Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses?
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.
Blue Light Exposure and Your Vision
The truth is that your eyes will suffer if you stare at a screen too much. Serious eye strain can occur, with younger and younger people experiencing vision issues because of blue light exposure.
Studies suggest that screen time could have a negative impact on vision. Excess exposure to blue light could potentially affect overall eye health, and might even contribute to the development of certain diseases – such as Computer Vision Syndrome.
Protecting Your Eyes Against Blue Light
Just because your eyes can be affected 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 strain 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.