Blue Light Protection

Blue Light Protection

The average person today spends over 10 hours per day looking at a screen*.  This can be a computer screen, a cell phone, a tablet, an e-reader or other digital device.  Blue light rays emitted from these devices may cause eye strain, headaches, and even sleep disorders. 

Eyeglass lens companies are now producing a variety of blue-blocking lenses and lens coatings. These are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear under a variety of names, and with a variety of purposes.

Parents are starting to realize the value of blue-blocking lenses for their school age children and have started asking for this feature in their children’s eyewear.  Many are purchasing special glasses to keep at the home computer so that it is readily available.

People who wear blue-blocking lenses have reported**:

·         98.2% have noticed significant sleep improvement

·         99.1% have noticed that their eyes feel more “relaxed” indoors

·         65.1% have noticed a significant reduction in headaches and migraines.

Remember to ask your eye doctor about which type of blue-blocking lens will best suit your needs for viewing your computer and other digital devices, and protecting your eyes from blue light.

Sources:  

*Nielson survery reported by CNN, July '16

**Blue Tech wearer survey. Bluetechlenses.com

Digital Eye Strain

Are You Suffering From Digital Eye Strain?

Addicted to facebook and Instagram? 

Can't get enough of cute cat videos?  

Work at the computer all day?  

Constantly playing video games?  

Permanently attached to your smart phone?  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from digital eye strain!

What is Digital Eye Strain?

According to a Vision Council report, digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones.

What are the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Dry eyes, eye strain, brain fatigue and neck pain are all symptoms associated with Digital Eye Strain.

Why does this happen?

Our eyes were never meant to look at millions of glowing pixels all day. Small type and pixelated images force our eyes to work harder in order to focus. 

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum. It comes from the sun, as well as artificial light sources like digital screens and fluorescent lights. This type of light gets absorbed deep in the eye, making it one of the most intense forms of visible light to humans. While blue light can be beneficial in moderation by helping to regulate our body’s internal clock and improving alertness, it can also lead to the development of certain eye conditions and is believed to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

What can be done to help me?

The optical industry has responded to the shift in digital habits by developing lens technology to alleviate vision problems and protect eyes from blue light, glare and other environmental stressors. Many of these "computer glasses" filter up to 20% of blue light and are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear. The lenses and filters are customized to reduce blurriness and pixilation, decrease brightness, block blue light, and minimize glare while working in front of a screen.

Ask you eye doctor if you would be a good candidate for any of the new lens materials and filters that help reduce Digital Eye Strain!