Light, sight and photochromics
Transitions Optical presented in Venice a monograph on the latest results in a new area of clinical research, the relationship that exists between sight and the quality of life.
The text 'Light, Sight and Photochromics' was written by Susan Stenson, professor of ophthalmology at the New York University School of Medicine. Stenson has many years of experience in photochromic research and she has published works for the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmology as well as being a former director of the Contact Lens and Cornea - External Diseases Services at New York University.
Until now, no sight professional has correlated these two aspects which, if considered carefully, can be the best way to meet the needs of the people suffering from ametropia. There are two fundamental points in the work:
- the relationship between light and everything one sees. The relationship that exists between light and the damaging effect of UV radiation is discussed. How to protect eyes from UV. The choice of lenses. The advantages and disadvantages of the choice;
- sensitivity to contrast and resistance to glare. These two characteristics are not fully revealed by the Snellen test, but they play an extremely important role when the relationship between sight and the quality of life is taken into consideration. To ensure that this relationship is maintained in the best possible way, the protection of the eye over time must be a consideration.
Professor Stenson also carried out research on the Next Generation lenses from Transitions. This type of lens was chosen because photochromic lens transmittance is comparable to a clear lens inside a closed room. People with ametropia were examined using the double blind method. For 30 days, participants in the research wore normal clear lenses first and then Next Generation Transitions.
At the end of the period they were recalled to answer a five-point questionnaire:
- visual comfort in outdoor light conditions where glare was present, and in the passage from one light condition to another;
- everyday life (ease of carrying out normal day-to-day activities in closed rooms and outdoors, and impressions when passing from one environment to another);
- impressions (symptoms of visual tiredness associated with glare);
- characteristics (observations on lens performance in relation to its specific characteristics);
- satisfaction (with reference to some specific characteristics of the lens and the lens as a whole).
The results revealed that with the Transitions Lenses people suffering from ametropia experienced significant improvement in visual comfort, especially outdoors, whereas in closed rooms they performed in the same way as the clear lens.
Transitions lenses where shown to be superior to clear lenses in:
- reduction of eye irritation (lacrimation and burning);
- general satisfaction with the lens;
- reduction of irritation and loss of visual performance caused by glare;
- passage from indoors to outdoors;
- adaptation to different light conditions;
- making outdoor activities easier.
In addition, four out of five people with ametropia preferred the comfort of the Transitions lenses to normal clear lenses. This type of filter gives 100% protection against UVA, UVB, blue light and IR.
