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HOW TO CHOOSE A COATING FOR YOUR LENS?

By 30/12/2024January 8th, 2025No Comments

Introduction

In the ophthalmic industry, the choice of coatings for lenses is key to personalizing and optimizing patients’ visual experiences. Beyond improving visual quality, these coatings offer benefits such as increased durability, visual comfort, and eye protection. Blue light and infrared radiation are two significant factors affecting eye health.

  • Blue Light: This is high-energy visible light with wavelengths ranging from 380 nm to 500 nm. Wavelengths around 460 nm are particularly critical, as they correspond to the peak emission from electronic devices like LED screens. Prolonged exposure can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Infrared Radiation (IR): This occurs beyond the visible spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from 780 nm to 1400 nm. Although less energetic than visible light, prolonged exposure contributes to premature aging of the lens and retina, as well as increased eye fatigue due to thermal accumulation in ocular tissues.

Coatings that filter these radiations not only enhance visual comfort but also play a preventative role in protecting long-term eye health by minimizing cumulative damage.

Eyecare: Advanced Eye Protection

Coatings in this category are designed to safeguard eye health from environmental and technological factors that impact daily vision. Below are some of the most notable coatings:

  • Digital: Filters a portion of blue light emitted by screens, helping reduce sleep disturbances caused by prolonged exposure to these sources. Unlike conventional coatings, the Digital coating is optimized to block blue light at the critical wavelength of around 460 nm, which corresponds to the emission peak of electronic devices. Many traditional lenses block only up to 400 nm, addressing ultraviolet light from the sun but inadequately filtering blue light from digital devices.
  • Emerald IR: Provides protection against premature aging of the lens and retina, promoting longer-lasting eye health. Additionally, it features a subtle green residual tint on the lenses, which enhances visual comfort.
  • Digital IR: Combines the properties of Digital and IR coatings, offering comprehensive protection against blue light and infrared radiation. It is ideal for those seeking to improve sleep patterns while maximizing visual comfort and preserving long-term eye health.
  • Nature IR: Offers virtually invisible lenses that minimize reflections and maximize light transmission to provide clearer, sharper vision. Additionally, it protects against infrared radiation, enhancing the visual experience under various lighting conditions and promoting long-term eye health.

How was this optimization achieved?

Key Benefits

  • Protection against cumulative damage caused by prolonged exposure to blue and infrared light.
  • Relief from common symptoms such as dry eyes and sleep disturbances.
  • Prevention of risks associated with prolonged exposure to these light sources, such as macular degeneration.
  • Significant improvement in the visual experience under different lighting conditions.
  • Optimized aesthetics with more transparent and discreet lenses for a natural appearance.

 

Specialized Coatings Department

At Horizons Optical, we have a dedicated Coatings department focused on developing advanced lens treatment solutions. This team combines technical expertise with continuous innovation to ensure our lenses provide maximum visual comfort and eye protection. Their work ensures that the solutions developed remain at the forefront of ophthalmic technology.

 

Conclusion

Lens coatings offer tailored solutions for every visual need and lifestyle, ranging from basic functional options to advanced solutions for protection and maximum transparency. These options allow patients to enjoy optimal vision, while eye care professionals can expand their range of services.

Investing in patient education about the benefits of these coatings not only improves their health and visual experience but also increases patient trust and opens new business opportunities in the ophthalmic industry.

 

References

  1. Tosini, G., Ferguson, I., & Tsubota, K. (2016). Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology. Molecular Vision, 22, 61–72. Available at: https://www.molvis.org/molvis/v22/61
  2. Cajochen, C., Frey, S., Anders, D., Späti, J., Bues, M., Pross, A., & Wirz-Justice, A. (2011). Evening exposure to a light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit computer screen affects circadian physiology and cognitive performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(5), 1432–1438. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2011
  3. Tsutomu, O., & Takashi, I. (2020). Cataract formation by near-infrared radiation in rabbits. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 97(2), 372–376. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13342