​Blue Coated Lens V/S UV Protected lens? What’s The difference

By – Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon

UV Light Is that part of the non-visible light spectrum which is harmful to our eyes and can lead to cataract formation on prolonged exposure. Excessive UV exposure also irritates our cornea over a short amount of time. Symptoms include red eyes, rubble in eyes, discomfort, photophobia or light sensitivity, however, these are transitory. People who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to the sun or on digital devices need to use UV protection eyewear. UV lenses provide an anti-reflective coating on the lenses thus restricting the passage of UV light by additional luminosity.

Blue Light (High Energy Visible) HEV light is that portion of the visible light spectrum between 380 to 500 mm. These shorter wave lengths have the highest energy and are most harmful to our eyes if the exposure is for a prolonged duration. They can cause:-

– Digital eye strain
– Increased risk of retinal damage and macular degeneration.
-affects our sleeping patterns

Blue cut lenses help to block the HEV blue-violet light while allowing the LEV light transmission by absorbing 10 to 90 per cent of blue light and preventing colour distortion, thus protecting our eyes from the harmful effect of HEV Light. This is recommended for people who spend a lot of time indoors, digital devices like smartphones & computer screens.

Shorter wavelength light of 380 to 420 nm is especially harmful to young people under 20 years old, because they have lower amounts of protective pigment in their eyes. The risk is also much greater for patients that have had cataract-removal surgery. Blue light can harm the eyes. Digital eye strain causes blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, and neck and back pain.

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Blue light penetrates deeper into the eye than other light. This can contribute to age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss. Over-exposure to blue light at night time can disrupt natural sleep rhythm. Blue light can inhibit the release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. The blue light coming from the sun during daytime promotes the awake cycle.

Kids are at higher risk. Unlike adults who have fully developed eyes, kids have less natural protection. Kids have larger pupils which permit lighter to enter the eye. They also have shorter arms and hold devices closer, which causes greater exposure. These lenses will help relieve symptoms of eye strain almost instantly, especially while working at night. They assist in restoring our circadian rhythm and maintaining our sleep pattern and reducing the risk of macular degeneration over time.