Are Blue Light Lenses Right for You?
S0~~ the pandemic helped us increase our outdoor activities (this is a good thing, with the proper protection for our eyes) and also helped increase our screen time (Not such a good thing, but can be ok with the proper protection for our eyes).
Both outdoor activities and increased screen time expose our eyes to increased levels of light radiation that can contribute to eye discomfort and can result in irreversible damage to the retina. With the escalation in remote-online learning (as I write this many school districts have returned to this), online working, shopping,, socializing with Zoom, etc, and online gaming, we are all experiencing the effects of excessive screen time.
Here are five reasons for the rising demand for blue light lenses:
- Screen time: as we spend more and more of our time staring at digital screens, we are experiencing digital eye discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders at increasing levels. Computer screens and digital device screens have high blue light emission rates, and blue light, by its nature is unfocused visual ‘noise’, reducing contrast and degrading visual quality. Read more here: Blue light and your eyes
- Rising concern for kids’ eye health and comfort: parents are becoming concerned with their kids spending their school day in front of screens, and during game time and social time, so parents are seeing the warning signs of overexposure in their kids.
- Increased awareness of digital blue light emissions: because information online is contradictory and confusing, many are turning to their eye doctor for guidance. (GOOD 🤓IDEA)
- Increased understanding that outdoor sunlight poses a risk both from blue light and from even higher energy UVR: Especially for children whose eyes are more susceptible to actinic light damage from UVR and HEV blue light bc their young lenses transmit more to the retina, the risk for cumulative damage from overexposure is real. Sunlight is a beautiful thing, especially on cold winter days in Minnesota, but we must respect its power, and protect our skin and eyes, ESPECIALLY in winter. A child’s eyes are more vulnerable to photochemical injury from high energy light, and their eyes absorb more of it than adult eyes.
- Consumers are seeking a trusted eye doctor to recommend trusted solutions. There are multitudes of options for blue light filter lenses with conflicting claims. Our Doctors and Opticians can explain the best products. Schedule an Eye Exam today
Why Protection Needs to Start Young
Since a child’s retina can absorb up to 70% more UVR than an adult eye, UVR is more damaging than HEV blue light. BUT, blue light screen emissions raise multiple concerns: Proximity of screens, especially smart phones that are held closer to our eyes bc proximity = increased intensity which can lead to headaches, blurred vision and insomnia to adverse moods and unrest.
