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Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Posted by: South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners in News
How much time do you or your kids spend in front of a digital screen? We ask this because recent studies* show 60% of people are in front of a digital device for at least 6 hours a day.
Interesting enough, blue light isn’t only produced by digital devices – the sun produces blue light, too! Our bodies actually use this natural blue light to regulate our sleeping patterns, which is known as our circadian rhythm. But, exposing our eyes to excessive artificial blue light tends to disrupt our circadian rhythm which means sleep disruption as well as cause other risks, including to our eyes.
Devices which expose us to harmful artificial blue light include:
- cell phones
- computers
- tablets
- flat-screen televisions
Because these devices are used so much and are only increasing in popularity, children and adults are gradually being exposed to more and more sources of blue light and for longer periods of time. Our eyes do not have sufficient protection against blue light rays from the sun, let alone the blue light radiating from devices and screens.
Risks of Blue Light Exposure:
- Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage and contribute to age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision.
- Digital Eyestrain Syndrome: blurry vision, difficulty focusing, headaches, dry and irritated eyes, and neck and back pain
- Greater risk of cancers
For patients who wear glasses, we offer a lens coating to help block the harmful blue light; this is applied to new lenses and is not visible, similar to a non-glare coating. While lenses cannot be retrofitted, be sure to ask about the coating for blue light at your next eye exam for you or your child! Click here to find contact information for your local South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners location.
