Protection from the Darker Side of Blue Light - Sparks & Feros Optometrists

Protection from the Darker Side of Blue Light

Light is an essential part of our lives, allowing us to see the world around in beautiful colour and clarity. Surprisingly, it also helps us with other non-visual functions of our bodies!

Effects of UV and Blue Light

We all know that sunlight contains UV radiation which is a non-visible but potentially harmful to front of our eyes, in particular the cornea and lens. Years of exposure to UV may result cataracts and/or unsightly yellow growth in the corners of our eyes know as a pterygium.

Natural sunlight and LED screens also contain high levels of Blue light. Blue light is is part of the visible light spectrum - so it is light that we can see. Blue light reaches deeper into the eye than UV and has the potential to damage the retina. It is thought that Blue light may accelerate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a condition resulting in a devastating loss of central vision.

Blue Light and Sleep

Another important non-visual role for blue light is the regulation of your body’s sleep/wake cycle. Our sleep cycle maintains and regulates memory, mood and hormonal balance! Even low levels of blue light exposure from screens and LEDs, can significantly suppress melatonin production. Melatonin is a vital brain chemical that helps you feel ready to sleep. 

So what can be done to improve your sleep- apart from getting rid of all smart phones, TVs and computer screens from your daily existence?  I would recommend the use of blue light control glasses to be worn when viewing these devices. For those who are required to carry out long hours of screen work, they should wear blue control glasses all day. If you are using your computer and mobile devices mainly in the evening wear blue control specs during and 2-3 hours before sleeping.

 

How to protect your eyes and Improve Sleep Quality

  • For those who spend long hours at work on screens, wear bluelight control glasses all day -they are now available in your prescription.
  • If possible, avoid or reduce time looking at bright screens two to three hours before bed.
  • If you have to do screen work in the evening, consider wearing your Tru-Blue blue-blocking glasses during that time.
  • Make sure you get a lot bright light during the day, not necessarily in direct sunlight, just being outdoors increases exposure to light greatly. This also helps improve the quality of your sleep, resulting in improved alertness and a feeling of well- being during day.

 

Tru Blue Vision offer you wide range of Blue Control eyewear with lenses that help reduce eye strain and protect your retina from high frequency UV and blue light. Whether you are Indoors or outside, Blue Light can contribute to digital eyestrain- symptoms include- dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, poor sleep patterns and headaches.

View the latest Blue Light Eyewear with smart lenses made to protect your eyesight!