Blue Light + Vision 2017

Blue Light+Vision Understanding blue light protection for all your patients

Blue Light Exposure: Risk and Protection

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Beating the Blues: Blue Light Resources

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Straight from the Sources: ECPs Speak

A Continuing Education Supplement to VCPN, September 2017 Approved for one ABO credit hour of continuing education, Technical, Level III

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Contents

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Blue Light Exposure: Risk and Protection

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Beating the Blues: Blue Light Resources

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Simplify Your Blue Light Solution

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Innovation in Spectrum Protection

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Straight from the Sources

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Product Showcases

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Complete Blue Light Package HUMANS are exposed to the blue light portion of the spectrum from natural sources (the sun) as well as from artificial sources (computers and smartphones, fluorescent and LED lights). Portions of the blue light spectrum are required for a healthy life by regulating our circadian rhythm and impacting our moods and reaction times, while other portions can be unhealthy by interrupting our sleep cycles and damaging our ocular health, having even been implicated in studies as increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Understanding the many sources of harmful blue light is the first step toward protecting patients from the potential harm that can result from exposure to these natural and artificial sources, and that’s what optician Frank Gimbel achieves with his continuing education course on “Blue Light Exposure: Risk and Protection.”

Read it not only to learn about the many sources of blue light throughout our lives but also to receive one hour of ABO credit.

The next step toward protecting your patients is fitting them with the most appropriate products that will filter out the bad blue light while allowing the good blue light through. These products are found throughout this publication in Product Spotlights, Showcases and listed on the Blue Light Resources chart on page 10.

Finally, for tips on talking to your patients about blue light, finding out if their lifestyles require that they wear blue light protection and informing them about the potential dangers of the harmful portions of the blue light spectrum, read Cara Huzinec’s article, “Straight from the Sources,” which completes the information this publication provides for you to protect your patients from harmful blue light exposure.

John Sailer is vice president, editorial, First Vision Media Group.

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ABO TECHNICAL LEVEL II

Blue Light Exposure: Risk and Protection

By Frank Gimbel, BA, ABOC-AC, FNAO, HFOAA

APPROVAL: ABO Approved for 1 Hour, Technical, Level II COURSE: STFVM204-2 ISSUE DATE: September 1, 2017 EXPIRATION DATE: August 31, 2018 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will detail the various natural and artificial sources of blue light, the potential harm that can result from blue light exposure and the ways in which eyecare professionals can help patients protect their eyes from the damage possible from blue light.

Take a moment to visualize how many screens are in our lives today. They’re just about everywhere we look, TVs, laptops, PCs, cell phones, not to mention the smartwatches found on so many wrists. As many as you see, this is still just the tip of the iceberg, and with additional technological advancements still to come, expect

even more screens to appear in your cars, homes and workplaces. Wherever we look, we cannot escape the fact that screen usage now represents so much of our day.

While screens may help us be more proficient and better connected, it’s important to understand that all of these devices can emit harmful blue light, which can create

digital eyestrain. Digging a little deeper into this reveals questions involving the technology and what damage can be linked to blue light exposure, including general physical health, both now and in the long-term future. A recent poll of 9,840 American adults conducted by The Vision Council found “more than 87% of individPHOTO COURTESY OF ESSILOR

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Additional aggravators to note include poor lighting, improper ventilation and screen glare.

With extended computer use and other display devices, we are forcing our eyes to stay fixed on a specific distance for a prolonged period of time. Theoretically, this is highly unnatural for our eyes, and CVS affects about 90% of the people who invest three hours or more per day on a computer, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

While CVS is most prevalent due to the action of eye movements and focusing, a study of pre-university students by The New York Times acknowledged that a large amount of users did not have proper ergonomic computer setups in their work environments. Position of the user, seating, lighting, distances, screen size, foot placement and wrist and hand movements all play a critical role in how one should set up a workstation. This provides maximum comfort, improves efficiency and wards off CVS. PHOTO COURTESY OF ESSILOR

uals use digital devices for more than two hours per day, and over 52% regularly use two devices simultaneously.� We are quickly transforming into a screen-dependent society and need to be aware of the related pros and cons.

Computers help make our lives easier, allow for faster and more complex work to occur and keep us organized. While these are all positive benefits, the dawn of the PC age brings a few negative byproducts and has opened the door to CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome). This condition plagues all ages, spans occupations and can harm anyone who uses a computer or display device for a prolonged period of time. Eyes were not designed to focus upon a specific finite distance for countless hours without experiencing fatigue, eyestrain, dryness and blurred vision.

The muscles of the eye function like the shutter and zoom of a traditional camera.

They bend and flex to allow for the items to be viewed clearly. Think of the muscles as if they were rubber bands. Throughout long uninterrupted periods of the day with near vision focusing, these eye muscles can lose elasticity and experience blurred vision, difficulty focusing, double vision and eyestrain.

