Choose the Most Suitable Blue Light Absorber to Protect

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Visual Health

Blue Light and Visual Health: Wavelengths and Hazards

Visible light spans wavelengths from approximately 380 to 780 nm. Among these, high-energy blue light in the 380–460 nm range poses the greatest risk to the retina.
Prolonged exposure to blue light can harm the eyes through mechanisms such as photochemical damage, thermal injury, and oxidative stress affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
According to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) ^[1], the blue light hazard function B(λ) ranges from 0.8 to 1.0 in the 415–460 nm region, peaking at 440 nm—indicating the highest potential for retinal damage within this range

[1] ICNIRP Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Incoherent Visible and Infrared Radiation, Health Phys. 2013 Jul 1;105(1):74-96.

Key Insights: How Blue Light Affects the Eyes and Circadian Rhythm

Eye Health Impacts

1.   Photochemical Damage
Blue light can induce Type II photochemical injury, leading to corneal epithelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in both the RPE and choroid^[2]. Long-term exposure may contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2.   Thermal Injury
High-intensity light sources—such as lasers or direct sunlight—can raise retinal temperature, causing tissue damage and even permanent vision loss.
3.   RPE Damage and Oxidative Stress
Blue light generates free radicals that damage mitochondria and other cell organelles, impairing cellular function and triggering apoptosis. This cumulative stress may lead to retinal degeneration and elevate AMD risk.

Disruption of the Circadian Rhythm^[3]

The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine highlighted the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms. Blue light exposure at night—especially around 460 nm—suppresses melatonin, delaying sleep onset and disturbing circadian balance.
Chronic exposure can negatively affect sleep quality, cognitive performance, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
Night Shift mode and blue light blocking lenses are effective tools to reduce nighttime exposure and support better sleep hygiene.

[2] Le Jin et al：“The ROS/AKT/S6K axis induces corneal epithelial dysfunctions under LED blue light exposure”, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Vol. 287, 15 November 2024, 117345

[3] https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2017/press-release/

What Is a Blue Light Absorber?

Blue light absorbers are functional materials designed to selectively absorb high-energy shortwave blue light (approx. 380–450 nm). They are widely used in plastics, textiles, coatings, and optical applications.

Versatile Applications of Blue Light Absorbers
1. Display Technology
Used in optical adhesives for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, blue light absorbers help reduce eye strain while maintaining high display clarity. Devices such as gaming monitors, smartwatches, and AR wearables benefit from improved visual comfort and reduced fatigue.
BLR (Blue Light Reduction) is a certification standard measuring the percentage of blue light blocked—typically in the 435–440 nm range. Ratings range from 20% (entry level) to 80% (advanced level).

2. Engineering Plastics
High-performance plastics such as PC, PET, and Nylon incorporate blue light absorbers to enhance functionality across industrial and consumer tech applications.
3. Blue Light Filtering Eyewear
Absorbers are embedded into or coated on lenses to reduce blue light exposure in the 380–460 nm range.

According to Leung, Li, & Kee (2017) [4], such lenses can reduce blue light toxicity by 10.6%–23.6%, and melatonin suppression by 5.8%–15.0%, with only minor reduction in night vision sensitivity (2.4%–9.6%).
Key Benefits:
• Selective absorption of high-energy blue light
• Protection of retinal cells, reduced oxidative stress
• Support for natural circadian rhythms
• Minimized glare—ideal for screen time and night driving
Examples:
• GA403 for PC plastics
• KB403, 9901, 9528, 9546 for lens coatings—high transparency with minimal color distortion
4. Automotive Applications
Applied to windows, dashboards, and HUDs (Head-Up Displays) to reduce glare and improve driving visibility. Blue light filtering enhances screen readability and driver focus under various lighting conditions.
5. Skincare and UV Protection
Blue light can trigger hyperpigmentation and accelerate photoaging by generating free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin. Many skincare brands now incorporate blue light defense into broad-spectrum sunscreens for comprehensive skin protection.

[4] Leung, T. W., Li, R. W.-H., & Kee, C.-S. (2017). Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses: Optical and clinical performances. PLoS ONE, 12(1), e0169114. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169114

Chitec’s Comprehensive Blue Light Absorption Solutions — Precision, Customization, Protection

According to Acumen Research [5], the global blue light eyewear market reached USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit USD 5.2 billion by 2032, with a 7.8% CAGR (2024–2032).
Chitec’s blue light solutions go beyond eyewear—extending into consumer electronic displays, engineering plastics, and optical coatings.

Unlike narrow-spectrum products, Chitec delivers precision-matched, custom-engineered solutions optimized for specific wavelengths, material properties, and end-use environments.

🔹 Plastic Applications — Chiguard^® GA403

Stable and efficient blue light absorption for a wide range of plastic materials.

🔹 Optical Coating Upgrades — Chiguard^®KB403, 9901

Enhance optical clarity while delivering reliable blue light protection.

🔹 Display Eye Care Solutions — Chiguard^® 9546, 9528

Engineered for consumer electronic displays, effectively targeting 420 nm blue light to balance eye protection and screen performance.
Chiguard^® 9528 is further optimized for outdoor applications, with strong absorption near 403 nm.