A closer look at light
For healthier eyesight,
don't take light lightly
UV, blue-violet, turquoise-blue … light comes in many forms, and is essential to life. But too much of a good thing is not always ideal.
They're happy,
but their eyes are not.
Let’s delve into the impact light has on our eyes, and how you can make the best of it by staying well-protected.
Checkyourvision
Myths & Truths
(1) www.espf.com
(2) www.allaboutvision.com
(3) www.essilor.com
Blue light, more than
meets the eye
From the glow of our devices to the great outdoors, it is hard to escape blue light.
And with over 90%(4) of people aged between 20-65 using
more than four digital devices daily, it's safe to say our blue light exposure is on the rise.
(4) www.essilor.com
Let’s look how it affects us and how you can make the best of it by staying well-protected.
Blue-violet light is everywhere.(5)
We tend to think of screens as the only culprit, but the sun is actually the leading source of blue-violet light. However, additional blue-violet light is emitted by digital devices, screens, LEDs, and fluorescent lighting.
(5) www.essilor.com
What does that mean for our eyes?
Blue-violet light may accelerate aging of the retina and increase retinal oxidative stress, which might contribute to retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The good news is that appropriate eyewear, such as blue-violet light filter lenses, may help prevent this.
Did I get too much blue-violet light?
With screen time averaging five hours per day, it’s easy for our eyes to get tired.
Here’s a quick check to help you know when it's time for your eyes to take a break.
Eyestrain · Dry eyes
Itchy eyes · Headaches
Blurred near vision
Have you experienced any of these common symptoms ? Your screens may be the culprit. Our eyes aren't designed for modern digital lifestyles over the long term. When we view our devices for too long, digital asthenopia, (or difficulty sustaining close visual effort), can kick in and cause these symptoms.
Prevention Tips
UV, A Double-Edged Sword
Some UV exposure is essential for good health, to help our bodies produce a good amount of Vitamin D, which boosts our metabolism and mood. But that doesn't mean UV exposure is all good.
Beyond the sun
When we’re out and about, we’re being exposed to UV light, regardless of the weather, season, and amount of direct sunshine.
In fact, Only 50% of UV rays come directly from the sun.
The remaining 50% are refracted through the atmosphere and reflected off surrounding surfaces like water, snow, grass and sidewalks.
What does that mean for our eyes?
While some UV exposure can be helpful for certain bodily functions, it doesn’t do our eyes any favors. Cumulative exposure to UV rays from the sun may accelerate the aging of the cornea and the crystalline lens and is a risk factor in cataracts.
Prevention Tips
To Each Situation Its Glasses
The best way to protect your eyes? Simply choose the right glasses for the job. Here's how and when to use them for optimal comfort of use.
Here’s how and when to use them for optimal comfort.
(6) ”Digital eye strain prevalence measurement and amelioration”. BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2018. “Management of digital eye strain”, Clinical and Experimental Optometry 102.1 January 2019.
“Short-Wavelength light-blocking eyeglasses attenuate symptoms of eye fatigue”, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 2017
Protect your eyes from light exposure and check your vision