Other troubling factors can be noted with neck and back pain, double vision, vertigo and the struggle of refocusing the eyes. We can even link short and long-term effects with sleep disorders, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

HEALTHY VS. HARMFUL

When it comes to understanding digital devices and blue light, there are two dif-

ferent types of blue light to compare. The first type is the healthy kind that helps to regulate our circadian sleep rhythm. It helps boost alertness, heighten reaction times, elevate moods and increase feelings of well-being. This blue light is the healthy type and is what we all need to help lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The second one is the harmful type that has been suggested to be a leading cause of AMD and other hazardous ocular disorders. Thinking in terms of the visible light spectrum (ROY-G-BIV), blue light occurs between 380 to 500 nanometers. A nanometer (nm) is measured as one-billionth of a meter and is what we use to measure a wavelength of light. What we are talking about when we discuss blue light is principally known as high energy visible (HEV) light. It is the violet/blue band of the color 5

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRANSITIONS OPTICAL

screens two to three hours before going to sleep. If you do need night lights, use dim red lights if possible. The red color has the lowest link to shifting circadian rhythm and the suppression of melatonin. If you do have to work at night, consider wearing blue light lenses to filter out as much harmful blue light as possible. Another good tip is to spend as much time outside exposed to the bright light during the day. Doing this helps you fall asleep faster at night and, in addition to balancing your mood, boosts alertness during the day.

ARTIFICIAL SOURCES

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spectrum, and it exists everywhere and all around us, regardless of whether we are indoors or outside.

Unhealthy blue light falls between 380470nm, while the healthier kind is closer to the 470-500nm range. When outside, light from the sun travels through the atmosphere and actually emits the largest amount of blue light. Inside, blue light wavelengths can be found in fluorescent lights, LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs and through the emission of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptop computer screens. The shorter the wavelength, the effects of the light wave is stronger and can cause eye fatigue. Blue light, compared to the other colors of the spectrum, has a shorter wavelength of visible light, emitting a higher energy and penetrating deeper into the eye. This can cause flickering in vision from overexposure. Nu-

merous researchers have begun to connect this hidden unhealthy blue light exposure with AMD, cataracts and the suppression of the body’s natural release of melatonin, which is particularly important for sleep.

We all have a circadian rhythm that is influenced by light and helps to regulate physical, mental and behavioral well-being. The average is 24 hours in length, a little longer for night owls and slightly shorter for those who prefer to turn in early. We all need sleep, and there are many health risks that can be prevented by maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm.

An updated Harvard Medical School publication article from Sept. 2, 2015 provides in-depth supporting research on digitally emitted blue light and provides tips on how to reduce sleep-related issues that can result from their usage. Before bed, it is recommended to avoid looking at bright

Prior to 2010, the conversation about blue light was most often connected to outdoor exposure and to ultraviolet protection. The release of the first iPad in April of 2010 spawned what was to become “The Tablet Revolution.” Before long, tablets flooded shelves in stores and were openly embraced. Tablets and other flat panel devices soon became the go-to media platform, replacing many magazines, newspapers and paperback books. While these new hightech gadgets aided to reduce paper waste, these portable family-based computers quickly began outselling traditional PCs and laptops, creating new types of visual problems to combat.

Standard computers are used in desk and table environments where the screen distance is kept at a safer-to-use mid-distance range. Tablets, on the other hand, are held much closer at 12-24 in. from the eyes. Because tablets are portable, standard users immediately experience a spike in their daily average hourly usage. Interconnectivity with smartphones and apps became more prevalent, and now over 35% of Americans own at least one tablet.

The negative issue shared by all tablets, smartphones and other devices is their backlit display. This is your opportunity to get in the game of building blue light awareness.

According to The Vision Council, 68.5% of people polled report they have not talked

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about digital device usage with their eyecare professional (ECP). From the same poll, 73.5% acknowledged they were unaware eyewear can be used to protect their eyes from the short and long-term effects of digital eyestrain and blue light exposure.

The way displays typically work are through LED technology and vary between white LED and RGB backlit designs. The white versions are most often used in mobile LCD (liquid crystal display), desktop and notebook screens.

White LEDs are normally made from a blue LED with a wide spectrum of yellow phosphor to create the emission of white light. The second type of backlit display most often found is made from a RGB LED design, where red, green and blue LEDs are controlled to produce different color temperatures of white light. Compared to longer wavelength colors in the spectrum, blue light or HEV wavelengths are shorter, and they glimmer easiest on backlit displays. This flicker effect creates glare and can lower visual contrast, inherently decreasing clarity and sharpness on backlit devices. This is important because the naked eye alone does not have enough

protection to filter out the harmful types of blue light. Extended exposure to it can lead to retinal damage, loss of vision and contribute to AMD. With 93% of teens owning or having access to a computer, it has become necessary to begin educating your patient base on the risks of blue light, the different types and why it’s important to protect their eyes immediately while using these devices.

