Children are not born with all of the visual abilities that they’ll need in life. In fact, kids’ eyes need to develop properly in order to focus their eyes, move them accurately, send visual information to the brain and use both eyes together as a team. Strong eyes and good vision play a vital role in kids’ eye health as well as childhood eye development. That’s why it’s important to protect your child’s vision from birth.
When it comes to the eyes, did you know that a majority of their physical development occurs during your child’s first year of life? Eye development then continues throughout childhood: vision skills are honed, eye muscles strengthen and nerve connections multiply. And all the while, your child’s eyes are becoming even stronger, and they’re learning to work together more effectively.
During this stage of eye development, your child’s eyes are extremely sensitive to bold colors as well as black and white patterns. Over the first three months of a baby’s life, color vision tends to improve greatly and the ability to focus begins to develop.
After the first six months of a baby’s life, their eyes should be fully developed. During this stage, babies can start to judge depth and see 3D shapes and figures. In rare cases, glasses may be needed.
During the ages of four and five, your child’s school should conduct a vision screening. If this has not happened by the end of your child’s first school year and you have lingering concerns, it’s best to take them to an optometrist.
When your child goes through a major growth spurt, their eyes will continue to grow and develop. Make sure to monitor your child’s vision regularly. If they complain of headaches or tired eyes after school, there may be an issue.
Children should be given a comprehensive eye exam by age one, seen again by age three and given yearly exams after age five. In these exams, optometrists will be looking for three common eye problems in kids.
A misaligned eye is when one eye is turned in, out, up or down, thus putting it out of alignment. If the eye is chronically misaligned, a lazy eye can develop. This condition is caused by the significantly reduced vision in one eye. While it would seem that these conditions would be visibly apparent, they often can go unnoticed outside of an eye exam.
A misaligned or lazy eye can be corrected if diagnosed in the preschool years. Glasses or a temporary eye patch will most likely be prescribed.
Refractive errors are more commonly known as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. As your child ages, their eyes will too. Prescriptions may be needed if any of the following are detected by an optometrist:
Red eyes can sometimes signal pink eye or conjunctivitis. This is caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Extremely contagious, pink eye can be treated with antibiotic drops. To stop the spreading of pink eye, kids should wash their hands frequently and keep their hands away from their eyes.
Red, itchy or dry eyes can also signal CVS, more commonly known as computer vision syndrome. The culprit for children (as well as for adults) is often too much screen time on video games, smartphones and/or TVs.
Symptoms of CVS tend to be pretty similar among children and adults. Common symptoms include eye strain, headaches, discomfort and posture problems. But CVS appears to affect children in an additional, unique way. Research has found that CVS in children can put them at a greater risk for nearsightedness (myopia).
The National Eye Institute conducted a study in 2009 which found that the prevalence of nearsightedness among Americans has increased more than 66 percent over the last 30 years. While this study did not look at the actual causes of the rise in myopia, the significant increase in the condition seems to parallel the rise in computer and smartphone usage worldwide.
The high-energy blue light that is emitted from computer screens and other digital devices may contribute to these symptoms of CVS. To combat the effects of CVS and implement proper kids’ eye care, there are a few things you can do:
Finding the perfect pair of blue light blocking glasses for your kids can be difficult. But Dr. S Eyewear’s computer glasses for kids make the decision incredibly easy. Our blue blocker glasses block 99 percent of harmful blue light, more than any other brand on the market. Improve your child’s eye development today with a pair of blue light glasses from Dr. S Eyewear. Have a question or need more information? Reach out today.
]]>You need a pair of gaming glasses.
We know. That might sound silly to you. But hear us out and you just might agree with us by the end of this article.
Do your eyes hurt after a few hours of playing The Sims? Is your vision blurry after a Sunday afternoon wandering the West in Red Dead Redemption 2? The world of gaming has rapidly evolved, and unfortunately, so has eye strain thanks to constant screen use. This condition is more commonly referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and should be taken and handled seriously. Here’s why.
Monitors and television screens produce a harsh blue light that forces your eyes to work harder in order to focus on words or points on the screen. Why? It’s simple: Images on a screen don’t have the same sharp contrast and variation as objects that you see in the real world, meaning your eyes are working double time in order to change focus. This constant strain can lead to headaches, itchy and/or tired eyes, and even blurry vision. But these CVS symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some additional effects of blue light exposure:
You’re probably about to throw your PS4 into the garbage after reading that last section, but don’t freak out just yet. There’s actually a pretty simple way to combat these harmful effects.
You might ask yourself, “Do gaming glasses work?” The short answer is yes. Glasses for gaming are specifically designed to combat and lessen the effects of blue light. Video and computer gaming glasses tend to have a slight magnification, which makes it easier for your eyes to focus without ruining the finely tuned resolution of your screen. This increased view size and reduced blue light can actually improve your gaming experience. By wearing gaming glasses, you can help preserve your vision, reduce harsh blue light and protect yourself from the effects of CVS. Get gaming glasses that actually meet your expectations by looking for the following features:
In the market for a pair of gaming glasses? Try blue light blocking glasses from Dr. S Eyewear. Our blue blockers are unlike any other glasses on the market because they’re designed by a licensed optometrist. Dr. S. Eyewear’s blue light blocking lenses block up to 99 percent of blue light, whereas other blue blockers or gaming glasses only block 65 percent. Have a question or need more information? Reach out to our helpful staff today.
