher

Also some electronic screens or LCD displays like those on

serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin performed better on

GPS devices or ATM machines may be hard to view while

visual function tests such as photostress recovery, glare

wearing polarized sunglasses, but this may be rectified

disability and chromatic contrast. Further studies in this

by simply having patients tilt their heads to the side. Most

area of research will help eyecare professionals grasp

patients are not deterred by these small drawbacks and

the idea that patients need to have not only proper eye

are thankful to be told about them ahead of time.

protection against glare, UV and HEV light, but they may

Polarized sunglasses themselves have evolved quite a

also need to begin a nutrition-based defense against

bit from Edwin Land’s time. They now are available in a

degenerative eye disease, which may give healthy individuals

wide variety of colors, not just gray or brown, and eyecare

an immediate improvement in visual function such as a

professionals can help patients select the color that would

faster recovery time from glare.

best optimize their visual performance during the specific

Drivers, fisherman and lake lovers are not the only people

hobbies or sports they enjoy. Some photochromic lenses are

who can greatly benefit from polarized sunglasses; those

also now available polarized, and polarized sunglasses

in sports know all too well the visual disadvantages created

also have other options such as anti-reflective, mirrored and

by glare from the bright blue sky. If you have ever played

scratch-resistant coatings. They are now available in a wide

baseball or softball and tried to catch a fly ball without

range of prescriptions including progressives. These expanded

sunglasses on, you may remember the amount of squinting

parameters and options paired with the benefits of visual

you had to do or how the diffuse brightness of the white-

crispness, UV protection and glare elimination that polarized

washed sky made it more difficult to locate and track

sunglasses provide make it clear to see that polarized

the ball in order to get that “out” for the team. The sky and

sunglasses are an excellent addition to everyone’s much-

its clouds, water vapor and contaminants can reflect or

needed arsenal of sun protection in the 21st century. —CGM

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Balancing the Blues [1 CE CREDIT]

By Cheryl G. Murphy, OD

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

O

n a sunny day our life is lit up with blue. The bright blue sky is spread out like a cheerful canopy above us. We need some of the natural blue light it bestows upon us since it serves as a biological reminder to our bodies that it is daytime. It also makes us feel alert, happy, energized and awake, and adds to our color perception. However, exposure to artificial blue light at the wrong time of day can negatively impact our sleep cycle, and recent studies have shown that a particular type of blue light found in natural and artificial light known as High Energy Visible or blue-violet light can wreak havoc on our eye health.

Man’s love affair with light has only burned brighter since our cave dwelling days. Over 120 years ago, the invention of electricity and the integration of the lightbulb into our homes revolutionized our daily lives. No longer did we have to hold our caveman torches, burn our candles or hunt down Moby Dick to fill our oil lamps.

We could harness the power of light at the flick of a switch thanks to the commercialization of Edison’s incandescent lightbulb.

Today, as the evolution of artificial light continues and progresses toward LED and fluorescent light sources, we now find ourselves bathed in blue light. Smartphones, TVs, computers, tablets and new energy-

FIGURE 1

Short wavelength blue creates scatter and haze, 430nm ±20nm is associated with cataract acceleration and retinal damage, long wavelength blue affects the regularity of sleep patterns.

Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the emerging blue light issues for patients.

2. Learn details about blue light, i.e., wavelengths of concern, effects on eye physiology, potential resulting damage and problems with sleep.

3. Know what to say to patients about blue light and learn the variety of products that can address professional concern.

A SUNY College of Optometry graduate practicing in Holbrook, N.Y., Cheryl G. Murphy, OD, is passionate about science writing. She has been published on Scientific American’s guest blog, Huffington Post Science, Scientopia, Review of Optometry, Review of Optometric Business and 20/20. In 2012, she served as Guest Editor-in-Chief for 20/20. Dr. Murphy received the 2013 New York State Optometric Association Communications Award.

CREDIT: This course is approved for one (1) hour of CE credit by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

Course SJHI090 This CE is also available online at www.2020mag.com

T H I S C O U R S E I S S U P P O RT E D B Y A N E D U C AT I O N A L G R A N T F R O M L U X O T T I C A

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BALANCING THE BLUES

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efficient lightbulbs known as compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs all emit a high concentration of blue wavelength light.

