Technology has come a long way. It’s now a big part of our everyday lives. Everything is now digital and there’s no denying that people have become dependent on electronics, gadgets, and gizmos. Because of this, we are now more exposed to blue light.
It’s everywhere – your phone, tablet, laptop. You’re reading this article online which means you’re currently exposed to blue light. But what does it really mean and how does it affect you?
Keep reading to know more.
Blue light is the light emitted from devices such as computer screens, televisions, and smartphones. It has a bad reputation, not just in damaging your vision but also in affecting your overall health.
Let’s take a look at the effects of blue light on humans.
Sleep
Blue light prevents melatonin production, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Blue light tricks the brain into thinking that it’s daytime and makes it harder for you to fall asleep. You’ve probably read or heard somewhere that it’s better to avoid using your phone before bedtime. This is the main reason. If you want to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, regulate your screen time or better yet, wear glasses that filter blue light.
Mood
Blue light also affects the mood-controlling chemicals in your brain. And because it suppresses your melatonin production and disrupts your sleeping pattern, you might feel stressed, irritable, and anxious. We can all agree that people need enough sleep to function properly and feel good. A cranky person is a sleep-deprived person. Agree? So if you want to always be in a good mood, limit your use of gadgets to maintain your normal sleep cycle.
Vision
Long exposure to blue light leads to eye strain, dry and watery eyes, blurred vision, headaches and other symptoms of eye fatigue. It can also cause more serious vision problems, that’s why it’s important to limit your use of electronics. When working in front of your computer, make sure to take short breaks and let your eyes rest for a bit. It also helps to wear glasses with blue light blocking technology to keep your eyes protected.
We at Focus and Frame Eyewear can help you with that. Check out our online optical shop, choose the best frame for you, upload your prescription, and choose the Blue Block lens finish to protect your eyes.
How does a Blue Block lens work?
Glasses with Blue Block lens have filters that block blue light emitted by computer screens, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices. This type of lens reduces your exposure to this harmful light and helps prevent eye fatigue.
What Else Can You Do To Avoid Blue Light Exposure?
Avoid using gadgets before bedtime.
To ensure you’re getting a good night’s sleep, put your phone away before bedtime. Put it as far away as possible so you won’t be tempted to scroll through your newsfeed or watch a few episodes of your favorite show. Using gadgets at night exposes you to blue light that may affect your sleep schedule. The result: you’ll have difficulty falling asleep and you won’t get enough rest.
Limit your screen time.
This rule is not just for kids. It applies to adults, too. Your eyes will get tired from staring at your computer, phone, or the television all day and it may lead to serious issues. If you can’t avoid facing the screen all day due to the nature of your work, make sure to take regular breaks and rest your eyes from time to time.
Try the 20-20-20 rule to relieve eye strain when working in front of a computer. Take a break every 20 minutes, find an object 20 feet away, and stare at it for 20 seconds.
In today’s modern world, it’s almost impossible to avoid blue light. Still, there are ways to protect ourselves from it, especially our eyes. While it’s fun choosing cute frames, what’s more important is keeping our visions clear and healthy. Watch this video from Dr. Rashelle Sharkey, O.D. about the importance of optical health.