Why You Need to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light
Published by on May 23, 2016
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is a high energy wavelength of visible light that can cause eye strain, changes to sleep patterns, and may lead to age-related diseases. It’s everywhere, emitted by the screens of computers, TVs, tablets, smartphones, and from fluorescent lights. The top three devices causing the greatest concern are computers, tablets, and smartphones. These three devices are used a great deal in the average person’s daily life.
What Are the Effects of Blue Light?
The main side effect from blue light exposure is difficulty sleeping. Blue light helps our brains reset the phase of our “circadian clock.” In other words, blue light is what we use to determine when it is morning or night. Past studies have shown that light suppresses melatonin, such that light in the early evening causes a circadian delay, or resets the clock to a later schedule; and light in the early morning causes a circadian advancement, or resets the clock to an earlier schedule. Using devices that emit blue light, such as iPads or other tablets, before bed can adversely affect sleep cycles.
How To Protect Against the Negative Effects of Blue Light
At Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE we fully embrace technology and its many ongoing advancements. We would not be able to function without our digital devices, and certainly do not expect anyone else to either! Many high-end sunglasses block blue light as well as ultraviolet light, and we always recommend high quality eyewear. Digital devices running iOS version 9.3 or later have built in blue-light reduction technology that may be activated before bed. There are also filters that may be used on tablet computers to physically block blue light.
Kugler Vision is Here to Help!
Our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized care to our patients, remain on the forefront of science and technology, and contribute to the advancement of the field of refractive vision correction through clinical research. From the very beginning, we have only used the best technology available and have invested heavily in the necessary equipment to remain on the cutting edge.
Remember, just as Kugler Vision advises patients to protect their eyes from the sun, we also advise patients to take protective measures for their eyes when using digital devices! If you have any questions about dry eyes or the effects of blue light, please contact us. We are always happy to help!
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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