Incandescent bulbs and other predecessors to the newer LED and fluorescent lights emitted a high concentration of yellow wavelength light. Having a higher amount of emitted blue wavelength light is one of the reasons why these newer screens seem whiter, brighter, more crisp and fresh.

The process by which blue-violet light causes retinal damage is still being studied, but it is said that blue-violet light disrupts cellular metabolism in the retinal pigment epithelium layer. This layer contains melanin granules, which attract and absorb the energy found in shorter wavelengths of light like blue light. After absorbing this energy, photochemical lesions are formed which impair metabolic cell function in the RPE layer leadBLUE LIGHT: ISSUES ing to retinal cell death there. People with AND SOLUTIONS macular degeneration and those at risk Blue light itself is nothing new; it is as old as for it should take precautions to protect the sky above us. It has been present in natu- themselves against the damaging effects ral light and in artificial light in varying con- that blue light may have on the retina. centrations. Blue light is visible light, which Interestingly, those with nuclear scleradiates at a short wavelength placing it at rotic cataracts (or who have some natuone end of the visible light spectrum with a ral yellowing of their crystalline lenses) range of approximately 380-500 nanometers. may have a bit of serendipitous protecBlue-violet light (380-455 nm) is very close tion against blue light damaging their in wavelength to ultraviolet light (10-380 nm), retinas. Their yellowed crystalline lenses a well-known hazard to our eyes and our will in some cases naturally filter out health if we are exposed to it in repeated, some of the blue light to which they are large doses. Now, recent studies have revealed exposed and obstruct its entrance deepthat blue-violet light can cause retinal cell er into the eyes thereby stopping it death, contribute to cataract formation and before it has a chance to reach their retiaccelerate retinal damage in those who nas. Children under the age of 18 and have macular degeneration (Fig. 1). also patients who have had cataract surgery and who now have artificial lens implants BLUE LIGHT BABYSITTER? Have you ever been the recipient of the benefits when are said to be at a higher mom hands her tablet or smartphone to her toddler in the risk for retinal damage restaurant booth next to you? This image from the Harvard from blue light since Health Blog by Nancy Ferrari (May 2012) discusses whether their young crystalline the tablet is a learning tool or babysitter. Regardless, toddler lenses or their artificial through teen use of tablets and smartphones is plagued lens implants are crystal by four potential problems: clear and therefore do not emitted blue light in the impede the passage of damaging range, the type blue light. Ironically, even of device, how close and though the natural aging how long they are in front and yellowing of the crysof the screen. Not to mention the usual type size is talline lens may provide typically newspaper print some protection for the size or smaller. The result retina against blue light, has been an increase in further exposure of the yelpatients visiting our offices lowed crystalline lens itself for digital eyestrain. health.harvard.edu to blue light will accelerate 2 4 <M a y

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BLUE LIGHT ATTENUATING PRODUCTS Technology and innovations addressing blue light radiation: LENSES BluTech Lenses, indoor and outdoor versions: blutechlenses.com EnChroma UV450, outdoor: enchroma.com Signet Armorlite BluTech lenses, indoor and outdoor: www.signetarmorlite.com Spy Optic Happy Lens, outdoor: www.spyoptic.com/happy Unity with Blutech, VSP Optics Group, indoor and outdoor: www.vspopticsgroup.com Vision-Ease Lens, Coppertone sun lenses, outdoor: www.vision-ease.com LENS TREATMENTS Essilor Prevencia: www.crizalprevencia.com HOYA Recharge, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prescribing for Blue Light Overexposureâ&#x20AC;? (available on opticianshandbook.com) Laramy-K Optical UVARity: www.laramyk.com Nikon See Coat Blue: nikon-lenswear.com/ products/treatments/seecoat-blue PFO Global iBlu Coat: www.pfoglobal.com/iblucoat.html Robertson Royal RB Tech: www.robertsonoptical.com TABLET/SMARTPHONE FILTER COVERS Reticare: www.reticare.com/en RESOURCES High Performance Optics: hpousa.com The Opticians Handbook: opticianshandbook.com National Institute of Health: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

its cataract progression. Advanced cataracts cause decreased best-corrected visual acuity, increased glare and decreased contrast sensitivity. Eyes of every age and stage are susceptible to the perils of blue light.

