The Scientifically Advanced HDL-3C(TM) Sunglass Lens Improves Pilots' Visual Performance in the Cockpit

PLYMOUTH, Minn., Feb. 9, 2005 -- The patented HDL-3C(TM) lens has a filter built directly into the lens itself that equalizes the colors in the color spectrum which increases the eye's receptors response time producing improved color sensitivity and contrast apprehension. The results are dynamic and pilot's satisfaction is guaranteed. This is the most innovative sunglass lens technology developed in over 70 years when polarized lenses were invented.

This new science was developed to improve visual acuity and increase safety in the cockpit environment. By examining what visual acuity means to pilots and by analyzing a FAA safety report (DOT/FAA/AM-30/6) on sunlight's association to aviation accidents, we can identify the reason the HDL-3C lens was developed: to aid pilot's vision in the cockpit.

Visual acuity is the capability of the eye to discriminate between very small and very close objects. Higher visual acuity means better visual performance and safety in those activities requiring fast visual response. Visual acuity depends on the difference of luminance and chromatic contrast of the filter and objects viewed. An increased visibility of certain colors combined with the correct light transmittance results in enhanced visual acuity. This is particularly effective when flying; as it improves the perception of moving objects, cloud formations, other aircraft, ground landmarks, airport runways, as well as aiding in reading maps and instrumentation. HDL-3C filters reduce the light reaching the eye in order to reduce glare but they also improve the color and color contrast throughout the color spectrum that improves visual performance.

FAA Recommendations on Wearing Sunglasses to Avoid Aviation Accidents and How HDL-3C Lens Technology Relates to These Recommendations (as stated in the FAA's report "Natural Sunlight and Its Association to Aviation Accidents:
Frequency and Prevention," May 2003, p. 3, para. 5):

"Glare from natural sunlight can be visually debilitating and lead to operational error that can result in mishaps. In some cases, use of appropriate sunglasses would have minimized the affects of glare on vision performance.
However, when using sunglasses there should be a proper balance between visibility of objects inside and outside of the cockpit environment," writes the FAA. The FAA goes on to state that proper sunglasses should:

1. Include lenses "that are free from distortions and imperfections." The HDL-3C lens is the highest quality lens on the market. Intercast Europe is the world's leader in crafting the finest optical lenses and they produce the HDL-3C lens in Italy. The HDL-3C lens costs 6 to 15 times more to produce than other high-end conventional sunglass lenses due to the innovative science built directly into the lens itself and the high quality of the materials used. This lens is also de-centered which eliminates distortion found in other lenses.

2. Use lenses that "have adequate transmissivity (approx 15% transmission)." The HDL-3C lens block glare and allows pilots ample light transmission due to the increased chromatic contrast our new science provides. Because of the increase in visual acuity with this patented technology discussed above, we offer more ability to cut glare (less light transmittance) while allowing the eyes to see better than many lenses that let in much more light. Our Copper-Rose HDL-3C lens has a 13% light transmittance so it is great at cutting glare yet it is fantastic to wear when flying inside the cloud deck for it still allows the pilot to read all instrumentation. Our smoke lens has a 12% light transmittance yet allows pilots to read instruments in the cockpit in direct sunlight. Our green lens allows 15% light transmission.

3. Use lenses "that do not alter color perception (e.g., neutral gray)." This is exactly what the HDL-3C lens technology is all about! ALL other conventional lenses resort to tinting of their lenses to achieve an enhancement of one of the colors in the color spectrum that directly results in the reduction of color sensitivity on the other side of the color spectrum! An example of this (as seen in the Data & Facts section of our website) is the leading brown-copper lens that gives our eyes a coefficient of 1.42 in the red spectrum which is great (1= naked eye and anything above that gives better visibility and vice versa) but has a coefficient in the green of .83 and of .85 in the blue which means much less vision acuity in these colors!
The FAA currently recommends the conventional premium gray lens for it has a better coefficient than other tinted conventional lenses currently on the market with .98 in red,
1.04 in green and 1.26 in blue. The innovative HDL-3C lens allows improved sensitivity to all colors with a coefficient of 1.54 in red, 1.04 in green and 1.59 in blue! Yes, like a plasma high definition television for your eyes!

4. "The use of larger lens sizes and wrap-around frames can prevent sunlight from entering peripherally and affecting the pilot's vision." We are proud that all COLOREYES(TM) sunglasses, with the HDL-3C lens, offer an 8 base design which means they all offer the most complete wrap around protection available on the market. We also offer many large aviator styles such as the Argento and Duello that offers the maximum coverage and is best for looking down to read pilot's instrumentation.

5. "The use of polarized sunglasses should be discouraged, since they can reduce or effectively eliminate the visibility of instruments that incorporate anti-glare filters or can interfere with visibility through an aircraft windscreen due to striations in some laminated materials"
(39). Polaroid sunglasses can also mask the sparkle of light that reflects off shiny surfaces, such as another aircraft's wings, fuselage, or windscreen, which could reduce a pilot's reaction time in a "see and avoid" traffic situation. The HDL-3C lens is purposely non-polarized for it was designed for the best optics available for pilots. The innovative HDL-3C sunglass lens offers the best visual performance available for the cockpit.

The Accessory Group (TAG) has developed an upscale line of trend right sunglass styles for maximum pilot headset comfort under the COLOREYES brand name. The Ultra Light Rimless Beta Titanium Aviator Frame named Argento is virtually indestructible yet it weighs less than 12 grams and it will never puncture an ear cup seal which is why it is the #1 choice of pilots. There are 22 sunglass styles to select from with lens choices of Copper-Rose, Green, and Smoke. See it all on our website http://www.Coloreyes.com.
OUR PROOF IS IN THE PRODUCT'S PERFORMANCE!

For information:

http://www.HDL-3C.com or http://www.Coloreyes.com Danjacobs@Coloreyes.com Direct Phone: 763-519-1628 or 800-801-4523