Friday, February 09, 2007

UV light

The photochromic or variable tint lenses of old were a fantastic innovation, and as with all things, improved technology and specific needs and requirements have resulted in Transitions® Lenses, which act like a sun block for the eyes and also new Acuvue ® Oasys contact lenses that block up to 99% of Ultra Violet rays.

As people spend more time outdoors and the diminishing ozone layer filters out less of the ultraviolet radiation, the incidence of skin cancer, human immune system disorders, cataracts as well as other eye diseases has increased. Most important is the damaging effect that long-term UV exposure has on our eyes. This has caused individuals to be more concerned with protecting their eyes from ultraviolet light.

Why is UV protection important?
Many people routinely take precautions to protect their skin against UV rays. But most people are unaware of the need to protect their eyes against UV damage. Research indicates that long-term, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can lead to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise the quality of your vision. Most eyecare professionals now recommend that people protect their eyes against UV exposure at all times. Transitions Lenses help provide convenient protection by blocking 100% of harmful UV rays.

It is essential to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of Ultra Violet light, which causes ageing, burning and cancer. 50% of UV light can be blocked by simply wearing a broad rimmed hat. The balance requires a lens that blocks 100% of UV rays up to 380 nanometers of UV light. This might be in the form of your spectacles or with a pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses.

Transitions® Lenses are the ideal choice for your everyday lenses. They are clear indoors and go to sunglass-dark outdoors. They provide convenient protection from UV radiation and glare, helping you to achieve healthy sight. Transitions Lenses are the #1 recommended photochromic lenses in the world.

Transitions Lenses change from clear to dark in the presence of ultraviolet light, and block 100% of harmful UV rays. Our innovative photochromic technologies have produced unparalleled lens performance in nearly every lens design and material, including shatterresistant lenses, bifocals, trifocals, progressives, and standard and high index materials.

When you choose Transitions Lenses, you choose visual quality, visual comfort and convenient protection with these performance features:

  • Virtually as clear as regular clear lenses indoors
  • Even clearer with an anti-reflective coating
  • As dark as most sunglasses outside in bright light
  • Fast to activate
  • Fast to fade back
  • Block 100% of harmful UV rays
  • Reduce the effects of glare
  • Reduce eye fatigue
  • Improve contrast
  • Offer the right tint at the right time in changing light

The smartest choice for everyday lenses
It’s never too early to start caring for your children’s eyes. Children are excellent candidates for Transitions Lenses. It is estimated that 80% of total lifetime exposure to UV rays occurs before age 18. Children are more susceptible to UV radiation because their eyes continue to develop into the teen years. Children also require safe, shatter-resistant lens materials.

Transitions Lenses are the perfect solution available in sturdy, lightweight, shatter-proof materials. Transitions Lenses provide the convenience of automatic protection by blocking 100% of harmful UV rays. They also offer increased comfort by reducing eye strain and fatigue. Transitions Lenses help you instill a lifetime of healthy eye habits by promoting good eye health in children.

Don't forget your baby's eyes. When outdoors ensure your little one is wearing a broad rimmed hat, which can reduce UV exposure by up to 50%, to help shield their sensitive eyes from the sun and reflected glare. Children should also wear a hat or junior sunglasses when outdoors. (Buy sunglasses from a reputable dealer)

Patients with Special Needs
Certain people develop a heightened sensitivity to light, known as photosensitivity, and are more susceptible to visible light. Photosensitivity can develop with conditions, such as diabetes or recent eye surgery. The condition can also be caused by taking certain prescription medications. Some medications, even those used to treat conditions not related to vision, can cause the eyes to be more susceptible to damage from UV rays.
During product testing, eyecare professionals were asked if Transitions Lenses seemed a good choice for people with specific visual needs. After wearing the lenses for two weeks, the number of professionals who answered “yes” increased by more than 10 times. Patients with special needs are excellent candidates for Transitions Lenses.

Active Adults
Protection from glare and UV rays is important for the comfort and quality of your vision today. It’s also important for long-term care of your eyes. It’s never too late to help protect against the cumulative effects of UV rays, which can lead to eye conditions that compromise the quality of your vision. Source: *Guideline Research, Inc., NY, NY, product testing among eyecare professionals, June 2004.

While it’s important to protect your eyes from too much visible light, it’s also important to protect them from light you don’t see ? ultraviolet radiation. Research shows that long-term unprotected exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can lead to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise your vision health.

Most people understand the need to protect their skin from UV rays, but most are not yet aware of the need to protect their eyes. Unfortunately, the effects of UV rays are cumulative. Research also shows that by age 18, most people have accumulated 80% of their total lifetime exposure to the sun. What’s more, children’s eyes continue to develop as they grow, and are more susceptible to UV radiation during their first 18 years. By addressing eye health while your children are young, you can instill a lifetime of healthy habits. After all, the lenses you choose for them today can help determine how well they’ll see in the future.

Transitions® Lenses meet high quality standards.
Transitions block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays for automatic protection. In fact, Transitions Lenses were the first to earn the American Optometric Association (AOA) Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers and Blockers. Additionally, Transitions Lenses meet internationally recognized standards for UV blockage, including ANSI Z80.3, ISO 8980-3, EN 1836 and AS/NZS 1067.

It’s no wonder that people who have tried them like them or that Transitions Lenses are the #1-recommended photochromic lenses in the world.
Light is essential to vision. But too much or too little light diminishes visual quality. Simply put, too much light causes glare. It can happen day or night in a number of ways, such as moving from shade into bright sunlight or when light reflects from shiny surfaces. The results of glare are squinting, eye strain, eye fatigue and, in extreme cases, temporary blindness. Glare impairs visual comfort and visual quality.

