What is blue light and how does it affect your eyes?

5 Important Thing You Should Know About  Blue Light.

1. What is blue light? → Without getting too scientific, light is composed of electromagnetic particles moving in waves. The waves are represented by different colors. Wavelengths are grouped into different categories including X-rays, infrared light, visible light, and UV rays. When combined all of these comprise the electromagnetic spectrum. Human eyes  have sensitivity to one part of this spectrum, the part which is seen as colors or also known as visible light. Blue light produces energy that is higher than some of the other sources. Over time, medical professionals believe this could cause long term damage to your eyes.

2. Sources of blue light → One of the main ways we are exposed to blue light is through natural sunlight. There are many other artificial sources of blue light that we use on a daily basis. These sources can include: cellphone/tablet screens, digital devices, laptop and desktop computers, and video games just to name a few. The amount of blue light you are exposed to depends on how many of these devices you use and how often you use them. For most of us, this is probably far too much.  Energy efficient technology increases your exposure to this blue light as well. Many stores and offices around the world (also some homes) use energy saving fluorescent light bulbs or LED lights. This can be contributing to the problem of blue light in your near vicinity.

3. More studies should be done to determine “how much blue light is too much blue light”. Most eye care professionals worry that in addition to natural outdoor exposure, added modern exposure from digital devices may increase your risk for over exposure to blue light and potential eye problems.  Additionally, it is possible that blue light exposure may increase digital eye strain and macular degeneration risks.

4. How to protect yourself and your eyes from blue light → For those of us who are constantly texting, emailing, or browsing through the internet (whether it’s on a phone screen or other digital screen) a great way to reduce exposure to blue light is by using a blue light filter. Many lenses can be ordered through your local eyeglass retailer which have an anti-reflective coating which can also be glare reducing and block some blue light. Photochromic lenses are another way to help protect your eyes, in which the lenses darken outdoors and lighten indoors.  

Blue blocker lenses are quickly gaining popularity. The polymer absorbs the blue light keeping much of it from passing through the lenses to your eyes. Specially tinted “yellow hue” computer glasses are also another leader in the field for protecting against blue light. Some wearers find the yellow tint to be inconvenient due to your surroundings having a yellow appearance, but most users don’t mind in exchange for the protection the lenses offer against blue light.

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If you have questions about blue light feel free to contact our eyewear and eye care professionals at OPTX Rhode Island. We are available to help you explore options to protect your eyes from blue light with many lens options for your prescription or non-prescription glasses. We can be reached at 401-521-6789 or stop in at our showroom located at 1277 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI 02919. You can also visit our website at: www.OPTXrhodeisland.com.

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