Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical filter that attenuates specific areas of the visible spectrum corresponding to the peaks of absorption of both the S-cone and rod cells within the human retina. The optical filter can be configured to also selectively block at least a portion of light centered at either one or both of the peak absorptive wavelengths of the human M and L-cone cells. The optical filter can be included within or on any optical system that is able to transmit all or part of the visible spectrum. As such, the present invention also provides an optical system that acts as a phototoxicity filter for the eye and can be used in conjunction with any material where visible light has at least partial transmittance.