Luckily, the optical industry has evolved its line of protection for all eyes. Innovative new treatments and lenses have been invented to shield eyes from the flood of blue-violet light, which we now endure each day. These products selectively filter out

blue-violet light and thereby protect the eyes from cataract progression and potential retinal damage while still allowing some blue light to pass, particularly blue-turquoise light with wavelengths of approximately 460-500 nanometers. This minimizes the harmful effects that blue light can have on our eye health, while still allowing the body and the eyes to receive the positive benefits of blue light like proper color perception, amplified attention levels, wakefulness and the modulation of melatonin production. Commit to teaching every patient about the requirement for quality outdoor eyewear that is 100 percent UV-absorptive and attenuates high energy visible (blueviolet) light, then describe the new treatments that make indoor lenses protective also. New anti-reflective treatments now incorporate protection for blue light and UV while you use lens materials tuned for 100 percent UV absorption. Some lenses have increased blue light absorption characteristics. Visit each of the websites listed, discuss opportunities with your laboratory and begin to use blue light attenuating products.

SLEEPING WELL THESE DAYS? One of the benefits of blue light is that it helps to regulate our sleeping pattern because its presence suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that makes our bodies drowsy and ready for sleep. In the absence of blue light, specialized cells in our retina called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) become switched on. When they are activated, they send a signal to the brain telling the pineal gland to start the process of melatonin production. When melatonin is produced in our bodies, it lets us know it’s time for rest. If it is produced at a particular time on a regular basis, our sleep cycle and circadian rhythm become set to that time. We wouldn’t want all blue light to be blocked completely because then we would not receive any stimulation from blue light, like that of the bright blue

sky, telling our bodies when it is daytime and when it is nighttime.

However, natural blue light is not the only light that sets off our ipRGCs. Artificial blue light in our everyday lives can also activate our ipRGCs. When artificial light sources that have a high concentration of blue light such as modern day smartphones, tablets, TVs and computers are used at night, they can trick our ipRGCs into thinking it is daytime and suppress the making of melatonin. That means when you are browsing the Internet, checking social media or reading an e-book on your smartphone before you go to bed, you might be doing yourself more harm than good. It has been advised that use of any device that emits blue light should be limited or avoided altogether within one hour of our bedtime so it will not raise your level of alertness and pushes back the body’s desire to sleep. Some studies state that repeated DISTANCE VS. RADIATION EFFECTS Radiation intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. In equation form, it looks like this: 1 Intensity α distance 2 This means that the same CFL lightbulb recessed in your kitchen ceiling has less radiation intensity effect than a desk lamp with that CFL a foot from your eyes. This further highlights the issues of tablets and smartphones. Just think about what’s become normal smartphone viewing distance.

disruptions in melatonin production during evening hours may depress a person’s immune system and that could increase one’s risk for acquiring type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Besides avoiding blue light sources altogether, there are other ways to help decrease our exposure to blue light such as decreasing the brightness of the screens and maintaining as far a working distance as possible between the device and our eyes.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFL lightbulbs are another way that blue light can enter our homes and challenge a good night’s sleep and possibly our eye health.

While these energy-efficient bulbs do use less electricity, they also emit a lot of blue light compared to their incandescent predecessors, which emitted mostly yellow.

According to a study published in February 2013 by Wahnschaffe et al, it only takes 30 minutes of low-intensity exposure to blue light-emitting lamps at night to significantly disrupt melatonin production in healthy individuals and increase their perceived alertness, while exposure to yellow light-emitting lamps affected melatonin production only minimally. To help combat this problem, CFL lightbulbs should not be placed in rooms that are frequented at night such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and perhaps those with macular degeneration should consider avoiding CFL use in their homes entirely.

