Many recent studies have been focusing around blue light and its potential effects on vision and ocular health. Blue lights, which we are exposed to every time we view a computer screen, phone, or tablet, are increasingly prevalent in our day-to-day lives. As more and more research is being conducted on the relationship between blue light and our eyes, some alarming conclusions are being made. These high energy wavelengths may have the potential to cause adverse side effects, from headaches to disrupted sleep schedules. Read on to learn more about blue light, and why blue-blocking lenses may be beneficial for your ocular health.
Is Blue Light Harmful?
In the color spectrum, blue light is one of the shortest wavelengths; this means that it contains the highest amount of energy. With more energy comes more potential for damaging consequences, particularly for our eyes. It is known that high levels of exposure to blue light wavelengths can interfere with our natural circadian rhythm, meaning it has the potential to disrupt sleep schedules. Many people also report that long-term exposure to blue light causes eyestrain and headaches. As our daily digital demand increases, and we’re are exposed to more amounts of blue light than ever before, it is important to remember the possible effects of blue light on our eyes and ocular health. Many people agree that our increased reliance on phones, computers, tablets, and even TV’s have led to higher levels of exposure to blue light. As screen time increases, the negative effects of eye fatigue and headaches are becoming more widespread, emphasizing the need to address the effects of blue light on the eyes. While blue light frequently comes from digital screens, it’s important to acknowledge that another major source of blue light is natural light; even when we’re avoiding screens, our eyes are still exposed blue light.
Some recent articles have suggested that increased amounts of exposure to blue light can lead to retinal damage, including an increased risk of macular degeneration. Research is still being conducted in this area, and many eye care professionals agree that not enough evidence suggests blue light can cause significant retinal damage.
Blue-Blocking Lenses
New developments in lens technology have led to blue-blocking lenses, which work to reduce exposure to the short wavelengths of blue light. These specially designed lenses deflect the high energy rays that so frequently contribute to eyestrain, fatigue, and sleep disruption. For professionals who require many hours of screen-time each day, these lenses can be particularly useful. There are a range of different blue-blocking lenses, each with unique properties. Some blue-blocking lenses require an additional coating that works to deflect blue light; these lenses may have a slightly yellow tint in appearance. Others contain a blue-blocking treatment that is infused within the lens material so that the blue-blocking properties are a permanent part of the lens. Your optician can help you find the right pair of blue-blocking lenses for your prescription and your visual needs.
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