Typical viewing distances for digital devices vary. Desktop computer screens traditionally are set for a standard focal distance of about 22 in. for most use, which worked well for many PC users. Then, as technology changed, this standard became about 18 in. with laptops. Now, with tablet use, this zone has shrunk even more to a nestled 12-24 in. away. Smaller gadgets such as phones and the distances used when text messaging can be closer yet, compounding additional strain on our eyes and causing headaches and visual fatigue. This is important to understand because as the day begins to wind down, many device users tend to move closer to their backlit devices to regain visual comfort. This PHOTO COURTESY OF SIGNET ARMORLITE

is because the focusing system of the eye begins to “lock up.” Moving closer keeps the muscles of the eyes in focus. All of this technology exposure creates an immediate need for products to help defend and enhance proper vision on digital devices.

According to The Vision Council DigitEYEzed survey, approximately 70% of American adults experience some form of digital eyestrain due to lengthy use of electronic devices. Computer usage reported varied from six to nine hours per day, and the number of adults now spending more than 10 hours per day rose another 4%.

When it comes to computer or tablet use, the eye is simply not designed to focus on pixels and hard targets. The most likely time adults experience digital eyestrain is 6pm to 9pm, and 63% of adults did not know that their electronics emitted high energy visible or blue light.

Take time and learn about your patients. Ask screen-related questions about their occupations, hobbies and how much time per day they spend staring at a screen. Here is where you make suggestions and offer products to help reduce CVS and enhance vision for all the blue light segments and users. Topics can include a wide variety of AR coatings designed to help filter out the harmful blue light while increasing screen clarity, optical lenses, color filters and other unique items such as screen protectors and healthy blue light light bulbs. If you sell frames, consider taking on a frame line with more wrapped styles. The higher curves of these frames allow for greater air blockage for the wearer, allowing more natural blink rates when on the screens and for their eyes to remain better lubricated. Another good idea is to recommend downloading blue light filtering applications to smartphones and tablets. A little tip like this might wow your next patient and place you in the ECP stratosphere of in-the-know AllStar practitioners.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VSP OPTICS

OTHER EYESTRAIN CAUSES

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Ways to prevent digital eyestrain can be linked to ergonomics. For proper computer use, it is ideal to have overhead lighting, but not so bright that it is brighter than the screen. The monitor should be the brightest light in the room, and the top of it is supposed to be at eye level or just below.

Proper viewing distances vary by user, 2040 in. and just one arm’s length away from the screen. Keyboards should be placed in an area where the wrist is comfortable, and the upper arms ideally hang perpendicular vertically with the torso. A supportive chair that allows users to firmly position their feet flat on the floor is needed to keep the body properly aligned. Of course, be sure to recommend anti-reflective computer eyeglasses and computer lenses designed to enhance contrast while also blocking HEV blue light.

Extended computer viewing has many drawbacks, one of which is reduced blink rates. Studies have shown that a computer user’s blink rate can be reduced by as much as one-half to two-thirds of the normal rate one would blink if not working

on a computer. This translates to drier and tired eyes, which can lead to corneal abrasions, corneal scarring and reduced tear film layers. For those who spend extended periods of time working on a screen, it is always recommended to remember to schedule time for vision breaks away from the monitor. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

GAMERS ALSO AT RISK

Let’s not forget about the booming gaming segment to consider when it comes to blue light exposure. According to Polygon. com, over 150 million Americans routinely play video games. Over 42% play for at least three hours per week, and at least 80% of American homes have a gaming console to play video games. These numbers are staggering and highlight the popularity of what average Americans like to do for leisure time. Thinking in terms of lenses, all of these gamers can benefit from some type of blue light protection and screen-enhancing eyewear. To many, gaming is much more than just a hobby; it’s considered a culture.

The average player age is 35 years old, but the generic stereotype ends there. Gaming reaches all ages: 56% are male, and yes, the remaining 44% are female; 26% of players are under 18 years of age, and 27% of video gamers are over the age of 50.

The gaming industry is also becoming more digital in nature. Games now are purchased frequently online, rather than in a physical store, and are played on more computer devices than ever before. Online games are quickly making up ground and appear to be an unstoppable force to battle.

Committed players (users) acknowledge they spend at least six-and-a-half hours per week playing online games with others via the internet and another five hours per week playing with other players in person.

Of these frequent players, 15% also spend more time after all these hours playing with their partner or spouse at home.

Regardless if you or any of your staff are gamers, this is a huge opportunity to learn about the culture, brush up on the lingo and begin carrying the products to enhance a gamer’s vision. Training is important for all staff members on this.

Keeping abreast of new technology and outreach is beneficial, and a good idea is to use social media to introduce these gamers to your practice. Simple efforts like these can net additional patients, eyewear sales and patient networking opportunities. In the office when you begin asking your patients how they like to spend their time (think lifestyle questionnaire), don’t forget to ask and talk about video game fans. This is an enormous opportunity for you to connect with a patient who isn’t afraid to spend big bucks on games. This segment may be the next new wave to help financially boost your practice’s annual bottom line.

Frank Gimbel, BA, ABOC-AC, FNAO, HFOAA, is an advanced certified ABO optician and owner of Gimbel Opticians in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

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FREE BLUE LIGHT CE TEST

CE SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST Please fill out the answer sheet at the end of this test. Respondents with a passing score will receive one (1) hour of CE credit. Those seeking ABO credit need a passing score of 80 and must answer all 20 questions. This test is valid through August 31, 2018.

