Do you own a smart phone, iPad, laptop, or Kindle? Chances are you do and are unknowingly being exposed to the harmful blue-light emitted off electronic devices. It’s become dangerously alarming that millennials in their 20s are complaining of symptoms commonly associated with individuals in their 40s including eye strain, fatigue, and blur at near; therefore, research is currently uncovering the unintended consequences of these devices. The results are disturbing as attention has turned to the dangers of blue-light being emitted off these electronic devices.
What is blue-light? Without getting into extreme detail, blue-light is on spectrum of visible light and due to its short wavelength nature emits damaging high energy. Current research is focusing on electronic devices as the frequent source but blue-light is found everywhere including LED technologies (in lighting and televisions) with the majority of our exposure coming from the sun-another important reason to continuously wear sunglasses when outdoors!
Why care? Both our vision and systemic health is being effected with our inability to look away!
1)Blue-light plays a role in the modulation of melatonin and the circadian rhythm:
One study showed that exposure to blue-light right before bedtime (as most of us are either on our phones or watching television) delayed sleep as well as the increase in melatonin by an average of 2 hours! You need melatonin to fall and stay into deep quality sleep. Restful minds study, take tests, and function better-a good night’s rest reduces overall next day fatigue! Consequently, good quality sleep is also needed for proper systemic function.
2)Systemic Side Effects: New evidence has shown blue-light to be linked to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, and even certain types of cancer (including breast and ovarian).
3)Visual Side Effects: Blue light has been found to damage and eventually kill retinal cells leading to diseases such as Age Related Macular Degeneration and permanent vision loss. The use of digital devices has also been linked to myopic progression (increase in nearsightedness) as well as digital vision syndrome (DVS). The symptoms that are commonly presented during an exam include eye strain, tiredness, headaches, blurry vision, dryness, burning, and watery eyes.
What can I do? Come visit us at Crystal Clear Optometry today and ask how a simple coating on your glasses can help protect you from the harmful blue-light that surrounds your everyday life-your eyes, body, and mind will thank you!
Dr. Argina Haghverdian, OD
What is blue-light? Without getting into extreme detail, blue-light is on spectrum of visible light and due to its short wavelength nature emits damaging high energy. Current research is focusing on electronic devices as the frequent source but blue-light is found everywhere including LED technologies (in lighting and televisions) with the majority of our exposure coming from the sun-another important reason to continuously wear sunglasses when outdoors!
Why care? Both our vision and systemic health is being effected with our inability to look away!
1)Blue-light plays a role in the modulation of melatonin and the circadian rhythm:
One study showed that exposure to blue-light right before bedtime (as most of us are either on our phones or watching television) delayed sleep as well as the increase in melatonin by an average of 2 hours! You need melatonin to fall and stay into deep quality sleep. Restful minds study, take tests, and function better-a good night’s rest reduces overall next day fatigue! Consequently, good quality sleep is also needed for proper systemic function.
2)Systemic Side Effects: New evidence has shown blue-light to be linked to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, and even certain types of cancer (including breast and ovarian).
3)Visual Side Effects: Blue light has been found to damage and eventually kill retinal cells leading to diseases such as Age Related Macular Degeneration and permanent vision loss. The use of digital devices has also been linked to myopic progression (increase in nearsightedness) as well as digital vision syndrome (DVS). The symptoms that are commonly presented during an exam include eye strain, tiredness, headaches, blurry vision, dryness, burning, and watery eyes.
What can I do? Come visit us at Crystal Clear Optometry today and ask how a simple coating on your glasses can help protect you from the harmful blue-light that surrounds your everyday life-your eyes, body, and mind will thank you!
Dr. Argina Haghverdian, OD
