Crizal Prevencia
Essilor launches Crizal Prevencia: the first lens that selectively filters harmful blue light and UV rays
Essilor, world leader in ophthalmic lens manufacturing is reinforcing its commitment to visual health with the launch of the first lens offering complete protection against harmful blue light – one of the risk factors in retinal cell degeneration and against UV rays, which contribute to the development of cataracts. Prevention such as protecting the eye from harmful light is currently the first line of defense against the worldwide problems of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These conditions currently affect more than 350 million people around the world which may double in the next 30 years.
A major discovery by Essilor and Paris Vision Institute
This major innovation was made possible thanks to an ambitious four year research programme conducted in partnership with Paris Vision Institute, one of Europe’s largest eye health integrated research centers. A joint Essilor and Paris Vision Institute team was able to identify with a high level of accuracy the portion of the visible light spectrum that is harmful to target retinal cells.
Emitted by the sun and by artificial light sources such as LEDs, computers or smartphones, blue light – the range of the visible light spectrum with wavelengths between 380-500 nm – plays a beneficial role on health, in particular by regulating our biological clock. However, a specific band of this light might have a harmful effect on the eyes.
In order to identify the part of the spectrum that is damaging to the human retina, the joint team developed a completely new protocol; an in vitro test on retinal cells with narrow screening light exposure to determine the harmfulness of rays depending on their wavelength. In vitro test, a scientific first in ophthalmic optics – allowed for the discovery that wavelengths between 415-455 nm are the most harmful for the target retinal cells.
A selective lens to reduce the risks of AMD and cataracts
After two years of research, Essilor has developed Crizal Prevencia lens, which is able to protect the eye from wavelengths that contributes to the degeneration of retinal cells while allowing beneficial blue light to pass through. This is a new category of preventive lenses developed using Light Scan, an exclusive technology which filters selectively;
- Letting beneficial blue light to pass through
- Filtering out harmful blue-violet rays that can contribute to AMD, as well as UV rays, an important cause of cataracts
- Maintaining the transparency of the lens
3.2 billion people currently affected
The battle against these irreversible eye conditions are targeted at the entire population but primarily the 1.3 billion children around the world and the 1.9 billion over 45s who are currently more vulnerable to blue violet light. During childhood, the eye is very transparent and lets all visible light and some UV pass through to the retina; after 45 its natural defense system is weakened. There will be 3.7 billion people aged over 45 in 2050.
Emelita Roleda, General Manager of Essilor Philippines, comments “this discovery will be a landmark in the field of optical science and we are very proud to have contributed to this major step forward in the battle against one of the most devastating eye conditions. With Crizal Prevencia, we are today pioneers in addressing the challenge of preventative innovation. This fits in fully with Essilor’s strategy of playing a predominant role in the implementation of solutions for better visual health for everyone.”
About Essilor
The world’s leading ophthalmic lens company, Essilor designs manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique vision requirements. To support this mission, the company allocates around 150 million Euros to research and development every year in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to the market. Essilor’s flagship brands are Varilux, Crizal, Xperio, Optifog and Crizal Transitions. It also develops and markets equipment instruments and services for eyecare professionals.
Essilor was classified by forbes magazine as being among the world’s 30 most innovative companies. For more information, please visit www.essilor.com.ph
About Paris Vision Institute
Paris Vision Institute is the first French research center dedicated to scientific and medical research on eye diseases. Settled at the heart of the Quinze-Vingts eye hospital, it gathers all information of the research around a common objective; accelerate innovation to the benefit of the patients.
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