It’s probably not the first time you’ve read the way we use our eyes has changed dramatically within the last 10 years. The average daily adult use of a cell phone is two hours 28 minutes, rising to three hours 14 minutes for 18 to 24-year-olds (Source: BBC). In fact, you’re likely reading this blog post on your cell phone right now! Did you know that your increased electronic devices usage also increases your exposure to blue light?
Blue light is a normal part of the light spectrum and can be emitted from other sources, like the sun. However, the increased time people spend using electronic devices and the proximity of these screens to the user’s face have many eye doctors and other health care professionals concerned about possible long-term effects of increased blue light on eye health.
This increase to extensive exposure to blue light has been linked to tired, dry eyes, eye strain, insufficient visual contrast, and headaches. It may also increase the risk of macular degeneration and retinal disease which can result in permanent vision loss. Children are particularly vulnerable since the lens of their eyes is more transparent, allowing in more blue light.
Beyond possible damage and strain to your eyes, increased blue light levels and proximity can also have a negative effect on your sleep. Blue light significantly suppresses melatonin, which is an important signal for your body for when it’s time to sleep (Source: Harvard). Usually, when the sun goes down at night, your body naturally increases melatonin productions. However, since we’ve shifted to increased device usage throughout the day and night, many studies show a correlation to sleeping difficulties due to melatonin production disruption.
What can you do to reduce the blue light your eyes receive from devices?
- Turn on the night mode on your favourite devices.
- Reduce your screen time, if possible. We understand if that might not be possible – or you might not want to!
- Try out Shamir’s Blue Zero anti-reflective coat. Blue Zero is a nearly clear lens coating which helps reduce the blue light that reaches your eyes by absorbing just the right amount of blue light. Including a Blue Zero antireflective coat protects your health without interfering with your visual comfort! It also provides UV protection by effectively absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- If you don’t need glasses or wear contact lenses try out our affordable Blue Ban blue light blocker eyewear that you can wear with no prescription or over contact lenses.
Talk to one of our helpful and knowledgable Eye Etiquette team members about blue light, in-store or by calling us at 250.474.1941.
I just discovered the night shift features available on Windows, but had been using it forever on my iPhone. Not sure what took me so long to look into it, but now I definitely prefer the lower color temperature of the computer screen at night. So that, blue filters, and using dimmable or zero-blue LED bulbs has become part of my management to reduce blue light. But good article, and it’s important people become aware of how their screen usage affects their health and sleep quality.
Glad that night shift is helping your sleep quality! Thanks for sharing your experience.