Most people are aware of the dangers of long term exposure to UV light. UV light is known to promote the development of cataracts and other eye diseases. However recent studies suggest that UV is not the only harmful light spectrum. Many scientists and medical researchers now believe that high energy violet and blue sunlight may be linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a loss of central vision due to retinal damage. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in the United States. People who suffer from AMD may have difficulty reading driving or performing other normal activities. The leading eyecare organization, Prevent Blindness America notes that, "13 million people in the US age 40+ have signs of macular degeneration." One in three Americans will get AMD after age 75. Since there is no known cure for AMD it is important to look at measures that may slow the progression of the disease.

There is mounting evidence that sunlight may play a significant role in the development of AMD. The Schepens Eye Research Institute makes this statement on their home page: "It has been demonstrated that the blue rays of the spectrum seem to accelerate AMD more than other rays of the spectrum." A study of watermen who worked on the Chesapeake bay suggests that high levels of exposure to blue light late in life may increase the risks of developing AMD.

Consequently, UV protection alone may not be sufficient to protect the long term health of the eye, especially in the case of AMD. Sunglasses should block harmful blue and violet light in addition to UV light. The Schepens EYE Institute notes that, "special sunglasses that block the blue end of the spectrum may reduce the progress of the disease (AMD). There is however a problem with most amber or so called "blue blocking" lenses. These types of lense tend to block out 100% of blue light, which can cause color distortion similar to color blindness.

A new sunglass called Melanin utilizes a synthetic version of the natural pigment present in our eyes to protect against harmful sunlight. Melanin lenses block 100% of harmful UV light, while filtering out blue and violet light in proportion to their potential to damage the retina. Maximum protection for the eye is achieved without distorting color perception. Melanin Lenses also contain a polarized filter to reduce reflected glare.

For more information on Melanin Lenses, and how to best protect your eyes from the sun contact your local eye professional.

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