How many hours a day do you spend looking at your phone, computer screen, or other digital devices? Not only is technology essential for many work activities, but screen time is often a big part of our entertainment as well. In our modern world, people spend hours a day scrolling their screens.
Not only do the body positions while looking at a screen take a toll on musculoskeletal health, but the blue light emitted from the screens can affect your eyes. When you are using any type of digital device, it’s a good idea to use blue light protection so you can minimize eye strain and other related issues – especially when you spend a lot of time online.
Blue light exists all around us, both naturally and artificially. This light is a high-energy electromagnetic wave. For example, blue light comes from the sun’s rays, as well as digital screens and fluorescent lights. Regardless of the source, blue light releases high energy at all times.
This light is part of the spectrum visible to the human eye, among other light ranges. Researchers have found that the shorter the wavelength of light, the higher amounts of energy it produces. Blue light has a short wavelength, producing higher amounts of energy. The eyes can’t filter this light, which means more energy and light pass through to the retina.
When the eyes are exposed to blue light for longer periods of time, it can be harmful in several ways. Many people experience eye strain when they are looking at screens for a more extended period of time. Additionally, blue light can affect the circadian rhythm which affects your biological clock and sleep/wake cycles. Some people also experience dry eyes because their blinking slows down when looking at screens.
You can’t avoid screens because they are an integral part of modern living. But there are things that you can do to minimize eye strain. One simple solution is to wear glasses with a protective coating that help to block blue light.
Not only do blue light-blocking glasses help to minimize the risk of eye strain, but some people also experience other benefits, such as better sleep and overall health.
If you want to learn more about blue light protection, talk to our experienced team. There are multiple options available, including blue light-blocking lenses as well as anti-glare coating on your regular glasses for extra protection. Contact us at Temecula Creek Optometry to learn more about available services and products: (951) 302 -1331.