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Like a camera lens, light passing though the lens of the eye focuses the image on the retina in the back of the eye. The different photoreceptor cells convert the light into electrical impulses that are transmitted to the brain via new fibers.
Wavelengths of light are measured in nanometers (na). A single nanometer is 1-billionth of a meter. Each individual nanometer focuses at a different distance with respect to the surface retina, and represents a slightly different color. Human full spectrum vision “sees” between 400na to about 700na.
Infrared radiation (IR) is greater than 700na. Infrared radiation is divided into three categories: Near IR, Mid IR and Far IR. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is lower than 400na, and is broken down into three sections: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
Ultraviolet radiation is often considered dangerous to the eye and skin. UV radiation is also responsible for “whiteout conditions” experienced by skiers or individuals driving in blowing snow or fog. However, Patented properties in RAPTOR Optical lenses prevent UVA and UVB from reaching the eye. This permits individuals to “see into” whiteout conditions including fog, rain and snow. UVC radiation is filtered out by the earths ozone layer.
The back of the eye is lined with many million of these rod and cone photoreceptor cells that can distinguish color and black/white/grey images. There are approximately 7-million cone cells that see color while about 120-million rod cells are sensitive to decreased light levels as it approaches total darkness.
Daylight full-spectrum vision relies upon on three different tri-chromatic “daylight eye protein chemicals” located in the cone cells. Cone cells absorb red, blue, and green light reflected off the objects being observed. The cone cells are located at the back and center (retina) portion of the eye. These color wavelengths of light are converted into minute electrical imputes sent to the brain, that in turn, helps interpret the images.
In bright sunlight, the RAPTOR Optical lenses “regulate” wavelengths of light in the blue/indigo/violet portion of the spectrum, but still permit an individual to accurately see the total color spectrum, and enhance the visual acuity (sharpness) of the scene being viewed. By regulating this part of the spectrum, Raptor Optics also reduces the “overwhelming brightness” often experienced in direct sunlight.
The rod cells surround the cone cells providing monochromatic single-color or black/white vision. The primary natural chemical responsible for “night vision is called rhodopsin, also known as visual purple.
Preliminary research suggests that “color properties” of the RAPTOR optical lenses promote the formation and retention of rhodopsin in the rod cells. Because rhodopsin may be present concurrently with the “daylight eye chemicals,” nearly instantaneous night/day adaptation vision can be readily accomplished.
Although rhodopsin is sensitive to ultraviolet light, the lens of the eye absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation preventing it from reaching the retina at the back of the eye, thus making it nearly impossible to actually see ultraviolet light image. The limited ultraviolet light radiation that does pass through the eye’s lens is focused in front of the retina resulting in a blurred or out-of-focus image.
As the intensity of light is reduced, the naturally occurring rhodopsin chemistry is formed in the rod cells. Normally, it takes 30-45 minutes for the average eye to adapt to total darkness. However, if a short bust of light of any color reaches the eye, it will “bleach out” the
rhodopsin causing Night Blindness. When the eye return to darkness, the night vision process will begin again.
Night blindness and significant eye fatigue usually occur when using electronic night vision equipment or military sniper gun sites and then looking into the darkness. “Whiteout” experienced by skiers is similar to this form of night blindness. Placing a custom RAPTOR Optical lens in the eyepiece of the light amplification equipment and/or wearing RAPTOR Optical lenses in front of the eyes can dramatically reduce this detrimental condition.
Medical literature documents that night vision is quickly and significantly impaired by smoking 1-2 cigarettes and taking some medications, or spending time under improper illumination.
On the other hand, night vision can be improved by consuming an herb called bilberry (a member of the blueberry family). This herb became famous during WWII when British Royal Air Force Pilots discovered it improved their night vision ability during nighttime bombing missions. The British aviators also discovered their eyes could adjust to darkness more quickly and that their vision was able to correct more rapidly after prolonged glare. Other vitamins can also provide similar benefits.
RAPTOR OPTICS
LIGHT SENSITIVITY
Physiologically, there are three fundamental levels or intensity of illumination that regulate day/night human vision capabilities:
1. BRIGHT SUNLIGHT - Cone cells in the back of the eye allow the human eye to see the full color spectrum and permits excellent image focus on the retina.
2. TWILIGHT/DUSK - Illumination falls between bright sunlight and total darkness. These reduced light levels include pre-dawn and pre-dusk conditions, as well as moonlight and starlight scenes. Peripheral vision on the rod cells surrounding the retina is required for viewing in low light situations.
3. TOTALLY DARK - Human vision cannot accurately see in Total Darkness without the aid of sophisticated electronic “light amplification” equipment.
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