The Blue Light

Questions about ‘blue light’ from our patients are becoming more common, in part due to new products promising to block or reduce damaging blue light, and in part due to increased use of screens and light sources, which means we are exposed to more blue light than in the past when we were not all attached to our digital devices and lightbulbs were typically tungsten yellow. So, do these ‘blue blocking’ products really need to be purchased?

To begin, what exactly is “blue light”? Many wavelengths of visible colour are present in both natural and artificial light. Blue light is at the far end of the spectrum, ranging from 400 to 525nm.

Is blue light harmful to the eyes? In animal investigations, researchers discovered a link between blue light or visible light and retinal damage. However, studies on people can only estimate blue light damage because eyes are exposed to light across the spectrum in the normal course of daily life.

Is blue light becoming a bigger problem? Our lighting habits are changing dramatically: in the last decade, we’ve witnessed a growth in the usage of LED (light emitting diode) and fluorescent lighting, as well as white light LEDs in backlit displays of tablets, smartphones, and PCs. These light sources emit far more blue light than ordinary incandescent light bulbs. Regardless, they emit thousands of times less blue light than natural daylight. Despite the fact that these gadgets are well under international safety standards, research has shown that prolonged exposure to visible blue light can cause eye strain and weariness. It may also exacerbate sleep disorders.

Are blue light filtering lenses good for your health? Although there may be clinical conditions in which a blue light filtering IOL is indicated to prevent or reduce the course of age-related macular degeneration, there is currently inadequate evidence to support this.

Is there any data to support the use of blue light filters on spectacle lenses? Blue light filters may reduce eye tiredness, improve sleep, or preserve macular function in some circumstances, but because there is insufficient scientific proof, we cannot promise favourable results. Patients with these concerns, on the other hand, may request these lenses to see if they help them, and they will, of course, be able to see just as clearly with these lenses as with unfiltered lenses.

designsensibilitymaine.com Opticians utilise what Blue Light Filtering Products? BlueControl from Hoya is a coating designed to reduce vision strain caused by excessive exposure to blue light emitted by digital gadgets. It is suitable for most spectacle lenses, including single vision, varifocal, and bifocals. BlueControl absorbs blue light while also being scratch resistant, water, grease, and dirt repellent. To improve your vision, the coating also gives increased contrast, clarity, and colour perception.

If you have any questions, please contact your nearest branch and our dispensing opticians will be pleased to assist you.