We have always heard of UV protection for your eyes to protect from the sun, but now there is talk about the harmful blue lights.
UV is short for ultraviolet, one of the colors on the light spectrum. All visible light contains the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from red to violet. What makes this light different is electromagnetic radiation, which is present in sunlight. This light is also produced by electric arcs, and specialized lights such as mercury-vapor lamps, tanning lamps, and black lights. UV light is associated with suntan, freckles and sunburn on skin which are the familiar effects of overexposure to it, along with higher risk of skin cancer.
It has similar effects to your eye and is known to be responsible for cornea burns and cataracts.
Less known is the effect blue lights have on your health. Blue lights are found inside and outside in your environment. Within the color spectrum are blue light waves or rays, they have shorter wavelengths and more energy. Any source of observable light gives off blue light waves, it is naturally emitted by the sun but also comes from fluorescent bulbs, and LED screens like your computer and phone. You are exposed to this throughout your waking day.
Almost all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. This light may affect vision and could prematurely age the eyes. Is has been linked to damage to the retina, causing long term visual impairment such as Age- Related Macular Degeneration. Blue light from computer screens and digital devices can decrease contrast, leading to digital eye strain. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore or irritated eyes and difficulty focusing.
Blue light is not all bad, it has been successful in helping us overcome sleep issues by disrupting our usual circadian rhythm. It is also known to boost alertness and help memory and cognitive function. As with sunlight, blue light also elevates mood.
The average office worker spends 1,700 hours per year in front of a computer screen while at work. Think about the personal time we are spending using our phones all day long.
Today’s youth are addicted to their phones, laptops and tablets. While we are all susceptible to these rays, children are particularly vulnerable. Their eyes are developing, and they are exposed more-so due to their lifestyle. They are three times more exposed, spending more time outdoors. Their pupils are larger, letting more harmful rays in and a younger lens is more crystalline and transparent, letting in more light than an adult.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light?
- Limit Screen time and/or take frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.
- Invest in screen filters which are available for smart phones, tablets, and computer screens.
- Go buy blue light blocking glasses-Specially designed Computer glasses have yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light can help ease computer digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
- Have Anti-reflective lenses to reduce glare, increase contrast, and also block blue light
- Talk to an eye care professional about options about ways to protect your family and your eyes from blue light.
Call any of our 3 convenient locations and visit to speak to our EXPERT staff to determine your family’s optical needs.
Mercerville NJ
395 Highway 33
Mercerville NJ 08619
609-586-0273
609-981-7183
Millstone NJ
498 Monmouth Rd
Millstone NJ 08510
609-259-2221
Newtown PA
11 Friends Lane, Suite 101
Newtown PA 18940
215-550-6136