The sun is a source of well-being and pleasure and has beneficial effects providing we don't over use it. Protection from the sun is as important for the eyes as it is for the skin - UV and blue light are both dangerous and can cause irreparable damage.

Blue light can seriously damage the eyes and can be attributed to retinal diseases including AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration)*. The eye has its own defence mechanism against blue light but unfortunately it decreases as we get older: at 40 years old, we have already lost 20% of our initial retinal melanin and at 65 years old, it is around 50%.

One solution: Melanin
Melanin is a natural pigment which is found throughout the human body. Melanin is the pigment that gives brown hair and eyes their colour, as well as giving your skin the sun tanned appearance. It is the body's natural defence system against the harmful effects of the sun.

Protection of the retina
To provide the eyes with optimal protection against the sun, Essilor has created a sun lens which contains manufactured melanin. They act in the same way as natural melanin, just like a shield against harmful UV and blue light, which means preserving the retina's health.

Eye contour protection
By filtering 100% of UV and 98% of blue light, Airwear 1.59 Melanin lenses successfully protect the

eyes, and also the thin, fragile skin around them, which is very sensitive to premature wrinkling when exposed to the sun.

Tints which filter blue light, may distort colours. Unlike "blueblockers" which totally block it, Airwear 1.59 Melanin lenses filter blue light in proportion to its harmfulness, allowing the wearer to maintain the perception of natural colours and are even recommended for driving**.

A TECHNICAL INNOVATION

Airwear 1.59 Melanin lenses are perfectly recommended for:

 ■ Children and teenagers, in order to reduce the risk of future retinal problems

 ■ Adults, as the natural defences of the eyes will start to decrease at 40 years old

of the eyes have diminished, and sensitivity to glare has become more noticeable

Airwear 1.59 Melanin lenses are highly recommended for:

Hard coat as standard on front surface Crizal Sun recommended, Silver Shadow CT flash mirror as an option.