What is one of the first things you do during the start of your day? Chances are it involves using your mobile phone or tablet. Whether you’re checking your email, social media updates, sending text messages, or having an actual conversation, mobile phones are a big part of our everyday lives.
With all of the interaction we have with our phones, it’s important to understand its impact on our vision. Our eyes have evolved to be very sensitive to light and they have not caught up to our sustained usage of electronic devices, which can lead to some serious side effects. The most serious of these concerns is the permanent damage to the eyes from blue light exposure.
Digital eyestrain is a dangerous side effect of blue light. When we are looking at computers and mobile phone screens, our blink rate drops. If your vision starts to get blurry after staring at a screen all day, that is the first sign of digital eyestrain.
So what is blue light?
Blue light is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a type of light that gives off a blue hue. It can be harmful because it’s the highest energy wavelength in the visible light spectrum. Its wavelength is powerful enough to penetrate directly to the back of the eye, through the eye’s natural filters. Overexposure to blue light can heighten the onset of eye diseases like macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among adults 65 and older.
How do you protect yourself from blue light?
The easiest way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure to blue light. Take some time away from the mobile screen and give your eyes a break. Step away from your screen every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds. Now may be the time to talk to your eye doctor about special blue light blocking eyewear and lenses.
Metro Eye treats and prevents digital eye strain with their expert care and the best in blue light filtering lenses. Visit us in Milwaukee’s Third Ward at 325 E. Chicago St. to get the latest technology in limiting your exposure to blue light. Schedule your eye exam today and find out more information by visiting metoeye.biz or call Metro Eye at (414) 727-5888.