In addition to the negative effects that overexposure to blue light can have on our eye health and getting a good night’s sleep, it can also cause eyestrain. Blue light radiates at a short wavelength and it scatters easily. This scattering can interfere with visual contrast and increase the feeling of eye fatigue. Again, users of smartphones, computers and tablet devices should be advised to decrease screen brightness, increase the distance between the device and their eyes, take frequent breaks whenever possible and to limit their use of these devices. Lenses that <M a y 2 0 1 4 SU NV I SI ON>

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selectively filter out blue-violet light are also particularly useful in shielding eyes from blue-violet light while still letting through some blue light so that color perception and other benefits of blue are not eliminated. Remember, our bodies do need some blue so glasses that block all blue light including blue-turquoise colored light are not ideal. Glasses that filter out only blue-violet light are best.

NOT MUCH BACKLASH Backlash against these blue light-emitting devices remains relatively low. Society has rapidly welcomed these new gadgets without the effects of this technology being fully studied. With each cool, new device comes many benefits and joys; however, one must understand that at times, precautions may need to be taken to ensure that people reap the rewards of these new technologies while safeguarding themselves against any possible negative effects which may pop up as a result of using them. So should you throw away your smartphone?

Smash your laptop? Toss your TV out of the window and stop caring about new ways to lower our energy consumption?

Absolutely not. However, the public needs to be educated by their eyecare professionals to use these devices in moderation, and guidelines should be put in place on proper working distance, brightness level and the use of protective treatments and blue filtering lenses when necessary in order to help prevent possible health problems secondary to their misuse.

Why should patient education regarding blue light start now? The world has changed, and we are becoming a technology and cyber-savvy society. A survey by The Vision Council in 2012 revealed that more than one-third of American adults said they spent four to six hours a day using digital media or electronic devices, and 14 percent said they used it 10 to 12 hours a day.

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Advances in technology and the public’s booming use of modern electronic devices which emit a high concentration of artificial blue light have made HEV light a growing danger in our daily lives now more than ever before.

2011, 75 percent of households reported having a computer compared to about 62 percent in 2003 and 8 percent in 1984.

Household Internet use has also shot up over the years with about 72 percent of homes having access to the Internet in 2011 as opposed to about 55 percent in 2003 and a mere 18 percent in 1997.

A DAY WITHOUT YOUR SMARTPHONE… NO WAY! Smartphones, tablets and e-readers have also skyrocketed in popularity. According to numbers released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, the percentage of Americans who own cell phones has risen from 73 percent in 2006 to 91 percent as of May 2013, with 56 percent of American adults owning smartphones, up from just 35 percent of American adults owning smartphones two years prior.

Why is an increase in the use of computers and electronic devices a problem?

Again, it’s because of their new LED screens as opposed to their CRT predecessors, which emitted more yellow and less blue light. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) states that the hazards associated with blue light peak at 435-440 nanometers (which as we have said, is what we call blue-violet or HEV light). LED screens typically have an emis-

sion peak at 440-455 nanometers. In March 2013, Wood et al found that the spectral power distribution level for emitted light from the iPad 1 with a white screen at full brightness peaked just above 450 nanometers in the blue-violet light range. That means we are putting ourselves very close to, if not in, the dangerous blueviolet light range by using these devices, and add to that the fact that we are holding these devices closer to our faces than we would normally hold newspapers, magazines or paper books. In 2011, a study conducted by researchers at SUNY College of Optometry found that people hold mobile phones 2 to 9 inches closer than they typically hold other printed material. So not only are these newer electronic devices emitting potentially harmful blue-violet light, people are also holding that blue light closer to their faces, thus amplifying the amount that is able to reach their eyes.

CONCLUSION Advances in technology and the public’s booming use of modern electronic devices which emit a high concentration of artificial blue light have made HEV light a growing danger in our daily lives now more than ever before. The use of these devices by children is even more concerning because of the expected cumulative effects. It is time for eyecare professionals to take note of the destructive effects that excessive amounts of HEV light can have and to start proactively educating their patients in order to protect their eyes and their health from any threats that this technology may impose.

