How your devices are contributing to changes in your vision, and what you can do to help prevent it
Although it’s environmentally friendly, blue light can affect your vision in big ways. And with the digital lifestyles many of us are living, we may be paying a price for basking in all that light.
Because short-wavelength, high energy blue light scatters more easily than other visible light, it is not as easily focused. So when you're looking at computer screens and other digital devices that emit significant amounts of blue light, this unfocused visual "noise" reduces contrast and can contribute to digital eye strain, macular degeneration (which can lead to permanent vision loss), and other serious vision changes.
And while your eyes can block some types of harmful light naturally, they aren’t very adept at preventing blue light from entering the retina: Virtually all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina.
Although more research is needed to determine how much natural and man-made blue light is "too much blue light" for the retina, EYEcenter optometrists stress that the added blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices might increase a person's risk of macular degeneration later in life.
Protect yourself from blue light
- Reduce device use when possible! We know it won’t be realistic to do this all the time, but think twice about your device use throughout the day and reduce the strain on your eyes when you can
- Ask your EYEcenter optician about special glare-reducing anti-reflective coatings on your eyewear to block blue light from both natural sunlight and digital devices
- Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed to avoid disruptions to your sleep
- Blue light filters are available for smartphones, tablets, and computer screens and prevent significant amounts of blue light emitted from these devices from reaching your eyes without affecting the visibility of the display
- Expose yourself to lots of bright light during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as your mood and alertness during daylight
- Call to schedule an appointment at EYEcenter--we’ll tell you about which type of vision correction and lens features best suit your needs for viewing your computer and other digital devices, and protecting your eyes from blue light
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
At EYEcenter Optometric, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 916-727-6518 or book an appointment online to see one of our Citrus Heights eye doctors.
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