It is too easy nowadays to spend hours in front of tablets, phones, computers, and TVs. People become obsessed with their devices, and that obsession can lead to problems in everyday life. However, stepping away from the apparent interference technology and devices can play in personal and professional relationships, a more pervasive consideration is the effect such items have on health. As the creation of prescription safety glasses suggests, too much screen time can lead to problems in the human body, primarily your eyesight. The remainder of this article will identify the complications of blue light, its many sources, and how protective glasses can help.
Blue Light and Your Health
Blue light is only one of the visible spectrums of light, ROY G BIV. Therefore, it is natural in most instances. Unfortunately, despite the push that natural is better, too much blue light can lead to significant health complications, primarily related to eyesight.
High levels of blue light exposure can lead to increased risks for eye diseases, leading many people to worry about the color spectrum’s emission from digital screens. While the blue light emitted from a computer screen is not as significant as what the sun emits, it can still lead to complications with prolonged exposure.
There is a condition known as computer vision syndrome that affects nearly 50% of all computer users. The symptoms accompanying the condition are blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches.
Beyond digital eye strain, blue light can also cause phototoxicity, damage your retinas. In many cases, the damage is irreversible, making protection against frequent exposure paramount to eye health.
Blue Light and Its Sources
The most common source of blue light is sunlight, and in small amounts, it is healthy, contributing to healthy sleep cycles. However, over the years, people have developed secondary sources leading to the current problems and concerns about exposure.
The primary problem currently is that blue light sources surround people every day. Televisions, tablets, game systems, smartphones, computer monitors, and LED and fluorescent bulbs are all familiar interior blue light sources, bringing the focus back to blue light glasses to reduce exposure.
Eye Strain and Screen Time
While some form of blue light spectrum blocker is useful, it is necessary to consider altering poor behavior. It is typical to spend hours in front of computer monitors, tablets, cell phones, and other harmful light-emitting devices. The best way to protect your eyes is to reassess the way you work.
How many hours do you spend in front of a device? During those hours, do you take any breaks? Most people will find it shocking that you should take a small break from your computer or other screens every twenty minutes or so. The general rule is for every 20 minutes you spend on the computer, take a minimum 20-second break focusing on something at least 20 feet away. Using the 20/20/20 rule, you give your eyes a break, reducing your risk of eyestrain. You can also try the Pomodoro method, which specifies after 20 to 25 minutes of focused work, you step away for at least five minutes.
Wavelengths and Prevention
While avoidance can limit your blue light exposure some, it is not a long term solution. Blue light protective glasses can reduce your exposure to harmful wavelengths by nearly 95%, depending on the pair and manufacturer.
It is nearly impossible to avoid digital devices and computers nowadays, meaning that you must learn to adapt. If blue light is a natural part of your day, then using protective blue light glasses is critical to ensuring healthy eyesight. Remember, your eye health depends on smart and informed decisions ranging from avoidance to protection from too much blue light exposure.
