Most of us are exposed to blue light via everyday technology. Blue light sources are becoming increasingly common because of the continuous technology advancement. Exposure to blue light becomes inevitable as devices such as computers, mobile phones, television and LED lights are already part of our daily lives. But what exactly is blue light and how does it affect our health? In this article we are going to discuss some tips to protect your eyes from blue light rays. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is Blue Light Rays?
Blue light is the visible spectrum of light known to have a wavelength between 400 and 450 nm. Also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, blue light has the shortest wavelengths. Like the UV rays, blue light can also harm our body if we will not take precautionary measures to minimize our exposure. Most people wear blue light glasses to protect their eyes from blue light rays and to reduce the risk of potential harmful effects cause by this light.
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Effects of Blue Light
Blue light has beneficial and harmful effects to our eyes and body. Fair exposure to this light can help elevate our mood and boost our energy. It has also good effects to our memory and cognitive function and helps regulate circadian rhythm that controls our wake and sleep cycles. However, too much exposure especially at night can cause health problems such as:
• Sleep disorder since chronic exposure to blue light can disrupt our circadian rhythm
• Digital eyestrain syndrome like blurry vision, dry and irritated eyes and headaches when constantly looking at your computer screens.
• Increase the risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, depression and obesity
• May cause damage to retina over time that may result to vision loss
Everybody is exposed to blue light rays and we need to protect our eyes from blue light rays harmful effects.
Precautionary Measures Against Blue Light Rays
It is a fact that we can’t avoid digital devices especially computers and mobile phones but we can minimize the harmful effects from our day to day exposure to blue light rays. Here are a number of ways to remain healthy over time:
1. Relax your eyes – rest your eyes by having regular break from looking at any digital screens. For example, in the workplace, take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This method is commonly referred to as 20-20-20 rule.
2. Blink more often – staring at our computers can cause dry eyes so blink often to keep our eyes moist and refreshed.
3. Install screen filters – apply special screen filters to your devices such as laptops or mobile phones. Screen filters will help reduce blue light exposure as it will absorb the light emitted from the devices.
4. Download a blue light filter app – there are also available blue light filter application that you can download in App Store or Google Play. This filter will reduce the glare at night that can minimize eye fatigue.
5. Utilize the “comfort view” settings in your devices – new device nowadays offers comfort view setting that allows you to change the sharp screen light to a warmer light. If you’re using Apple devices, turn on the nightshift feature.
6. Avoid using your devices at least two (2) hours before bedtime – one effective technique of doing this is to put your mobile devices away from your reach or turn off the Wi-Fi. In this way, you will not be tempted to use them until you fall asleep.
7. Regular eye checkup – best way to prevent any eye damage from blue light is to consult your ophthalmologist.
8. Eat food rich in lutein and zeaxanthin – food like spinach and other leafy greens are good source of these nutrients. You can also take nutritional supplements to ensure adequate daily intake.
9. Wear Blue Light Glasses – as mentioned above, many people are opting to wear protective lenses with blue light filters. You can also ask any licensed specialist about prescription of the perfect blue light glasses for your eye.
What are Blue Light Glasses and its Benefits?
If you’re constantly using your computer or phones primarily for work, emailing, preparing presentation and working on excel – the most convenient way to reduce blue light exposure is to wear blue light glasses. Blue light glasses are glasses that contains blue light filters designed to reduce computer glare, to ease symptoms of eyestrain, to block damaging blue light and to block 100% of UV light. These glasses are not only beneficial to people who spend long hours looking at computer screens because of work but also to the following who:
• Have trouble sleeping at night – blue light exposure at night can affect our circadian rhythms that shifts our bedtime pattern. So, if you’re the type of guy who always watch tv shows in Netflix before you sleep then I suggest get the blue light glasses now. It allows you to enjoy your favorite nighttime activities without worrying about your eye health.
• Works at night (graveyard shifter) –Blue light glasses help your body regulate melatonin production. If you’re a night shifter, this helps maintain your circadian rhythm and protect you from the risk of cancer, heart disease and obesity that may be caused by lack of sleep.
• Are concerned about the long-term eye condition – blue light exposure has been linked to macular degeneration that weakens the vision and can even cause permanent blindness over time. So, wearing blue light glasses even if you’re not always exposed to blue light is essential in keeping your eye healthy over time.
• Wants cool glasses – wearing glasses doesn’t mean you have poor eyesight. So, it’s okay to wear one. Try Pixel – they have cool design.
Pixel Blue Light Glasses
If you’re planning to buy blue light glasses, I recommend the glasses handcrafted by Pixel. Aside from the stylish and cool design, Pixel blue light glasses are equipped with premium anti-reflective coating and surgical grade which blocks 95% of the strongest blue light wavelengths and 100% of UV rays. In addition, their glasses are designed to repel dust and water, and to reduce color and image distortion. Unlike any other glasses in the market, Pixel lenses are virtually clear and do not contain strong yellow tint.
