Review of Optometry has announced that numbers of patients with eye related conditions is expected to rise due to the negative effects of blue light. As part of the visible light spectrum, blue light can, indeed, have an appealing appearance. However, looks are deceiving. Blue light reaches deeper into the eye than ultraviolet light which can lead to retina damage. And, depending on which particular wave length is associated with blue light, it can also raise the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Blue Light Exposure
Sunlight – Sunlight has traditionally been the primary source of exposure to blue light. Depending on the time of day and the season, exposure to blue light will vary. About one third of sunlight is comprised of blue light. Even on a cloudy day it is important to wear protective eyewear since eighty percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still pierce through clouds.
Peak times for exposure during the summer season is from 10a.m. until about 2p.m. Maximum exposure levels will shift approximately two hours earlier during winter months.
Artificial Light – Virtually everyone is now exposed to blue light through the use of electronic devices and lighting. LED lighting and fluorescent lighting emit high levels of blue light. Lighting produced by LED is almost 35% blue light. Fluorescent lighting is little better, emitting 25% blue light. With studies suggesting that the average person spends an average of six hours interacting with a digital device, artificial light has displaced sunlight as the current primary source of exposure to blue light.
Whether a person is experiencing sun exposure outdoors or indoors using fluorescent lighting and engaging in electronic devices, people are now exposed to the harmful effects of blue light practically everywhere they are at all times of the day. It is then no surprise to see increases in vision related conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. And health professionals are expecting numbers to continue to rise among young and old alike.
Blue lightwaves also flicker. This activity creates glare and reduces image contrast. The result is eye strain. Medical professionals in the vision industry report a significant increase in patients reporting complaints of eye strain associated with the number of hours spent on electronic devices, computers, watching television or gaming. 93% of teenagers use a computer. Today’s youth, between the ages of 8-18, are engaged on electronic devices more than seven hours daily. For children who engage regularly on electronic devices, and have eyes that are not fully developed, medical professionals cannot stress enough to parents the importance of limiting the amount of exposure to harmful blue light through electronic devices.
The best protection against the harmful rays of blue light is proper eyewear. As a leader in prescription eyewear needs, Rx-Safety has a wide selection of eye protection solutions. In selecting suitable eyewear to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet and blue light, vision experts recommend the following:
Selective filter or lens to block UV and blue-violet light
Selective filter or lens which allows healthy wavelengths such as blue-turquoise to penetrate
Select eyewear with a rating of UV 400 which protects the eye from up to 400 nanometers of UV radiation
For protective eyewear needs, please contact us. Our full-service optical lab specializes in prescription and non-prescription eyeware. By producing our quality vision products in-house rather than outsourcing, we can offer highly competitive prices. Everyone should be able to afford to protect their vision. Our skilled professionals can assist you in selecting a set of eyeglasses that not only protects you from the harmful effects of ultraviolet and blue light but will also be fashionable and appealing. Our team of accomplished professionals provide quality service and products to our customers every day and look forward to earning your valued patronage.
