Most people are aware that UV light from the sun is damaging to their eyes, but did you know that the same is true of blue light from sources such as the sun, digital screens such as TVs, computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets, as well as fluorescent and LED lighting?
Blue light is just what it sounds like; it's a type of light that gives off a blue color. Blue light is harmful, because it's the highest energy wavelength of visible light. This energy is also able to penetrate all the way to the back of the eye, through the eyes' natural filters. Even though blue light is nothing new, the biggest issue is the amount of blue light exposure that we get each day through digital device use. With this exposure increasing over time, we are actually causing permanent damage to our eyes.
So what can you do to protect yourself?
Consider talking with your eye doctor about lenses that filter out blue light. There are lenses that have a special coating designed to reflect and cut high energy blue light. The coating reduces the amount of harmful blue light allowed into the eye while allowing the good portion of blue light to pass through. Due to the reduced amount of blue light entering the eyes, contrasts are improved by reducing screen brightness, flickering and eye fatigue to provide a strain-free visual experience while providing the most complete protection.
You should also consider limiting the amount of time spent on digital devices. If you are unable to limit your digital device use, you should at least try cutting back on digital device use before bed.
At Solace Optometry we offer several lens options to help combat the dangers of blue light. Stop by today and let us help you make the right choice for your eye health. By taking just a few simple steps to protect your eyes, you can rest easier knowing that your eyes will last much longer than your digital devices.