20 Oct How To Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light Emissions

Due to the technological advances of our age, ocular damage caused by blue light emissions has been a top concern for people who work primarily on screens. Blue light can be very damaging to your eyes, but thankfully, there are some things you can do to protect your eyes. But first…

What is Blue Light?

The light we see is a combination of different coloured lights (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet). Each of these have a different wavelength and emit a different sort of energy. Blue light rays have shorter wavelengths and more energy, meaning that light that looks white can have a high blue component due to the amount of energy it releases.

Where Does Blue Light Exist?

Because light is a combination of all colours, blue light exists in every type of light. The largest source of it is sunlight, but people are being more and more exposed to the blue light in sources such as:

• Fluorescent lights
• CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs
• LED light
• Flat screen LED televisions
• Computer monitors, smart phones, and tablet screens

The blue light that you get from screens is smaller than the amount given off from the sun, however, longer exposure to these small amounts of blue light is just as damaging to the eyes.

How Does Blue Light Affect The Eyes?

Blue light passes through the cornea and lens (and until it reaches the retina). This action prematurely ages the eyes and can disrupt vision. Too much exposure to blue light can cause concerns such as digital eye strain and retina damage.

How To Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light?

If you are often exposed to blue light, here are a few things that you can do to project your eyes:

• Try to decrease the amount of time you spend in front of screens
• Invest in blue light filters for your screens
• Get computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses to help ease digital eye strain
• Invest in anti-reflective lenses for your glasses

If you are concerned about how blue light emissions affecting your eyes, talk to your eye care professional today. Dr. D’Orio Eyecare professionals can offer you the advice and get you the protection you need. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: Toronto location (416) 656-2020, North York location (416) 661-5555.