Protect Your Eyes from the Negative Effects of Digital Devices and Blue Light

Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause severe long term damage to your eyes. Blue light can also have a negative effect on your overall health.  Sources of blue light include the sun, electronic devices, fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, and digital screens such as TVs, computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets.

The most common side effect of exposure to blue light is digital eye strain. Signs of digital eye strain include slightly blurry vision after staring at the computer all day and dry, runny or tired eyes. Digital eye strain is temporary, but if not addressed can lead to a chronic issue. The easiest way to combat digital eye strain is simply by blinking more. Blinking provides lubrication to the eyes. You can do this effectively by following the "20-20-20" rule. This is done by staring at something 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This allows for your eye to reset and engages your distance vision.

The more serious concern with blue light is that it can penetrate all the way back to the eye through the eye's natural filters, which creates problems in the long run. Children are especially at risk because homework can now be completed online and they may even own or have access to other digital devices like tablets that they use daily. Children's eyes are still developing and do not have the protective pigments to help filter out blue light. Most blue light exposure occurs before the age of 18.

So What Should You Do?

You can protect your eyes by limiting technology use before bed. Studies show that using technology before bed delays deep REM sleep and suppresses melatonin. Cutting back can lead to a more restfully sleep as well as a more productive work or school day. If you use digital devices frequently like most people do, you may be interested in discussing lenses that carries that filter out blue light with our eye doctor at Mt. Pleasant. When you order glasses with us, you can get Bluetech Lenses. These lenses are technologically advanced lenses that offer performance and protection from UV Rays AND harmful high-energy blue light without altering or distorting color perception. 

In addition, you can download blue filtering apps on most smartphones, including the Android. A great Android app for filtering blue light is called "Twilight," which you can download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux&hl=en

iPhone also has a new option on iOS9: http://www.apple.com/ios/updates/

Here is a test someone did using their fitbit which shows improvement in sleep: http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/night-shift-how-this-ios-9-3-feature-helped-me-sleep-better-1317815

Ready to put down your digital device and take care of your eyes?

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