Blue light is the type of light with the shortest wavelength and highest energy. It’s everywhere! Although many people associate blue light with technology, the sun is the primary source of these rays.
Many human-made devices also emit blue light, and in recent years, the time individuals are spending on these devices has increased dramatically.
Key Points About Blue Light
The anterior structure of your eye, made up of the cornea and lens, is very effective at blocking UV rays from reaching the retina, located at the back of your eye. However, blue light cannot be filtered naturally by the eye and passes through the cornea and reaches your retina. Your retina's continued exposure to these harmful rays can result in a higher risk of developing macular degeneration over time, and eventually, permanent vision loss.
Not all blue light is bad, though. Some exposure is proven to be good for your health. Blue light--taken in appropriate amounts--can boost alertness, improve memory and cognitive functions, and elevate your mood.
Symptoms of Overexposure
Some of the most notable signs of overexposure are:
- Eye Strain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Blurry Vision
- Dry Eyes
- Inability to Focus
- Disruptions in Sleep Patterns
Protecting Your Eyes
Digital devices aren’t going anywhere, so it’s essential to ensure that you are taking preemptive steps to protect your eyes from blue light. With electronic devices, consider these few tips to reduce the harmful rays reaching your retina.
- Hold your Device at an Angle
- Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Use a Screen Filter
- Install a Blue Light Blocking App
- Take Advantage of “Comfort View” Settings
Ready to take protection to the next level? Ask us about computer eyewear! Computer eyewear will drastically reduce eye strain by filtering emitted light before it reaches your eyes. Many electronic devices are starting to offer apps or different settings that are intended to lessen the amount of blue light that is emitted so it’s less harsh on your eyes. While these settings don’t necessarily protect your eyes from the blue light, it does cut down on eye strain considerably by lessening the contrast.
Do you have more questions about how you can protect your eyes? Stop by our office or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer your questions!
