Blue Light
At Eye Boutique of Sedona, we believe in taking the initiative for your visual needs. Whether this means discussing the latest in lens designs, dry eye treatments, or supplements for the health of your eyes, Dr. Martin and team are always on the forefront of the latest developments to keep your eyes healthy for life.
One of the biggest topics in eye health today is Blue Light Protection. While blue light is everywhere, the recent changes in digital device usage, with many people on their cell phones and computers for 7+ hours a day, eyestrain and headaches are becoming more common. Since this is such a recent development, there are no long-term studies on how this blue light exposure may affect the health of your eyes and your vision as you age. Some studies suggest that exposure to the particular wavelengths of blue light emitted by computer screens and cell phones may damage your retina, leading to possible vision loss or damage to the crystalline lens which could lead to cataracts[1]. The wavelengths emitted by these devices may also suppress melatonin[2], the sleep-inducing hormone that helps you know when to sleep. Sleep experts recommend turning off all digital devices an hour or two before bed, but if you are unable to do this, blue light glasses may help you sleep better[3].
While it will be years before the effects of this increased blue light exposure are known, we believe that protecting your eyes now is the best approach. We are all part of this new experiment in blue light exposure, and proactively protecting your eyes from excessive blue light falls within our mission of helping our patients keep their eyes healthy for life.
At Eye Boutique of Sedona, we recommend the best blue-light protection on the market and will continue to research and make recommendations as new studies and technology become available. When you schedule your comprehensive eye exam, you can expect Dr. Martin and team to discuss your personal blue light exposure and make recommendations that are designed to keep you and your eyes healthy. There are many options available to increase your comfort, reduce eye strain and even help you sleep better.
[1] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/protect-your-eyes-from-harmful-light
[2] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/how-blue-light-affects-kids-sleep
[3] Blue Light-Blocking Glasses May Help, Study Suggests - Medscape - Oct 14, 2017.
One of the biggest topics in eye health today is Blue Light Protection. While blue light is everywhere, the recent changes in digital device usage, with many people on their cell phones and computers for 7+ hours a day, eyestrain and headaches are becoming more common. Since this is such a recent development, there are no long-term studies on how this blue light exposure may affect the health of your eyes and your vision as you age. Some studies suggest that exposure to the particular wavelengths of blue light emitted by computer screens and cell phones may damage your retina, leading to possible vision loss or damage to the crystalline lens which could lead to cataracts[1]. The wavelengths emitted by these devices may also suppress melatonin[2], the sleep-inducing hormone that helps you know when to sleep. Sleep experts recommend turning off all digital devices an hour or two before bed, but if you are unable to do this, blue light glasses may help you sleep better[3].
While it will be years before the effects of this increased blue light exposure are known, we believe that protecting your eyes now is the best approach. We are all part of this new experiment in blue light exposure, and proactively protecting your eyes from excessive blue light falls within our mission of helping our patients keep their eyes healthy for life.
At Eye Boutique of Sedona, we recommend the best blue-light protection on the market and will continue to research and make recommendations as new studies and technology become available. When you schedule your comprehensive eye exam, you can expect Dr. Martin and team to discuss your personal blue light exposure and make recommendations that are designed to keep you and your eyes healthy. There are many options available to increase your comfort, reduce eye strain and even help you sleep better.
[1] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/protect-your-eyes-from-harmful-light
[2] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/how-blue-light-affects-kids-sleep
[3] Blue Light-Blocking Glasses May Help, Study Suggests - Medscape - Oct 14, 2017.
FAQ about Blue Light Protection
Why should I be worried about blue light? There has always been blue light around.
Not all blue light is bad. For example, sunlight is the main source of blue light. Being outdoors during daylight is where most people get the majority of their exposure. However, the world has become reliant on smartphones, tablets, and laptops — technologies with displays that often produce large amounts of blue light. The long-term effects may be harmful. Blue light or blue-violet light can be damaging to delicate retinal cells deep in the eye. Additionally, studies have shown blue light is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, which is a progressive condition that can lead to vision loss over time.[1]
Who needs blue light protection?
We all do. Everyone needs to take precautions against the effects of blue light. Whether we work in an office or play in the sun; spend hours staring at a computer screen or texting on our cell phones, we are all being exposed to blue light.
What steps can I take to reduce blue light exposure in myself and my family
How do I know if my glasses protect against blue light?
It is impossible to tell by looking at a pair of eyeglasses whether they block harmful blue light. There are many companies that claim their lenses give protection, but not all of them filter enough, or the right wavelengths, of blue light to counter the negative effects blue light could have on your eyes. At Eye Boutique of Sedona we have specialized equipment that can measure the amount and specific wavelengths of the blue light passing through your lenses into your eyes to make sure you have the best protection available.
[1] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/protect-your-eyes-from-harmful-light
[2]https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
Why should I be worried about blue light? There has always been blue light around.
Not all blue light is bad. For example, sunlight is the main source of blue light. Being outdoors during daylight is where most people get the majority of their exposure. However, the world has become reliant on smartphones, tablets, and laptops — technologies with displays that often produce large amounts of blue light. The long-term effects may be harmful. Blue light or blue-violet light can be damaging to delicate retinal cells deep in the eye. Additionally, studies have shown blue light is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, which is a progressive condition that can lead to vision loss over time.[1]
Who needs blue light protection?
We all do. Everyone needs to take precautions against the effects of blue light. Whether we work in an office or play in the sun; spend hours staring at a computer screen or texting on our cell phones, we are all being exposed to blue light.
What steps can I take to reduce blue light exposure in myself and my family
- Use dim red lights for night lights. Red light has the least power to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin.
- Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.
- If you work a night shift or use electronic devices at night, consider wearing blue-blocking glasses or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength at night.
- Make sure your vision correction filters blue light.
- Expose yourself to lots of bright natural light during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as your mood and alertness during daylight.[2]
How do I know if my glasses protect against blue light?
It is impossible to tell by looking at a pair of eyeglasses whether they block harmful blue light. There are many companies that claim their lenses give protection, but not all of them filter enough, or the right wavelengths, of blue light to counter the negative effects blue light could have on your eyes. At Eye Boutique of Sedona we have specialized equipment that can measure the amount and specific wavelengths of the blue light passing through your lenses into your eyes to make sure you have the best protection available.
[1] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/protect-your-eyes-from-harmful-light
[2]https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
