The Dangers of Blue Light and What You Can Do
We are fortunate to live in an advanced age at the turn of the 21st century. Electronic
devices are always with us in our world today and make our every day interactions with
our environment easier and safe. It's true that there are many positive effects we enjoy
from these devices in our everyday lives, but a more dangerous side exists to all of this
progress and convenience. Blue light, also known as high energy visible light, is emitted
by numerous electronic devices, and is a worrisome threat to eye health which was
previously unknown and irrelevant in the past.
Living in such an advanced age, we spend approximately 25 hours every week staring at
the screen of one of our electronic devices. What does this mean? It means that each of
us spend more than one entire day, of our waking hours, in front of devices that emit blue
light, which is known to injure our visual system. Known side effects are eyestrain,
headaches and fatigue. Even more worrisome, research shows that blue light exposure
may increase the chances of macular degeneration with age. Those with a history of
macular degeneration are at special risk; so are children, due to their large pupils and
shorter arms, which cause them to hold electronic devices closer to their faces, both of
which allow more blue light to enter the eye. In general, children are particularly susceptible
to the effects of blue light which can effect their vision at a young age.
But there is good news! The latest industry solutions to this growing problem exist.
Hartsdale Family Eye Care carries BluTech Lenses which are unique lenses specially
created to selectively filter out blue light, increasing visual comfort and reducing eyestrain.
These lenses offer an extraordinary cutting edge filtering agent within the lens material
itself that replicates elements in the eye, called ocular lens pigment and melanin, which
the body naturally produces on its own, and which help filter out the correct amount of
blue light entering the eye to defend against unfettered blue light penetration, while
allowing for appropriate visual contrast.
Recharge is another sophisticated choice to help minimize the harmful effects of blue
light. HOYA is the advanced eye care company that manufactures these lenses, which
reflect nearly 30% of harmful blue light away from the eye.
Between the filtering effect of BluTech and the reflective properties of the Recharge
coating, a large percentage of otherwise extremely harmful blue light never reaches the
eye. This is an important element in the long term health of your eyes.
People who spend extensive time on electronic devices are at increased risk for eyestrain
and glare, macular degeneration or problems falling asleep at night. For more on blue
light and how to protect yourself, don't hestitate to contact your doctor in Hartsdale, NY.