Consider the eyewear lens products designed to attenuate UV as well as blue light radiation. Talk to every patient about the effects of not only UV outdoors but the dangers of HEV. Adopt an AR of choice that attenuates UV/HEV and learn the facts about which products separate your practice from others. ■

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 short wavelength blue light: a. Improves contrast b. Reduces contrast c. Reduces eye fatigue d. Improves color perception 2. The wavelengths that can cause retinal cell death have been identified as: a. 380-500 nm b. 380-400 nm c. 400-450 nm d. 470-500 nm

c. Create cancer risk d. Increase heart disease risk 8. It is said that blue-violet light disrupts cellular metabolism in the: a. Retinal pigment epithelium layer b. Corneal pigment layer c. Pigmented layers of the iris d. Center of the optic nerve 9. At what age are the eyes susceptible to blue light damage? a. Under 18 years of age b. From 10 to 20 years c. At all ages d. For the over 55

3. All of the following are parts in the process of retinal cell death caused by overexposure to blue-violet light except: a. Disruption of cellular metabolism b. Absorption by melanin granules c. Erosion of the optic nerve fiber d. Impaired metabolism in the RPE layer

10. All of the following are indoor blue light spectacle lens treatments except: a. Nikon See Coat Blue b. Coppertone c. Essilor Prevencia d. HOYA Recharge

4. Consider completely avoiding CFL lightbulb use in all of the following except: a. Kitchen ceilings b. Bedrooms c. In AMD patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes d. Bathrooms

11. The absence of blue light helps: a. Suppress melatonin production b. Improves alertness, increased heart rate c. Increases presence of melatonin d. Switches off ipRGCs

5. There is some natural blue-violet light protection of the retina from: a. Nuclear sclerotic cataracts b. Nuclear mitochondria c. Natural bluing of the lens d. Vitreal detachment

12. More than a third of American adults spend __________ using digital media, so educating consumers about the dangers is critical. a. One to two hours b. Three to five hours c. Four to six hours d. More than 10 hours

6. Which of the following would be of the least blue light concern for children? a. Typical distances holding smartphones b. Ceiling use of CFLs c. Time using handheld tablets and smartphones d. Transparency of the crystalline lens 7. Repeated sleep disruption, some studies report, can do all of the following except: a. Increase Type 2 diabetes risk b. Enhance the immune system

13. Melatonin is produced in the: a. Pineal gland b. Optic nerve c. Lens nucleus d. Medulla oblongata 14. The ISO blue light hazard peaks at: a. 400-420 nm b. 435-440 nm c. 380-400 nm d. 450-470 nm

15. Because the radiation intensity is inversely proportional to distance squared: a. Being closer to the source is safer b. Close or far makes no difference c. Anything beyond 3 inches is safe d. Farther from the source is safer 16. It is recommended to limit the use of artificial blue light sources within _________ of bedtime. a. Four hours b. Three hours c. Two hours d. One hour 17. Short wavelengths scatter easily and cause: a. Eyestrain b. Pupillary spasm c. Sharper images d. Brighter images 18. ECPs should be aware of the dangers of blue light because: a. Cell phone ownership is now at 60 percent b. LED screens are a lesser problem than CRT screens c. More than 50 percent of consumers own smartphones and hold them too close d. An iPad 1 peaks below 400 nm 19. When artificial blue light activates ipRGCs: a. It tricks them into thinking its daytime b. It tricks them into thinking its nighttime c. It has no effect d. It slows dark adaptation 20. Which type of person is at the least risk for blue light? a. Works outdoors during the day, reads with a backlit tablet before bed b. Uses momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tablet for homework and recreation up to four hours a day c. Works as a data analyst during the day, smartphone is permanently attached d. Uses a non-smartphone, no Facebook account, watches lots of TV <M a y 2 0 1 4 SU NV I SI ON>

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Examination Answer Sheet 1 hour of CE credit by the American Board of Opticianry ~ Valid for credit through May 1, 2015 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.

Balancing the Blues 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.

This program is supported by an educational grant from Luxottica

1. A

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11. A

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1=Excellent

In questions 21-23 please rate the effectiveness of each activity:

2=Very Good

3=Good

4=Fair

5=Poor

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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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B OAA Website

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24. How were you directed to this course?

A 2020mag.com D Ohio Opticians Website 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.

You must choose and complete one of the following three identifier types: 1

SS#

Last 4 digits of your SS# and date of birth

State Code and License # [Example: NY12345678] 3

2

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.

Signature _________________________________________________________________________

SJHI090

â&#x153;&#x201A;

Lesson 109855

Date ________________________

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