THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF BLUE LIGHT FROM OUR VISION CENTER OPTOMETRIST 

Blue light is everywhere. It occurs naturally as part of the spectrum from the sun, and it can be beneficial in our everyday lives. Blue light gives you energy, helps to regulate your sleep and wake cycles and can enhance a sense of wellbeing. The problem with blue light happens when you're exposed to too much of it, as almost everyone is today.

Optometrist in Lubbock Talks about Blue Light Problems

The shorter end of the spectrum is colored blue; it's these waves that give so many problems. In addition to coming from sunlight, our optometrist in Lubbock explains that you're exposed daily from multiple artificial sources, including:

• Computer monitors
• Television screens
• Smartphone screens
• Tablets
• LED lights

Blue Light Effects Can be Serious, According to Lubbock Eye Doctor

The effect of blue light is cumulative, which means that it builds up over time. The more you're exposed to it, the worse the effects will eventually be. These symptoms can range from the annoying to the severe, according to our Lubbock eye doctor. In the milder range, blue light is the cause of computer vision syndrome, a diverse group of symptoms that include dry eyes, blurry vision, and difficulty in focusing. It can also disrupt the circadian rhythm, which is why watching television is the worst way to try to fall asleep at night.

While that can be annoying and have an effect on your quality of life, blue light's more serious side is one to be concerned about. It's tied to a greater risk of depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration which can cause permanent eye damage and even blindness in the most severe cases.

Preventing Computer Vision and Blue Light Effects

The best way to prevent problems with blue light is to limit your exposure to it. Our team recommends that you limit screen time as much as possible by using non-digital alternatives as much as possible. Read on an e-Ink reader or paper book instead of a tablet, for instance. If your job includes computer use, use the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Even this small break can give your eyes the soothing they need.

One of the more successful solutions we've found is to fit patients with no glare lenses. This special coating on eyeglasses prevents blue light rays from hitting the eyes, much like sunglasses protect the eyes from UVA and UVB rays. They don't affect your eyesight at all, and you normally can't tell the difference between no glare lenses and those without the addition. We recommend a high-quality version such as Crizal Prevencia at The Vision Center. 

Contact Our Local Fort Worth or Lubbock Optometrist for More Information Today!

If you have any other questions about blue light or need to see an eye doctor near Lubbock, contact our office at 806-793-1927 for an appointment.