1) What percentage of U.S. teens today own or have access to a computer? a) 50% b) 93% c) 72% d) 80%

8) At what range of wavelength are you most at risk for AMD? a) 200 to 300nm b) 480 to 500nm c) 380 to 470nm d) 600 to 675nm

15) What is the standard focal length viewing distance for desktop computer screens? a) 22 in. b) 26 in. c) 15 in. d) 36 in.

2) What is CVS? a) Controlled Vision Syndrome b) Computer Vision System c) Computer Vision Syndrome d) Convenience Variety Store

9) What does LCD stand for? a) Light Compound Design b) Liquid Crystal Display c) Light Crystal Display d) Liquid Compound Display

3) What is the length value of a nanometer (nm)? a) one thousandth of a meter b) one millionth of a meter c) one billionth of a meter d) one trillionth of a meter

10) What is the standard focal length viewing distance for tablet screens? a) 6 to 12 in. b) 12 to 24 in. c) 18 to 30 in. d) 26 to 36 in.

16) In order to get more restful sleep, it is recommended to? a) Use laptops, phones, and tablets as much as possible directly before bed. b) Use only tablets just before bed. c) Aim to limit and not use any digital devices within two to three hours before bed. d) Sleep in front of a computer screen.

4) Which of these emits the largest amount of blue light? a) the sun b) tablet screens c) computer screens d) disposable flashlights

17) Thinking in terms of the visible light spectrum (ROY-G-BIV), blue light occurs between? a) 400 to 600 nm b) 380 to 500 nm c) 350 to 550 nm d) 600 to 800 nm

11) What does HEV stand for? a) High Energy Varying b) High Energy Visible c) Hard Energy Violet d) Height Environment Violet

5) Which of these does not aid in creating proper computing using ergonomics? a) keeping feet firmly on the floor b) keeping legs crossed c) positioning screens at or just below eye level d) placing keyboards where wrists are comfortable

12) CVS affects about 90% of the people who invest at least this much time per day on a computer? a) six hours or more b) five hours or more c) four hours or more d) three hours or more

6) Blue light directly influences? a) how many hours we work on computers b) our circadian rhythm c) ocean temperature d) TV watching

13) Adults most likely experience digital eyestrain between? a) 6pm to 9pm b) 2pm to 6pm c) 9am to 5pm d) 1pm to 3pm

7) Healthy blue light can be observed at what wavelength range? a) 150 to 300nm b) 200 to 225nm c) 750 to 800nm d) 470 to 500nm

14) The healthy type of blue light helps to do all of the following, except? a) regulate sleep rhythms b) boost moods c) cause AMD d) heighten reaction times

Answer Sheet S TFVM204-2 Blue Light, Technical Level II

18) How many Americans today own at least one tablet? a) 20% b) 25% c) 35% d) 95% 19) What approximate percentage of American adults experience some form of digital eyestrain due to lengthy use of electronic devices? a) 50% b) 60% c) 70% d) 80% 20) Compared to normal blink rates, when working on a computer, you can expect blink rates to be reduced by as much as? a) one fourth the normal rate b) one quarter the normal rate c) two thirds the normal rate d) three quarters the normal rate

Fill out and mail this portion to: BLUE LIGHT CE c/o First Vision Media Group, Inc., 25 East Spring Valley Avenue, Suite 290, Maywood, NJ 07607 or fax to: 201-587-9464. Be sure to fill out form completely.

This CE article is also available online with immediate grading at totallyoptical.com/education.

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RESOURCES

Beating the Blues Blue light can cause eyestrain, lead to headaches, impact sleep rhythms and even result in long-term damage; defend your patients’ eyes with these lenses and coatings.

It’s been determined that exposure to certain portions of the blue light spectrum can cause discomfort and even impact overall eye health. With blue light emitted from the sun as well as from the screens that have become ubiquitous in our lives in the form of smartphones, computers and televisions, our eyes are constantly being bombarded with these harmful wavelengths.

Visible blue light is found in the wavelengths between 380 and 500 nanometers, but not all blue light is created equal.

Researchers have identified particular wavelengths as contributory to specific

conditions and health effects, although opinions differ as to which wavelengths are harmful. Reports support the association of the lowest end of the spectrum (380nm to 455nm) with the development of age-related macular degeneration. A recent study demonstrated loss of retinal cell viability with maximum effect between 415nm and 455nm. Some sources cite an even narrower band, from 420nm to 440nm, as being hyper-critical.

