The Zirc Glasses
_http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/lights-out.html?subpage=glasses_
(
http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/lights-out.html?subpage=glasses)
In Lights Out, Dr. Robert Casper introduces us to special glasses that
help prevent disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle of night shift workers. The
scientist with Mount Sinai Hospital*s _Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute_
(
http://www.lunenfeld.ca/) tells us how these glasses work and where we
can get them.
CBC:
Do the glasses have a name?
Dr. Casper:
We call them Zirc among ourselves (short for _ZircLight_
(
http://zirclight.com/) , a Massachusetts-based corporation that is developing the eyewear
technology).
CBC:
How do the glasses work?
Dr. Casper:
There are 19 to 20 layers of coatings applied to the lenses that block
light wavelengths in the blue range between 450 and 480 nanometres. By
filtering out that range of blue light that suppresses melatonin, the glasses
prevent the Circadian rhythm from being shifted.
CBC:
How effective have the glasses been based on the feedback and quantifiable
data you've collected?
Dr. Casper:
They prevent melatonin suppression and improve sleep and performance in
night shift workers. The feedback we’ve received has been positive. People
are happy to wear them. We*ve found that the glasses improved the duration of
night sleep to 40 to 60 minutes and that their sleep efficiency has
improved.
CBC:
Where can the average consumer get a pair of these glasses?
Dr. Casper:
They are not available yet. We are still developing the glasses and
hopefully it will take three to six months to make them available. Some people
may require to be fitted by an optometrist to make sure they look through the
centre of the lens. When they are available, people can order them from
their optometrist or opthamologist.
CBC:
What are some other options consumers have to use the filters you've
developed?
Dr. Casper:
We are working on light bulbs and screen covers for LED tablets, phones
and TV flat screens as well.
CBC:
Is a prescription version in the works? Contact lens version?
Dr. Casper:
Prescription lenses will be available to whatever prescription is
required. They are not likely to be contacts. We can’t make a soft lens with the
coatings.
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