There is a lot of talk about BlueLight and its effects on our eyes and with so many of us spending increasing time on devices, this understandably causes concern.
To help answer the questions you are increasingly asking us, we took the time to sit down with our very own head optometrist Geoff Parker and put your most frequently asked questions to him.
Here’s what you need to know:
Blue light is a high energy form of light that is released by the sun but also in high amounts by digital devices.
Generally all LED digital screens release Blue light. These include desktop screens, laptops, tablets, hand held gaming devices and mobile phones.
Humans need Blue Light in order to “wake up” and stay alert through the day and sunlight provides this beneficial Blue Light. However long screen use leading to excessive Blue Light exposure over stimulates our brain and leads to potential damage to the back of the eye.
Yes. Excessive Blue Light exposure reduces the release of Melatonin, the key sleep hormone. With less melatonin, we get less overall sleep and of a lower quality due to the over stimulation by Blue light.
There is increasing scientific concern that excessive Blue Light causes damage to the back of the eye (the retina) over many years that could be sight threatening in later life.
Reducing your overall daily screen use is a good place to start. Consider protective Blue Light filter glasses / lenses or filters for your screen. Use the “night” mode setting if using your device in the evening. Ensure you put your phone down 1hour before going to sleep.
If you’re concerned about digital eye strain and the effects of blue light on your eyes, here are some tips to help push back on these symptoms:
– Try and limit your screen hours. Sounds simple, but try and be present and think if you need to use your screen or could you be doing something better with your time!
– When you are using your device limit yourself to 25 minutes on screen and then put down the screen for 5 minutes. Repeat this cycle.
– Try and blink regularly to re-wet your eyes. Consider using artificial tears (eye drops) every couple of hours when on screen.
– Every couple of minutes look up at something several metres away or out a window to relax your focus just for a couple of seconds before resuming your task.
– Think strongly about getting Blue Light protective lenses or glasses. Screens release a lot of potentially damaging Blue Light that effects your eyes. This can be blocked by the wearing blue light lenses.
Trying all these things will help your eyes to feel more rested at the end of the day and look visibly less red and tired.
If you’re concerned about the amount of screen time you (or someone in your family) is exposed to, the good news is we have blue light lenses available for both prescription and non-prescription wearers. Our range of non-prescription blue light lenses can also be added to any frame in store.
So do pop in to see us or call to talk to about these lenses or you can book a style session to choose new frames and discuss lenses at the same time.