The upper end of the blue spectrum has a marked and well-documented effect on human circadian rhythms, the biologic

TYPE OF PROTECTION

PORTION OF SPECTRUM FILTERED

PERCENTAGE FILTERED

BluTech MAX BluTech CLASSIC BluTech ULTRA BluTech Lenses 800.258.5902 • BluTechLenses.com • Info@BlueTechLenses.com (BluTech Eyewear launched in conjunction with ClearVision Optical)

embedded embedded embedded

400-420nm; 420-440nm; 459-484nm 400-420nm; 420-440nm; 459-484nm 400-420nm; 420-440nm; 459-484nm

97%; 82%; 46% 90%; 58%; 36% 94%; 50%; 31%

ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect Carl Zeiss Vision, Inc. • 800.358.8258 • Zeiss.com/Lenses

coating

Up to 455nm

up to 20%

UV++ Conant Lens, Inc. • 904.599.2090 • UVPlusPlus.com • Chris.Landers@Conant-Optical.com

embedded

400-420nm

95%

Eyezen+ 1, 2, 3 Eyezen+ 0 (for patients under 18) Smart Blue Filter Crizal Prevencia Essilor of America, Inc. • 800.542.5668 • EssilorUSA.com

embedded embedded embedded coating

415-455nm 415-455nm 415-455nm 415-455nm

20% 20% at least 20% at least 20%

Chemistrie Blue clip ChemTech Readymade Reader Eyenavision, Inc. • 888.321.3939 • Eyenavision.com • Info@Eyenavision.com

coating coating

380-450nm; 380-500nm 380-450nm; 380-500nm

more than 50%; 35% more than 50%; 35%

PRODUCT

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clock that controls sleep/wake cycles. The range of light that most affects photoreceptors in the eye that influence circadian rhythms, known as melanopsin retinal ganglion cells, is from 459nm to 485nm.

In response to our growing understanding of the impact of blue light on the eye, lens manufacturers and optical labs have introduced many products to protect patients from certain portions of the spectrum (see chart below). While a wide range of coatings and lenses with embedded protection are listed here, there are plenty of other products available as well.

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TYPE OF PROTECTION

PORTION OF SPECTRUM FILTERED

PERCENTAGE FILTERED

Serenity HEV FEA Industries, Inc. • 800.327.2002 • FEAInd.com • Sales@FEAInd.com

embedded

390-400nm 405nm 410nm 415nm 420nm 425nm 430nm

100% 98% 85% 58% 34% 21% 14%

GUNNAR Lens Gunnar Optiks • 888.486.6270 • Gunnars.com • Sales@Gunnars.com

embedded amber color and front and backside AR coatings

380-420nm 420-450nm 450nm 450-500nm

100% 80% 65% 20%

Blue-Ban glasses HilcoVision • 800.955.6544 • HilcoVision.com • CustomerService@Hilco.com

coating

390-440nm

85%

HOYA Recharge HOYA Vision Care, North America • 877.528.1939 • HoyaVision.com • SalesSupport@HoyaVision.com

coating

380-420nm 430-450nm 460-480nm

35% 12% 3-5%

neurolens with neuroclear eyeBrain Medical • 949.339.5157 • neurolenses.com • neurolenses.com/contact

embedded

400-420nm

94%

Retinal Bliss DES Quantum Innovations • 888.268.3414 • QTMI.net • Info@QTMI.net

coating

400-455nm

Up to 17%

Shamir Blue Zero Shamir Insight, Inc. • 877.514.8330 • ShamirLens.com • Info@ShamirLens.com

embedded

415-455nm

blocks 3x more than a clear lens

KODAK Total Blue Signet Armorlite, Inc. • 800.759.0075 • SignetArmorlite.com • MarketingLiterature@SignetArmorlite.com

hybrid of lens material and coating

380-440nm

80%

SPY Happy Lens SPY • 800.779.3937 • SpyOptic.com

embedded

400nm 420nm

99.9% 98%

BlueShield Super Optical International/FastGrind • 800.543.7376 • SuperOptical.com • Jennifer@SuperOptical.com

embedded

400-500nm through 415nm through 430nm

99% 80%

Transitions Signature Transitions Vantage Transitions XTRActive Transitions Optical, Inc. • 800.848.1506 • Transitions.com • CustomerService@Transitions.com

embedded embedded embedded

380-460nm 380-460nm 380-460nm

20% indoors; 85% outdoors 34% indoors; 85% outdoors 34% indoors; 88%-95% outdoors

Clear Blue Filter Lens VISION EASE • 800.328.3449 • VisionEase.com • Info@VisionEase.com

embedded

380-460nm

51%

TechShield Blue VSP Optics Group • TechShieldBlue.com • BlueLightInfo@VSP.com

coating

400-430nm

Up to 85%

PRODUCT

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CONNECT CONFIDENTLY. Now your patients can enjoy all the advantages of digital life with less of the drawbacks. TechShield Blue delivers targeted blue light reduction in an advanced lens coating, simplifying your AR recommendation, and allowing your patients to work, play, and connect with confidence. ™

Learn more at TechShieldBlue.com.

Brought to you by VSP Optics Group ®

©2017 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved.

VSP is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan. Techhield is a trademark of Plexus Optix, Inc. 11991

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

SIMPLIFY YOUR BLUE LIGHT SOLUTION TechShield Blue: Targeted blue light defense in a premium AR coating

TechShieldBlue.com • BlueLightInfo@VSP.com DETAILS

TechShield Blue from VSP Optics Group combines your blue light and AR recommendations into one convenient package. This next-generation AR absorbs and reflects blue light, reduces glare, minimizes front and backside reflectance and extends lens life to deliver ultimate visual performance and total confidence.

