WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?

May 16, 2018
A woman is laying in bed looking at her cell phone.

Blue light is similar to ultraviolet or “UV” light and is a portion of the “visible light
spectrum”.  Sources of blue light can be found in the Sun,  fluorescent and led
lighting, as well as digital televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and other
electronic devices. Over exposure to blue light may lead to problems with
cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens in the eye and can lead to a decrease in
vision. It can also lead to age related macular degeneration (AMD ).
Special coatings are available for ophthalmic lenses, to help to reflect blue light
penetration. Blue light filter coatings help to cut down the harmful portion of blue
light that we experience from digital devices, allowing the good portion of blue
light to pass through. The result is less eyestrain and improvement of dry eyes
and overall eye fatigue that people experience from long periods in front of digital
screens.

Computer glasses with blue light filter coatings, limiting the amount of time spent
on digital devices, taking frequent breaks, and blinking more often will help to
protect and reduce digital eye strain.

– Jocelyn Frey – Optical Consultant, MVO

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