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Can You Limit Blue Light Exposure?

Computer Glasses Available at Corktown Eyecare

Computer Glasses Available at Corktown Eyecare

The topic of blue light has grown in popularity over the last decade, as indoor blue light exposure from computer screens and handheld digital devices has grown. You may hear varying opinions about whether blue light affects the eyes and to what degree, so continue reading to learn what we think is the most relevant information on the subject.

What is Blue Light?

Every color of visible light has a different wavelength and energy level. Colors like red, orange, and yellow have longer wavelengths and carry less energy than colors like blue and purple.

Because blue light carries higher energy, it can easily reach the retina at the back of the eye. Although some of the eye’s structures filter out harmful rays like ultraviolet light, they allow blue light to penetrate.

The sun, digital screens, and LED and fluorescent lighting all emit blue light.

How Does Blue Light Affect Eye Health?

The retina’s light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) can be damaged by blue light when overexposed. In severe cases, this kind of cell damage produces similar symptoms to macular degeneration, and can even cause blindness.

Further research is needed to determine how much natural and man-made blue light is excessive, and what effect it has on eye health. Until more is known, many people err on the side of caution and try to limit their blue light exposure, especially from digital devices.

What is certain is that blue light contributes to digital eye strain. Because blue light has more energy and scatters more freely than other light (the reason that the sky appears blue), it is not easily focused. As the scattered blue light rays enter the eye, they create visual “noise” that is believed to be partly responsible for digital eye strain symptoms such as watery eyes, headache, blurry vision, and dry eyes.

How You Can Limit Blue Light Exposure

There are several ways to limit the amount of blue light that enters your eyes. You can purchase blue light filters for your devices, or simply reduce screen time.

If you spend a significant amount of time staring at a screen daily, you may want to consider purchasing computer glasses or blue light filters for your lenses. These glasses are available with or without a prescription, so they are compatible with contact lenses as well. Computer glasses are customized to meet the needs of your eyes and lifestyle.

To learn more about computer glasses or blue light, call Corktown Eyecare and make an appointment with . We can help guide you in choosing the right glasses that meet your visual needs.

REFERENCES:
Blue Light and Your Eyes
Blue light facts: How blue light affects your eyes

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The April 8th solar eclipse is a celestial spectacle not to be missed! But did you know looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage?

Ensure you’re prepared by viewing this helpful resource: Solar Eclipses and Eye Safety (OAO)