Do you find yourself spending more time in front of your computer?  Working from home, remote learning for your kids, texting, social media, TV – we never seem to be able to take a break from technology.  All that blue light can cause a number of symptoms.  The artificial blue light emitted from our smart devices is high-energy and can have some long term effects on our vision.

Blue light is all around us, there are both natural blue light and artificial blue light.  Natural blue light comes from the sun. It is a short wavelength of visible blue light and high in energy.  Artificial blue light also a short wavelength of visible blue light is high-energy and remains high all the time. Prolonged exposure to blue light has shown to damage the retina, the part of the eye that detects qualities such as color and light intensity.

Blue light comes primarily from the sun and artificial light sources like digital screens and fluorescent lights. Blue light could be the reason your kids find it difficult to fall asleep at night, struggle with concentration, and develop eye-strain.

Ever wonder why you can’t go to sleep after scrolling on social media, checking email, or texting?  Did you know that blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm by reducing melatonin production? This is the hormone that tells your brain when it’s time to sleep. Blue light tricks your body into thinking it is daytime.

Other symptoms include:

• Headaches/Migraines
• Eye Strain
• Blurry Vision
• Dry Eyes
• Inability to focus
• Disruptive Sleep Patterns

Although there are many alternatives to blue light blocking, the most effective is blue light protection eyewear glasses because it provides protection all day. Just think about it, how quickly do you switch from looking at your computer screen to your phone or television to take a break? How about the LED lights at the supermarket or workplace? We can’t escape blue light, but we can surely decrease our exposure to it.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.