TechShield Blue’s near-clear appearance also offers an attractive alternative for patients who want to reduce their exposure but don’t want to be seen in yellow, orange or purple lenses. Simply put, it allows your patients to defend their eyes without compromising their looks.

BACK STORY

The last decade has seen a monumental shift in the way we live our

lives. Children now learn to swipe and tap before they read and write. Teens still use phones to stay connected, but now they’re communicating via Snapchat, Instagram and are texting more than they’re actually talking. Working adults, regardless of their profession, now rely on a phone, tablet or computer to do business. With this mass migration to a digitally dominated lifestyle has come a significant increase in blue light exposure.

Fortunately, TechShield Blue offers all of your patients an easy way to continue enjoying the advantages of digital life with less of the drawbacks. TechShield Blue targets blue light wavelengths linked to digital eye strain (400-430nm), reducing exposure by as much as 85% at its peak. So, whether they’re working, playing or simply staying connected, your patients can do it all with the

confidence that they’re combatting the effects of all that screen time.

WOW FACTOR

As awareness grows among the public, being able to discuss the scientifically validated facts about blue light and blue-light-reducing lens products will position you as a trusted resource for your patients while positioning your practice for greater success.

TechShield Blue helps you as an eyecare provider separate the science from the speculation when it comes to this rapidly evolving topic. Offering a variety of educational resources, including blue light training sessions, white papers and practice support tools, TechShield Blue helps you become a blue light resource for your patients while helping your patients combat digital eye strain.

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Kodak Total Blue™ Lens

Celebrating Signet Armorlite’s

70th

Anniversary

UV Protection and Blue Light Filtering Kodak Total Blue Lens with Color Guard Lens Technology™ is a hybrid of lens material and AR lens coating that provides 100% direct UV protection and up to 80% filtering of HEV Blue Light* while maintaining true color vision.

Available in a variety of Kodak Lens designs, including clear and polarized options to accommodate various visual needs in all environments, both indoor and outdoor.

Visit www.kodaklens.com/pro today to learn more about the Kodak Lens Professional Series! *Measured at 380-440nm The Kodak trademark and trade dress are used by Signet Armorlite under license from Kodak. See the Colors of Life is a registered trademark. Total Blue and Color Guard Lens Technology are trademarks of Signet Armorlite, Inc. © 2017 Signet Armorlite, Inc.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Innovation in Spectrum Protection Block UV rays & filter HEV Blue Light with KODAK Total Blue Lens

introduced the potential for another level of vision protection. KODAK Total Blue Lens with Color Guard Lens Technology works to alleviate your exposure to UV rays and HEV blue light while allowing beneficial low energy blue light to maintain color vision.

WOW FACTOR

The hybrid technology KODAK Total Blue Lens:

behind

• Allows for up to 80% HEV blue light filtration, indoors and outdoors • P rovides protection from glare and reflections caused by LED lighting, energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and headlights from oncoming traffic

DETAILS

KODAK Total Blue™ Lens is a hybrid of lens material and AR lens coating that filters HEV blue light and protects against UV rays. It starts with a special lens material that is able to absorb 100% of UV rays. A hardcoat is applied for scratch resistance. A special multilayer blue light coating is applied to the front of the lens to help filter up to 80% of HEV blue light measured at 380-440nm. Additional layers on the backside of the lens provide protection from potential reflected UV rays. A superhydrophobic layer is also added for easy-to-clean lenses.

KODAK Total Blue Lens is available in KODAK Unique™, KODAK Unique HD and KODAK Precise® PB Progressive Lens designs as well as KODAK SoftWear® and KODAK Digital Single Vision Lenses. Clear and polarized options accommodate various visual needs, indoors and outdoors.

• Targets the potentially harmful blue light while allowing low energy blue light – which is essential for true color perception and regulates sleep cycle rhythms – to pass through to the eye Visit KodakLens.com/Pro to learn about how KODAK Total Blue Lens can provide comfortable vision to every patient, at every age.

BACK STORY

Technology has made a large impact, not only on how we communicate and keep in touch with the world but also with the amount of devices and time we spend using them. The prevalence of digital devices has

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ECPS SPEAK

Straight from the Sources ECPs share why (and how) they prescribe blue light-blocking products.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VSP OPTICS

By Cara Aidone Huzinec

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very time Cheryl Everitt prescribes a computer lens to a patient, she always makes sure the script says “blue light filtering lens.”

“I try to mention it to all my computer users who are on a digital device four to five hours a day and parents of child patients,” said Everitt, an optometrist at 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry in Riverside, CA. “I tell them our world is full of high energy visible blue light...and that it can lead to unhealthy effects, such as an interruption in our natural sleep cycle and increased eye discomfort.”

As more and more blue light products —both lenses and coatings—are being introduced and new studies are conducted showing adverse effects of blue light, it’s a topic that’s difficult for ECPs to ignore.

