In the Dark on Blue Light?

With the average person spending seven hours a day on their electronic devices it’s no surprise the growing concern surrounding blue light exposure and how it may be affecting our eye health. Add to that, Covid-19 has fueled the use of digital devices with online learning, working from home, binge watching netflix, etc. Let’s face it we’re all on digital devices more than we used to be so let’s shed some light on blue light.

What is Blue Light & How It Affects Us...

Blue light is a normal part of the visual light spectrum and it is found everywhere. Many people often associate blue light with computers and phones, however the largest source of blue light is sunlight. Other sources include LED light, fluorescent light, flat-screen TVs, computer monitors, and the screens of all digital devices. Concerns have grown from claims that prolonged exposure to blue light from screens is blinding us but there is NO scientific evidence that blue light from digital devices causes damage to your eyes!

What blue light does affect is the body’s circadian rhythm, our natural sleep and wake cycle. During the day, blue light wakes us up and stimulates us but prolonged exposure to blue light at night can affect melatonin release and thus affect your sleep cycle.

Blue Light & Digital Eye Strain...

So if blue light exposure from screens doesn’t cause ocular damage then why are people experiencing eye pain when staring at the screen?

The discomfort some people experience after looking at screens is most likely Computer Vision Syndrome, also called digital eye strain, which describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged digital screen use. Symptoms include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck or shoulder pain. The good news is eye strain does not cause lasting damage and is easily preventable.

Digital eye strain is NOT caused by blue light. Instead, the symptoms of digital eye strain are linked to how and how long we use our digital devices.

Tips To Combat Digital Eye Strain

A pair of prescription glasses with a good quality anti reflective coating will reduce eye strain in those suffering from eye strain, headaches or blurry vision.

Use the 20-20 Rule. After 20 minutes of exposure take a 20 second break and look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.

Position your monitor so it's slightly below eye level and keep your computer roughly 25” or arms length away.

Remember to blink.

Make regular eye exams.

What About Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses claim to filter out blue light from computers, smartphones and tablets and although they may have value in regulating your sleep cycle they DO NOT protect against eye strain. So before you jump on the blue light blocking bus and purchase a pair of glasses consider trying these tips to improve your beauty sleep.

Tips To Reduce Blue Light Exposure and Get More Z’s

The best way to avoid sleep disruption is to avoid using screens one to two hours before bed.

Utilize blue light filters for electronic devices. Mant devices have built-in features to filter out blue light. There are also third-party filtering apps available for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Set your alarm. Remind yourself when to shut down with a daily alarm set before bedtime.

Remember, the sun is the largest source of blue light. Always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays whenever outside.

If you’ve been experiencing eye strain symptoms or have more questions about blue light we’d love to help you! Just call or stop by our optical boutique at Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach. 850.608.3135

Protect Those Peepers!

As part of January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Optikk 30A is joining with other leading eye health organizations in urging our patients to know their risks for the sneakiest, sight stealing disease. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is estimated that over 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, with only half of them even aware they have it. That’s a scary thought! Appropriately nicknamed, sneak thief of sight, glaucoma can strike without pain or other symptoms causing its sufferers to lose a small fraction of their vision daily. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma and treatment cannot reverse damage that has already occurred. The key is early diagnosis...and it’s as simple as scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist! With treatment, glaucoma can be controlled, minimizing and even preventing further damage.

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.retinalyze.com/post/glaucoma-regular-eye-exams-prevent-loss-of-sight

WHAT IS IT?

Let’s take a closer look at what glaucoma is. Glaucoma is a multi-factorial, complex group of eye diseases in which damage to the optic nerve leads to vision loss. The cause of glaucoma is not known however increased pressure in the eye is usually present. There is no specific level of eye pressure that leads to glaucoma and those with completely normal eye pressure can develop glaucoma as well. Current research suggests that reduced blood flow and nutritional deficiencies could also play a role in the development of glaucoma. Untreated, it will result vision loss progressing to a narrow field of vision also known as “tunnel vision” and ultimately blindness.

Image Credit: Glaucoma Research Foundation

WHO IS AT RISK?

Everyone is at risk for Glaucoma, but there are certain groups of people who are at a higher risk. Age, race, family history, and medical history are all risk factors that may increase your chance of having glaucoma.

AGE:

People over the age of 60 are 6 times more likely to develop some form of glaucoma.

RACE:

African Americans are 3 times more likely to have glaucoma than others and 6 times more likely to be blinded by the disease.
Hispanics are also at increased risk for glaucoma as they age.
Those of Asian and Native American descent are at increased risk for angle closure glaucoma.

FAMILY HISTORY:

Family history increases your risk of developing glaucoma four to nine times.

MEDICAL HISTORY:

Primary open-angle glaucoma is hereditary, so it is important to keep a record of your family medical history.
Eye injuries that “bruise” the eye (called blunt trauma) or injuries that penetrate the eye can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to traumatic glaucoma.
You are at risk if you have a history of high pressure in your eyes, previous eye injury, long term steroid use, or nearsightedness.

PROTECT YOUR SIGHT!

Glaucoma and its symptoms have a life-changing impact. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye exam and detect it early!

HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?

The most common first line of treatment involves eye drops to lower the eye pressure. If the prescribed eye drops fail to lower the eye pressure adequately, then surgical intervention is indicated. The ultimate goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. A diagnosis of glaucoma requires close monitoring of the ocular pressure and the optic nerve by your eye doctor. At Optikk 30A have the latest in optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology which allows us to closely monitor the retinal nerve fiber layer for thinning and thus progression of the disease. Visual field testing is another valuable tool in monitoring the progression of visual field loss in glaucoma.

With the start of this New Year we encourage you to talk to your friends and family about glaucoma and its many risk factors and possible symptoms. There may not currently be a cure for this sight stealing disease, but steps can be taken to protect and preserve your vision. Call or stop by our optical boutique in Redfish Village on Scenic 30A. Together, we can get ahead of vision loss as well as make a New Year’s resolution to make eye health a priority.

Dr. Korrie Lalim

Read more about Glaucoma from the Glaucoma Research Institute at www.glaucoma.org.