What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is the high-energy, high-frequency light that appears between 400 and 500 nm on the visible spectrum. The negative effects of blue light are numerous. Due to its higher frequency, it goes down deeper into the eye, and the effects of this can be quite damaging to the retina. It has also been proven as a cause of age-related macular degeneration, which is induced by the phytochemicals that are present in blue light. Electronics, including televisions, smartphones and laptops, are all creators of blue light, making it a constant presence in our lives.
What Can You Do?
Tips for Limiting Blue Light Exposure
Limit your use of electronics, especially 1-2 hours before bedtime. This includes televisions, laptops and mobile phones.
If you use a computer at work, turn down the brightness of your screen to reduce digital eye strain.
Make sure to use the 20-20-20 rule: refocus your eyes on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while using a digital device.
If you have flexibility at your workplace, try working in a room without fluorescent lights to rest your eyes.
Ask your Optician about glasses with lenses that block blue light and reduce digital eye strain.
Please note that not all blue light blocking coatings are equal, in fact they can range a great deal from 12% to 80%. Viewpoint Vision Care provides clear blue blocking coatings that block 62% of blue light or a more advanced 80% which does have a purple hue but in addition will cut down on the screen glare.