Digital eye strain, blue light &...why you may need computer glasses?

X-Files · Jan 23, 2017

"Vision problems are unfortunately one of the hazards of too much screen time. In fact, the Vision Council found that 70 percent of US adults in one survey reported having some kind of digital eye strain (strained, dry, or red eyes; blurred vision; headaches; back pain; neck pain; or general fatigue) as a result of using digital devices for hours at a time."

"We've previously noted several ways to prevent or reduce eyestrain, including using the 20-20-20 rule to regularly give your eyes a break and ergonomically optimizing your workstation. In addition to those essential tweaks, computer eyewear could also alleviate or prevent digital eyestrain, depending on your situation. I talked to several eye health experts to find out more about these special glasses, and also did a two-week trial comparing new specially-coated glasses with older ones. Here's what I learned."

Continued at:

http://lifehacker.com/5980509/do-computer-glasses-really-work

X-Files · Jan 23, 2017

""A Harvard medical study states that "High Energy Visible (HEV) blue light has been identified for years as the most dangerous light for the retina. After chronic exposure, one can expect to see long range growth in the number of eye diseases including macular degenerations, glaucomas, and retinal degenerative diseases."

"Our eyes have natural filters but they're not enough to protect against the over-exposure of blue light. Our skin, nails, hair and eyes all contain melanin, the body's natural "sunscreen" which absorbs harmful UV and blue light rays. But as we age, we lose melanin; by around age 65, half of our natural protection is gone. That makes our eyes more susceptible to damage from both UV rays and blue light which can more deeply penetrate the retina leading to macular degeneration."

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO AVOID THE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT

More than half of U.S. adults – 60 percent – spend a minimum of six hours a day, every day on phones, tablets and computers, so it's important to practice good habits to keep your eyes safe from blue light. Because we use our electronic devices so regularly, we are gradually being exposed to more sources of this light for longer periods of time.

1. Use the 20/ 20/ 20 Rule—Follow the 20-20-20 principle. This means, look away from your computer or digital device every 20 minutes for 20 seconds about 20 feet away. This helps your eyes refocus and avoid computer eye strain.

2. Invest in Blue Light Filtering Lenses—Get fitted for blue light filtering lenses to block the penetration of blue light from computers and digital devices. They're available for prescription and non-prescription glasses.

3. Use Good Ambient Lighting—Keep balanced lighting around your computer work area to avoid high contrast and reduce glare to avoid computer eye strain. Avoid using a device in complete darkness.

4. Avoid using digital devices an hour before trying to sleep—Don't take phones and tablets to bed. The blue light from your phone's display is more likely to keep you awake than the incandescent lamp on your bedside table."

https://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OrphanView?catalogId=11651&langId=-1&storeId=10851&page=BlueLight