Over time, exposure to harmful blue light without proper protection can contribute to many long term problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, premature skin aging, cancer of the skin around the eye and on the eyelids.
Most of us are being subjected to potentially harmful wavelength from blue light from the high energy visual light from the sun and blue light from LED screens on electronic games, cell phones and computer tablets.
Over time, exposure to harmful Blue Light without proper protection can contribute to many long term problems.
1. Eye stain and fatigue: Perhaps the most common of the Blue Light side effects is visual stain. Patients who stare at a computer screen for extended periods complain of tired, sore eyes and often headaches.
2. Macular Degeneration: Unlike UV light which is absorbed by the cornea and the lens inside the eye, Blue Light can penetrate deep to the back of the eye causing damage to the retina and macula.
3. Sleep Disruption: When the sun is out, the body is more alert. When the sunlight disappears the pineal gland triggers to produce melatonin, which allows the body to come to a restful state. All the exposure to devises at night can trick the brain into thinking it daylight, therefore, disturbing our sleep patterns.
New lens technology can provide protection from harmful Blue Light and UV light. Our licensed Opticians will assist you with making the right choice for your needs.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE UV EXPOSURE
We all know the importance of protecting your skin and applying sunscreen but our eyes are equally as important to protect. UV exposure can do just as much damage to your eyes, According to the American Optometric Association, too much UV leads to a greater risk of developing a variety of serious conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye).
Here are few factors that increase your risk of eye damage due to UV exposure:
1. Occupation
2. Eye Color
3. Time of day
4. Time of year
5. Geography
6. Environment
7. Altitude
8. Age
Talk to your Optician about selecting the proper lenses or coatings which can be applied to your lenses that will protect your eyes from UV exposure. Contact lens wearers need protection too. Fashion sunglasses are fun but be sure they have UV protection.
Did you know that polarized sunglasses are great for fishing because polarized sunglasses block light at a particular angle which reduces glare coming from horizontal surfaces and allows you to see further into the water?