Everitt generally prescribes KODAK Total Blue products as well as neurolens, a progressive prism lens from eyeBrain Medical that filters blue light while treating digital vision syndrome (the lens will debut at Vision Expo West). Both products, she said, have minimal residual color as well as good protection.

Thomas Gosling, an optometrist at Optical Matters in Littleton, CO, said he’s been discussing blue light with patients for about five years, even constructing his own spectrometer to show them examples of wavelengths. He said he hears complaints of eyestrain from patients every day, and several factors direct conversation to blue light: family history of AMD, age and digital device usage.

“I ask every patient how many hours a day they look at a device and recommend HOYA Recharge for adults,” he said. “If you’re going to put an AR coating on a lens, then why wouldn’t you add blue light protection?”

“IT’S BEEN A TOPIC OF CONVERSATION FOR A FEW YEARS NOW. IN ALMOST ANY PROFESSION, IT’S ALL ABOUT DIGITAL DEVICE USE, AND THE BLUE LIGHT COMING OFF THEM IS PROBLEMATIC” PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Brian Chou, OD, of EyeLux Optometry in San Diego, said without conclusive evidence, there’s a danger in telling patients blue light emissions from screens will actually damage the eye. When patients ask him about blue light protection, Chou said he directs the conversation toward sun protection by stressing its importance in preventative eyecare.

“There’s an underlying fear that screen time is messing up eyes,” he said. “There is legitimate evidence that it may cause some harm, but it’s circumstantial right now. The new narrative that should come out should be directed to sun protection, the most potent source of [blue light]emissions.”

A proponent of Transitions lenses because of how they adapt to the amount of blue light emission from the sun, Chou said there is evidence supporting discomforting glare, but whether or not blue light emitted from devices causes eyestrain or fatigue “is a confounded issue. ‘Eyestrain’ and ‘fatigue’ are symptoms with myriad causes,” he added. “Common underlying causes include uncorrected refractive error and presbyopia. It may also be due to heterophoria, clinical dry eye or a combination of things. It seems like blue light gets

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ECPS SPEAK

SUGGESTIVE EVIDENCE

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One recent study out of the College of Optometry at University of Missouri-St. Louis did show that blue light-blocking eyeglasses may alleviate eye fatigue associated with computer use. For the study, 36 volunteers used a computer uninterrupted for two hours. Change in CFFF (critical flicker fusion frequency) was measured and showed less eyestrain among those wearing blue light-blocking lenses.

After receiving a sample single vision lens about three years ago, Shannon Price was sold on blue light products. “I could actually see them working,” said Price, an optician at Dunlap Vision in Bourbonnais, IL, adding that his practice uses both Crizal Prevencia and Eyezen products from Essilor.

And when Dunlap Vision had a young patient who suffered from daily migraines

over a two month period and tests showed no medical issues, Price said they decided to add Prevencia to his prescription.

The result? Migraines ceased after two days.

“When you hear stories like that and you can see and feel it for yourself, it’s a wonderful thing,” Price said.

Ami Ranani, OD, at Somers Eye Center in Somers, NY, only recently began to offer patients blue light products, specifically BluTech. He has started to pay attention because it’s a frequent topic at industry meetings and conventions.

With many patients complaining more frequently about eye fatigue and headaches, and with parents voicing concerns about increased screen time, Ranani said

“THE KEY IS EDUCATING PATIENTS AS TO WHY THEY NEED THIS FORM OF PROTECTION.”

BluTech “adds to the whole picture” of treatment. Patient education, he said, starts in the waiting room, with blue light brochures and a BluTech light source tool that demonstrates blue light going through glasses.

“If a patient comes in with eyestrain, I talk to them about long-term protection,” he said. “We like to educate patients and recommend products with the optician.”

During preliminary testing, which includes patient intake forms, Earl Sandler, OD, at Carmel Mountain Vision Care in San Diego always asks patients about occupation and symptoms, usually paving the way for blue light discussion.

“It’s been a topic of conversation for a few years now. In almost any profession, it’s all about digital device use, and the blue light coming off them is problematic,” said Sandler, who routinely prescribes ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect. “The key is educating patients as to why they need this form of protection.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF VSP OPTICS

blamed as the culprit for discomfort symptoms even in instances when the underlying cause is identifiable as something else.”

Chou did say there seems to be increased visual complaints in relation to digital device use, but this may be due to “their ubiquity, which elicits well-documented symptoms related to uncorrected refractive error.”

Gary Morgan, an optometrist at Eye Tech Eye Associates in Peoria, AZ, said that while he regularly lectures about blue light to opticians and optometrists, eyecare professionals “can’t say it’s going to prevent disease. It’s too early in the game.”

“We can talk with patients about digital eyestrain since we are spending all of our waking hours looking at some sort of device,” said Morgan, who regularly uses TechShield Blue from VSP. “If they say their eyes feel tired or watery, I’ll make sure it’s not another issue, but then I’ll start to explain with a diagram of the eye that shows where light is focused. When you look at these screens, there is twice as much blue light coming off than green light and four times than red light.”

