fbpx Skip to main content

Can Blue Light Glasses Prevent Macular Degeneration?

 

You are looking at a screen right now… do you know how much this activity can affect your vision? People of all ages spend hours a day in front of screens: televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and more. While this digital age offers convenience, information, and access, it is essential that we consider how the blue light is affecting our health.

Macular Degeneration and Blue Light Exposure

 

The truth is that your eyes will suffer if you stare at a screen too much. Serious eye damage can occur, with younger and younger people experiencing vision issues because of blue light exposure.

Studies suggest that screen time could increase the development of macular degeneration. This eye condition is one of the leading causes of blindness in the US, and excess exposure to blue light could potentially speed up the development of this disease. Previously, only people over the age of 60 were diagnosed with macular degeneration. Now, this eye disease is found in the younger generations, with the prevalence on the rise – possibly due to our digital exposure.

Your eyes are exposed to blue light when looking at a screen. This light exposure can affect the macula, which could result in irreversible damage to your vision. The lens and cornea within the eye are unable to filter out the blue light, which is why the damage occurs.

Protecting Your Eyes Against Blue Light

 

Just because your eyes can be damaged by blue light, doesn’t mean that you need to throw away all of the digital devices in the house. Instead, you can be proactive in managing your time online and protecting your eyes throughout the day.

Playing it safe by wearing blue light glasses is one option to can discuss with your optometrist. When these lenses are shielding your eyes, they may help to reduce eye damage by preventing blue light from affecting the macula and retina within the eye. You can buy non-prescription blue light glasses, or talk to our team about integrating blue-light protection in your regular prescription.

Also, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of managing your screen time. If you work at the computer or are spending time in front of the TV, make sure you are looking away from the screen every 20 minutes. Taking a 20-second break can help your eyes relax to minimize the effects of digital eye strain.

While blue light glasses can be helpful, it is also important to be proactive in reducing the time spent looking at a screen each day. Even if you need to spend time at the computer for work, you can cut back on your screen time by managing non-essential entertainment. One example is choosing to listen to an audiobook instead of reading a digital version that requires you to look at a smartphone or tablet.

Professional Recommendations for Your Eyes

 

One of the most effective ways you can protect your eyesight is by visiting with an eye doctor on a regular basis. Eye exams are essential for monitoring your eye health and identifying the earliest signs of common eye diseases.

For more information, contact our experienced team to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you maintain healthy eyes and great vision.

+1 773-360-8900

Make an appointment.

Leave a Reply

Make An Appointment