Research shows that light exposure and color profoundly impact human health. It’s not just about brightness; specific wavelengths align with our natural rhythms, supporting physical and mental well-being. Yet, we often approach light exposure casually. Most of us wear generic sunglasses that block important wavelengths and make us squint less but don’t actually help us see better. Whether driving, flying, or running, we’re typically using lenses that aren’t designed for the demands of our specific environments.
Screen time adds to the problem, with artificial blue light exposure disrupting our natural cycles. Studies in Nature Mental Health and JAMA Psychiatry reveal that daylight is crucial for mental health, while nighttime light exposure increases risks of anxiety and depression. These findings underscore the need for a more thoughtful approach to light exposure.
At Method Seven, we’ve dedicated years to understanding how light affects our vision and performance. We know blue light, often avoided, is actually vital for functions like peripheral awareness. For example, while amber lenses are often recommended for pilots, they can limit crucial visual information in the cockpit because they block blue light required to stimulate the cones in your eyes, which are responsible for peripheral vision. We designed our SKY lenses with rare earth elements for optimized filtering, contrast, and infrared blocking, a level of precision previously reserved for celestial telescopes.
We’ve learned that polarizing is often overdone. While it’s ideal for fishing and water sports, anywhere else it can reduce contrast, interfere with digital displays, and make seeing more difficult in situations where quick decisions are essential, like running downhill, biking, or driving. The sunglasses industry has oversold polarizing as a catch-all solution, but we challenged that by creating a 40% polarizing filter—a sweet spot for everything except being on the water. The effect is incredible: it enhances your view, like high-definition vision.
Our lenses filter light so precisely that they don’t need to be dark to be comfortable. Recent studies confirm that more light is actually beneficial for the eyes and brain. By filtering just the right amount of light and delivering accurate colors, our lenses support your vision and help you perform at your best.
Our Ultra Trail lens, TRAIL26, has been tested and proven by runners tackling the grueling Hardrock 100 race in Silverton, Colorado. Whether navigating through dense forests or over rugged mountain ridges, this lens performs flawlessly in all conditions.
Unlike typical $25 running glasses that scratch easily, distort vision, and need to be removed for technical descents, the Method Seven Trail26 lens is designed for peak performance. Its precision filtering allows the eyes and brain to receive optimal light and visual information, enabling quick decisions and reducing strain. With Trail 26, runners can enjoy a clearer, more comfortable, and optimized experience from dawn to dusk.
If you work or play in extreme lighting, we likely have a solution. Method Seven lenses are built not only to help you see better but to support your vision and well-being in the specific environments you encounter. It’s time to rethink light exposure—not just for comfort, but for our health. We call our products Experience Optics.
(Nature Mental Health, 2023). (JAMA Psychiatry, 2024).