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Annual Supplement Series from First Vision Media Group

+ Targeting topics most important to you.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

VSP OPTICS GROUP, TECHSHIELD BLUE TechShield

Blue provides advanced blue light defense in a premium anti-reflective coating, allowing patients to work, play and connect with confidence. Targeting blue light wavelengths associated with digital eyestrain (400-430nm), TechShield Blue reduces exposure by as much as 85% at its peak. Its next-generation AR coating absorbs and reflects blue light, reduces glare and minimizes front and back side reflectance. The coating also blocks UV light and repels oil and water while resisting scratches, smudges and fogging. TechShield Blue is available on prescription or non-prescription lenses. TechShieldBlue.com, BlueLightInfo@VSP.com

KEMIN, FLORAGLO LUTEIN

FloraGLO Lutein is a safe and clinically proven, naturally sourced ingredient for vision and eye health supplements that provides blue light protection.

Made from marigolds, a natural source of lutein and backed by more than 20 years of research, FloraGLO has set the standard for safety and quality in lutein. More than 80 human clinical trials, including the National Eye Institute’s landmark AREDS2 study, show that taking supplements with lutein daily is good for your eyes. FloraGLO is the top lutein brand recommended by eye doctors and is supported by a patent showing how lutein filters blue light to help protect eyes. 800.777.8307, Kemin.com

SIGNET ARMORLITE, KODAK TOTAL BLUE LENS Kodak’s Total Blue Lens is a hybrid

of lens material and anti-reflective lens coating that provides 100% direct UV protection and up to 80% filtering of HEV blue light while maintaining color vision. Color Guard Lens Technology is the proprietary process used in the creation of Kodak Total Blue Lenses. Customers can order the lenses in a variety of lens designs and indexes. 800.759.4630, SignetArmorlite.com, KODAKLens.com/PRO

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WHO IS THE VCPN READER? Someone who is constantly searching for new opportunities, new products and processes to make their vision care practice better—someone actively pursuing business solutions.

s

90%

A recent survey* of ECPs revealed that 90% of regular VCPN readers took some form of action after reading an issue—from sharing content with colleagues to checking out company websites to contacting their sales reps.

DELIVERING PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR OPTICAL PEOPLE SINCE THE TURN OF THE CENTURY *based on results of a reader survey conducted by GfK Market Research, September 2015

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

ESSILOR, EYEZEN+ 0 Eyezen+ 0 lenses are the

recommended answer to digital eyestrain and harmful blue light for wearers under the age of 18. Essilor’s Smart Blue Filter feature reduces harmful blue light exposure by at least 20% for patients wearing Eyezen+ 0, whose design is digitally surfaced and optimized along with Eyezen+ 1, 2 and 3. Like all Eyezen+ lenses, Eyezen+ 0 lenses have Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement (W.A.V.E) technology that provides sharper vision than traditional single vision lenses.

800.542.5668, EssilorUSA.com

TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC., SIGNATURE, XTRACTIVE AND VANTAGE LENSES Signature

lenses, Transitions’ most responsive adaptive lenses, are more reactive to bright sun, partial sun and indirect light.

They block at least 20% of harmful blue light indoors and more than 85% outdoors. Transitions XTRActive lenses are extra dark outdoors to protect from the sun and have some tint indoors to protect from harsh lighting. They block at least 34% of harmful blue light indoors and 8895% outdoors. Vantage lenses have variable polarization that adjusts to match varying levels of outdoor glare throughout the day. These lenses block 34% of harmful blue light indoors and over 85% outdoors. 800.848.1506, Transitions.com

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Think About Your Eyes

Because Life is Worth Seeing!

Your sight is a gift. That’s the message of new Think About Your Eyes advertising. Millions of

Americans will be seeing our powerful new commercials and will be actively searching for an eye doctor to schedule an exam. So there’s never been a better time for you to join Think About Your Eyes and help support this important initiative. And if you’re already a member, consider upgrading to Premium to get your practice to the top of search results.

Remember: supporting Think About Your Eyes is good for your patients, your practice, and our industry.

JOIN OR UPGRADE TODAY! For more information call 855-449-TAYE (8293) or info@thinkaboutyoureyes.com

©2017 All rights reserved. Think About Your Eyes® is a public awareness campaign focused on educating consumers on the importance of vision health.

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©2017 Essilor of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unless indicated otherwise, all trademarks are the property of Essilor International and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Transitions, the swirl and Transitions Signature are registered trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc., used under license by Transitions Optical Ltd. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure, and lens material.

THE ULTIMATE LENS PACKAGE

BY ESSILOR Help your patients see all of life’s moments with a single lens that brings together three innovative technologies for the ultimate in vision, clarity and protection.

NEW VARILUX® X SERIES™ extends the area of sharp vision within arm’s reach

NEW CRIZAL SAPPHIRE® 360º UV reduces glare and reflections from all directions

TRANSITIONS® SIGNATURE® VII adapts to light inside and outside for comfortable vision

Also available for single vision patients with Eyezen™+, Crizal Sapphire® 360° UV, and Transitions® Signature® VII.

To learn more about the Ultimate Lens Package contact your Essilor Sales Consultant or visit EssilorUltimateLens.com

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