If you've had an eye exam recently, or have one scheduled soon, chances are that you'll be hearing the term "anti-fatigue lenses". But what are they exactly, and how will they benefit you?
There are actually multiple types of lenses that fall into the anti-fatigue category and they can be applied to glasses individually or combined if necessary. And since our society is one that is constantly exposed to electronic devices, anti-fatigue lenses can be beneficial to everyone, even individuals who don't have a prescription.
In a past blog, we discussed Blue Light Technology and how it has been applied to vision care; the lenses that feature this technology fall within the anti-fatigue category. By infusing them with melanin or applying a special anti-reflection coating, these lenses filter out harmful blue light (violet-blue) while still allowing beneficial blue light (blue-turquoise) to reach the eyes. Blue light has a significant impact on Circadian Rhythms (sleep/wake cycle) as well as memory and cognitive performance, so those who wear glasses with blue light filters generally feel that their eyes are more comfortable, relaxed and less strained at the end of the day. The vast majority of individuals today, no matter their age, are constantly exposed to sources of blue light: fluorescent and CFL lightbulbs, computers, smart phones, tablets, television and that emitted from other electronic devices. Almost everyone can benefit from using glasses with this type of anti-fatigue lens, regardless of whether they have a prescription or not.
Another type of anti-fatigue lens is the "Relax", made by Shamir, and is intended for single vision and pre-presbyope (reading-vision impaired) patients who spend a significant amount of time reading and using computers. These activities force the muscles in the eye to repeatedly focus in and out - an activity referred to as "prolonged accommodation" - which results in visual fatigue.
The Shamir Relax incorporates an additional ADD Power of .65[D] into the lower portion of the lens, which can reduce accommodation by up to 30%. This means that the eye muscles are not forced to work as hard, resulting in less fatigue and renewed energy for patients at the end of the day. Since the ADD Power in this lens is so light, its suitable for patients with standard single vision lenses.
Blue Light Technology and Relax lenses are both available at Optometrics of Chatsworth. If you're interested in seeing if one or both of these anti-fatigue lenses are right for you, please contact our office and we'll be happy to evaluate your prescription.
There are actually multiple types of lenses that fall into the anti-fatigue category and they can be applied to glasses individually or combined if necessary. And since our society is one that is constantly exposed to electronic devices, anti-fatigue lenses can be beneficial to everyone, even individuals who don't have a prescription.
In a past blog, we discussed Blue Light Technology and how it has been applied to vision care; the lenses that feature this technology fall within the anti-fatigue category. By infusing them with melanin or applying a special anti-reflection coating, these lenses filter out harmful blue light (violet-blue) while still allowing beneficial blue light (blue-turquoise) to reach the eyes. Blue light has a significant impact on Circadian Rhythms (sleep/wake cycle) as well as memory and cognitive performance, so those who wear glasses with blue light filters generally feel that their eyes are more comfortable, relaxed and less strained at the end of the day. The vast majority of individuals today, no matter their age, are constantly exposed to sources of blue light: fluorescent and CFL lightbulbs, computers, smart phones, tablets, television and that emitted from other electronic devices. Almost everyone can benefit from using glasses with this type of anti-fatigue lens, regardless of whether they have a prescription or not.
Another type of anti-fatigue lens is the "Relax", made by Shamir, and is intended for single vision and pre-presbyope (reading-vision impaired) patients who spend a significant amount of time reading and using computers. These activities force the muscles in the eye to repeatedly focus in and out - an activity referred to as "prolonged accommodation" - which results in visual fatigue.
The Shamir Relax incorporates an additional ADD Power of .65[D] into the lower portion of the lens, which can reduce accommodation by up to 30%. This means that the eye muscles are not forced to work as hard, resulting in less fatigue and renewed energy for patients at the end of the day. Since the ADD Power in this lens is so light, its suitable for patients with standard single vision lenses.
Blue Light Technology and Relax lenses are both available at Optometrics of Chatsworth. If you're interested in seeing if one or both of these anti-fatigue lenses are right for you, please contact our office and we'll be happy to evaluate your prescription.