Let’s face it, a majority of us, no matter our age, spend a considerable amount of time each day with our eyes on something digital. Whether it be a television, computer monitor, smartphone or tablet, our lives are dominated by these devices. What does this mean for our eyes, and what can we do about the effects of blue light? A trip to an Ormond Beach optometrist can help!
Our eyes are sensitive to visible light which consist of all of the colors of the rainbow. Each color has a specific wavelength, and the wavelength of blue light is short, therefore it produces more energy than colors with a shorter wavelength. It is theorized that repeated exposure to blue light causes major damage to our eyes. Your Ormond Beach optometrist wants to help you reduce the damage you could receive to your eyes as a result of blue light exposure, but keep in mind, not ALL blue light exposure is bad.
Unless you live in complete darkness with zero exposure to digital devices, you will be exposed to natural blue light. When you look up at the sky and see the blue sky, it’s a result of blue light wavelengths colliding with air particles. Your body then takes this light and uses it to help regulate when you sleep and when you are awake. This type of blue light helps with your mood and overall mindset.
Your Ormond Beach optometrist wants you to be aware that overexposure to blue light is what can cause headaches, tiredness, and damage to your retinas. Macular degeneration can also be a result of overexposure to blue light, and can cause you to lose your vision. What you may not know is that overexposure to blue light may have serious effects on other aspects of your health as well. Diabetes, certain kinds of cancer, and even obesity has been linked to the negative side effects of blue light exposure. While your Ormond Beach optometrist cannot diagnose these issues, they can diagnose eye conditions that may be a result of blue light exposure.
Blue light overexposure and the damage it causes to our eyes is not targeted to a certain age group. Young children may be more at risk as their generation is growing up with everything digital. Most schools incorporate tablets in the classroom, and after school children spend their time watching videos online and texting with colleagues.
It is recommended to have a yearly eye exam with your Ormond Beach optometrist to maintain the health of your eyes and diagnose any issues that may arise. Contact us today to schedule an eye exam with our experienced Ormond Beach optometrist team. We will perform a thorough eye exam for you and your family, and should anyone need corrective lenses, we offer a wide variety of designer eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Your Ormond Beach optometrist is looking forward to meeting you today!
