ZEISS Lenses with UVProtectTM Technology
ZEISS lenses provide full protection against UV rays up to 400 nm. Available in all ZEISS plastic lenses
ZEISS Back surface UV protection
An additional anti-reflective layer on the back of the lens, reducing the indirect UV light reflected into the eye. Standard on all lenses with DuraVision coatings.
Exposure to UV radiation is increasing.
Human exposure to UV radiation is increasing due to ozone depletion and global climate change which influences surface radiation levels. An increase in life expectancy and ever-evolving lifestyle lead to more time spent on leisure activities in ultraviolet-intense environments.
Eye health is too important to risk.
Although light is an important part of our lives – depending on dose and exposure, invisible UV radiation may be harmful to our health and vision. Considering the health risks due to UV, it makes complete sense to protect against it every day. It’s never too late to prevent further damage.
Health risk on the eye:
UV radiation can cause structural change and damage of the cells where it is absorbed. In particular, the crystalline lens and the cornea absorb UV radiation, but part of UV-A also reaches the retina where it contributes to oxidative stress.
Potential eye hazards: Pterygium, keratitis, cataracts and macular degeneration
Health risk on the surroundings of the eye:
The tissue surrounding the eye also provides protection. This tissue absorbs a large part of UV radiation with wavelengths of up to 400 nm.
Potential ocular adnexa hazards: photo-ageing, wrinkles, sunspots, skin cancer.
Many lenses claim to protect eyes from UV radiation.
Sadly not all lenses fully protect the eyes and the surrounding skin. Approximately 40% of daylight UV radiation lies in wavelengths not fully blocked by materials that claim 100% UV protection. These materials often block only up to 380 nm.
Level of UV protection
Today, the optical industry provides the market with lenses that offer different levels of UV protection, creating confusion about how much protection is available and necessary. This is the reason why ZEISS have made UV protection standard in all their clear lenses.
Raising the standard of eye health
UVProtect Technology is moving beyond accepted standards to a higher level of UV protection, which enables clear ZEISS plastic lenses to block harmful UV rays up to 400 nm. This is the same standard of UV protection provided by premium sunglasses.
Why is 400 nm the better standard of UV protection?
Due to the potential health risks associated with UV exposure, scientific and regulatory bodies and organisations researching the biomedical impact of light and radiation have clearly defined the need for UV radiation protection as 400 nm. The irradiance between 380-400 nm is much more intense and represents 40% of the total solar irradiance as measured on earth.
By protecting up to 400 nm, ZEISS lenses can provide wearers with the level of protection recommended by these recognised organisations.
Back Surface UV Protection – true UV protection from all sides
A portion of UV radiation has an indirect impact on the eye from the sides and back surfaces of the lens. To prevent reflections from the back surface of the lens into the eye, ZEISS incorporates back surface UV protection as standard with ZEISS DuraVision and LotuTec coatings. This combination gives the wearer much-needed, full UV protection.
*All images and text belong to Zeiss*