- Light is a vibration of energy in the form of a wave. The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of all energy waves, from very short gamma (y) waves and x-rays to long radio waves.
- Human eyes respond to only a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, between infrared (IR) and UV energy.
- This part of the spectrum is referred to as the visible spectrum.
- Visible light in this spectrum has a wavelength range of approximately 400 nm to 700 nm.
- The mnemonic ROY G BIV is often used to remember the order of color within the visual spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
- The sensitivity of the visual system to light varies with respect to the wavelength(s) of the light and the overall amount of light present.
- Retinal sensitivity to violet light is extremely low under both photopic and scotopic conditions.
- Blocking violet light should not degrade everyday vision, and in turn will not negatively affect activities such as driving or walking in low-light conditions.1
Reference:
1. Data on file, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.