BUSINESS: Millennial Project A Focus on Lenses By Deirdre Carroll Monday, April 20, 2015 12:02 AM RELATED CONTENT A New 'Script' Digital [Eye Strain] Natives Technology is tied to every facet of a Millennial’s life, and lens manufacturers offer products that specifically address the vision needs of “Generation Net” consumers. Millennials’ desire for personalized experiences and affinity for technology has provided a compelling platform for digital single vision lenses, which offer better optics, a more precise fit and command premium prices. Digital dispensing systems that take individual position of wear measurements combined with digital surfacing technology have optimized the tailored fit offerings of a traditional commodity lens. The current crop of digital single vision lenses includes Essilor’s 360°, Kodak Digital Single Vision lenses, Zeiss’ Individual Single Vision, Shamir’s Autograph II Single Vision, Hoya iD Single Vision and Hoya iQ Single Vision. It’s well known that Millennials spend a lot of time looking at digital devices such as smartphones and tablets, just reference the “Digital [Eye Strain] Natives“ story on page 28. Fortunately, Millennials suffering from digital eye strain symptoms can now choose from a number of lens that are designed to combat the condition. These include Zeiss’ Digital Lens—described by Zeiss as “the only lens specifically designed for the visual demands of today’s millennials and their digital lives”—as well as Hoya’s Tact, Shamir’s Office, Essilor’s Anti-Fatigue, and Varilux Computer. Another negative effect of digital devices is that they emit a type of blue light known as HEV light (High Energy Visible Light). Because blue light can reach deeper into the eye than ultraviolet light, it may damage the retina. Some research also suggests a possible link between exposure to blue light and long-term vision issues such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. A growing number of lens manufacturers now offer lenses and coatings that block HEV light. Millennials seeking protection from blue light can choose from a variety of lenses, such as Signet Armorlite BluTech, Crizal Prevencia from Essilor, Hoya Recharge, Nikon’s SeeCoat Blue, PFO Global’s iBlu Coat, Retinal Bliss Tech DES Coating by Quantum Innovations and Unity with BluTech Lenses by VSP Optics Group.