Transitions® Lenses reduce glare.
Transitions Lenses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating are the optimal everyday choice for reducing glare.* You can improve the overall quality of your vision by reducing glare with transitions. We can help ensure that the quality of your vision will be at its best at all times, all day, every day.

Transitions Lenses reduce glare and provide these important benefits:

  • Help prevent the loss of visibility
  • Improve visual quality and visual comfort
  • Provide a comfortable level of light
  • Reduce squinting and eye fatigue

SOME ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do Transitions® Lenses work?

Transitions Lenses contain special photochromic dyes that cause the lens to activate, or darken, when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, offering the right tint at the right time. It’s important to note that the UV blockage remains constant. Transitions Lenses provide automatic protection from UV rays in both the clear and darkened states.

Are Transitions Lenses a good alternative to clear lenses?

Yes. Transitions Lenses are as clear as clear lenses indoors, and as dark as sunglasses outdoors in bright sunlight. As light conditions change, the lenses adjust quickly to provide the appropriate level of tint. They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, providing convenient protection. Transitions Lenses are compatible with all frame styles, and available in all types of lens materials and designs, from high index to shatter-resistant materials, from single vision lenses to progressives.

How fast do Transitions Lenses work?

Transitions Lenses begin to darken the moment they are exposed to UV light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. The moment UV rays are no longer present the lenses begin to fade back. In short, Transitions Lenses quickly darken when you go outdoors, and fade back fast when you return indoors. Most wearers report that the adjustment happens so smoothly, they are unaware of it. They are aware, however, of their continued visual comfort.

How well do Transitions Lenses protect against UV rays?

Unlike most clear lenses, Transitions Lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. In fact, Transitions Lenses are the first to earn the American Optometric Association (AOA) Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers/Blockers. Additionally, Transitions Lenses meet internationally recognized standards for UV blockage, including ANSI Z80.3, ISO 8980-3, EN 1836 and AS/NZS 1067.

Can I use Transitions Lenses like sunglasses?

In most outdoor conditions, Transitions Lenses are perfect for reducing the sun's glare. They actually lighten and darken as the sun goes in and out of the clouds. However, since extremely high temperatures tend to affect lens performance, Transitions Lenses may not always get as dark as sunglasses. Ask us for advice.

Are Transitions Lenses suitable for driving?

Windshields in today’s vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause Transitions Lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, when worn inside a car where less UV light is present, the ability of the lenses to darken is reduced. Ask us if you need a pair of polarized prescription sunglasses for driving.

Are Transitions Lenses available in different lens designs?

Yes. Transitions Lenses are available in a wide range of lens designs including singlevision, bifocals, trifocals and progressives. They are also available in shatter-resistant, and both standard and high index lens materials. Regardless of your prescription or lens preference, you may choose either gray or brown Transitions Lenses.

Are Transitions Lenses appropriate to wear while working at a computer?

Yes. They can be worn any place that you would wear regular, clear lenses all day, every day. Transitions Lenses help you see more comfortably inside and out, day and night.

How do Transitions Lenses reduce glare?

Transitions Lenses react quickly to changing light and become as dark as sunglasses outside in bright sunlight. As light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts to provide the right tint at the right time. This convenient protection is automatic.

Can Transitions Lenses enhance my quality of vision?

Yes. Transitions Lenses enhance the ability to discern objects of varying size, brightness and contrast, enabling you to see better in all light conditions.

OLYMPIC GAMES SILVER MEDALISTS BELBIN & AGOSTO SEE GOLD WITH ACUVUE® OASYS?!

Prior to competing in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, both skaters were fitted with the new ACUVUE® OASYS? contact lens, a breakthrough for lens wearers when their eyes feel tired and dry in challenging environments such as dry, cold ice skating rinks.

SAY GOODBYE TO DRY!

Today's environments can create tired, dry eyes. With ACUVUE ® OASYS? IN, Dry is OUT. Whether you’re inside or outside, challenging environments can make your eyes feel tired and dry. Even long hours in front of a computer can leave your eyes craving moisture.

Find relief with ACUVUE® OASYS? with HYDRACLEAR? PLUS Brand Contact Lenses.

  • Feels almost like you’re wearing no lens at all
  • Helps soothe the discomfort from eyes feeling tired and dry
  • Reduces the need for rewetting drops
  • Contains HYDRACLEAR? PLUS ? the next generation of proprietary technology that creates a more wettable, ultra smooth contact lens
  • Visibility tint so your lenses are easy to see and handle
  • Highest UVA and UVB Blocking to help protect against harmful UV rays, blocking 96% of UV-A rays and 99% of UV-B rays
  • Inside - Out Mark so you’ll insert your lenses correctly every time

WHO SHOULD WEAR ACUVUE® OASYS?

  • People who experience contact lens dryness in dry challenging environments
  • People whose eyes get tired from long days at work
  • People who like to wear their lenses comfortably all day
  • People who spend extended periods of time in front of a computer

ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT PROTECTION

Consumer research has shown that UV protection is an important lens attribute for patients. In fact, 3 of want UV protection from their contact lenses, and 1 of 2 say they would switch brands for UV protection.

Since 1997, ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses have led the way in UV blocking. All ACUVUE approved to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into ACUVUE® ADVANCE? Brand Contact Lenses block approximately 90% of UV-A radiation and 99% of ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses block approximately 82% of UV-A radiation and 97% of UV

WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use directed.

NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature Blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have that wearing UV-Blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders.

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