Approximately one-third of all visible light is high-energy visible light, also known as, blue light. TV screens, computers, and mobile devices all emit blue light. Prolonged visual exposure to blue light from any device may have a negative impact on your overall eye health. Some scientists and doctors believe that too much exposure to blue light’s high level of energy may lead to premature blindness, eye strain, headaches, and sleeplessness.
Blue light filtering lenses have been on the market for quite some time but have recently picked up interest thanks to advanced lens technology to make them more aesthetically pleasing and media attention. New research and studies have proven that high quality lenses that filter out most (not all) of blue light rays are indeed helping people reduce eye fatigue, lessen headache or migraine symptoms, minimize blur and glare and improve sleep. Yes… even improve sleep!
Here’s what we know:
- Blue light can penetrate all the way to the retina and too much exposure can damage light-sensitive cells. This overexposure can mimic the effects of macular degeneration over time and potentially lead to permanent vision loss.
- Blue light scatters more easily so it is not as easily focused. If you’re staring at a screen for most of the day, your eyes are spending considerable more time focusing which can lead to eye strain and fatigue.
- Not all blue light exposure is bad. It does boost alertness, helps memory and brain function and can even put you in a better mood. We don’t want to block it all out.
- Blue light plays a huge role in regulating our body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle. It’s important to limit screen time at night to avoid disrupting this cycle. Too much blue light at night is definitely a culprit of sleepless nights.
After a few months of research, we believe we have found the best in blue light filtering lenses and we put them to the test. We provided these lenses to several employees and asked them to wear them every day. Two weeks later, we asked them a few questions…
- How do you like the lenses? answer: They have a faint grey tint and it took about a day to adjust to the filtering but overall the comfort level of the lens has been positive.
- Are you sleeping better? answer: No noticeable difference right now.
- Do you feel less eye strain at the end or towards the end of the day? answer: Yes! My eyes do not feel as tired or dry at the end of the day.
Most importantly, this specific lens is approved and covered by most Eyemed and VSP insurance plans.
Schedule with Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel at Tatum Eye Care.