Objectives: This study exemplifies the implementation of the US ophthalmic high-energy visible (HEV) band scheme by characterizing the light transmission properties of two ACUVUE OASYS contact lenses (CLs) and comparing their filtering profiles to seven different commercially available “blue blocking” spectacle lenses (SLs) from various manufacturers. Methods: Ultraviolet/visible/near infrared scanning spectrophotometers were used to acquire spectral transmittance for the CLs and SLs. Luminous transmittance was calculated from these spectra using the relevant weight functions for photopic conditions and daylight illumination. Results: ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day (AOMAX) blocked more light than ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day (AO1D) in the HEV3 and HEV2 ranges, whereas both lenses transmitted light in the HEV1 band. AOMAX filtered light similarly to four SLs and filtered less in the HEV2 and more in the HEV3 band than the other three SLs. All lenses presented luminous transmittance values higher than 80%, placing the lenses in the “clear or very light tint” category. Conclusion: The US HEV band scheme is a useful tool for characterization and comparison of the optical devices studied and should be considered when reporting clinical or technical results involving light in the 380 to 500 nm range.
Giammanco et al. (Sun,) studied this question.