]]>If you’re unclear whether you need reading glasses or not, start by asking yourself the following questions. This will give you a general idea of whether or not it’s time for some reading glasses.
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it may be an indicator that you need reading glasses.
Once it’s been determined that you require reading glasses, it’s time to figure out the correct strength of reading glasses you’ll need. By following this guide, you’ll be better able to find the perfect pair of reading glasses for your unique vision needs.
Most over the age of 40 will need reading glasses at some point. It happens to all of us. This is typically caused by age-related changes in the eye’s lens. These changes can make it much more difficult to focus on small print or close-up objects.
If you’ve never had to previously wear prescription glasses, you’ll likely be able to wear non-prescription magnification readers. There are various over the counter reading glasses strengths to choose from. But which strength is right for you?
A good starting point is to use your age to determine a recommended range of reading glasses power:
Your Age Recommended Reading Glasses Power
40 to 44 +0.75 to +1.00
45 to 49 +1.25 to +1.75
50 to 54 +1.75 to +2.00
55 to 59 +2.00 to +2.25
60+ +2.25 to +2.50
Those in their 40s typically do better with lower power reading glasses. Those in their 60s, on the other hand, do best with higher power reading glasses. This is because, after the age of 60, the optimum reading glasses power tends to remain pretty constant.
The drawback to charts like this, however, is that they assume you’re using the glasses to read normal-size print held at a perfect distance of 14 to 15 inches away from your eyes. We all know this is not often the case. While this chart is a good starting point, your perfect pair of reading glasses will take into account more factors than just your age.
When choosing your reading glasses power, consider how you will most often be using your glasses. This can play a big role in how to determine reading glasses strength.
If you will typically be using your reading glasses for viewing things very small or up close, you’ll want to consider a stronger reading glasses power than what the age-based chart may suggest.
If you’re going to primarily be using your reading glasses when you’re at a computer, you should choose a lower reading glasses power. Most people view their screen from a greater distance than when they’re reading print material. The rule of thumb is that the farther the viewing distance, the less reading glasses power is needed.
An accurate way to determine your proper reading glasses power is to take the Dr. S Reading Glasses Strength Test, also known as a diopter test. Start by printing off our easy-to-use guide at actual size (100-percent). Then, hold the page about 12 to 14 inches from your face. Attempt to read each line until you land on a line that you can read clearly and easily. The coordinating strength of that line is your strength score. This is the number you’ll use when ordering your new pair of Dr. S Eyewear magnification readers.
Don’t waste your time or money on low-quality drugstore reading glasses. Try Dr. S Eyewear’s Unisex Reading Glasses for total comfort and quality. Questions? Contact Dr. S Eyewear today for more information.
]]>When shopping for the best reading glasses for your unique vision, there are a few things to keep in mind for getting what you want (and need). The following are five tips for finding quality reading glasses that are durable, comfortable and right for you.
Reading magnification, also referred to as your reading power, is the lens strength of the reading glasses. There are two ways to determine what reading magnification you need in order to see and read without straining your eyes:
Dr. S Eyewear reading glasses are available from +1.50 to +2.75 magnification. If you believe that your reading power is higher than +2.75, you should contact your local eye doctor for help finding the correct reading magnification.
When looking for a pair of high-quality reading glasses, make sure to ask what the lenses are made of. There are several options available when determining the right lens material for your needs.
Many cheap, drugstore-brand reading glasses are made of lightweight and low-cost plastic, which may not last very long. For more durability and break resistance, you'll want a newer lense material, such as polycarbonate. This is what Dr. S Eyewear's affordable Unisex Reading Glasses' lenses are made of.
If you need an extra-strong prescription or have other special needs, you may want to talk to your eye doctor about additional options.
When you’re picking out your frames, the material they’re made of tends to be the last thing on your mind. While plastic frames tend to come in a large range of styles, colors and prices, they’re not the most durable of options. Titanium (metal), on the other hand, is light and extremely flexible.
Another thing to look for when shopping for durable reading glasses is the use of spring hinges. Reading glasses with spring hinges allow for a comfortable yet secure fit that won’t stretch out over time. When opened, small springs within the hinges let the arms extend past the traditional 90-degree range of movement. This flexibility protects the frame from bending and/or snapping, creating virtually unbreakable reading glasses. While drugstore reading glasses normally aren’t created using spring hinges, Dr. S Eyewear reading glasses are.
Even the highest-quality reading glasses won't improve your vision if the lenses are positioned so that you're not looking through the right parts. That's a downside of the over-the-counter reading glasses you'll find in most stores.
Dr. S Eyewear reading glasses were designed and made according to a precise pupillary distance calculated by a licensed optometrist. This attention to detail was intended to allow you to see as well as possible without the need for a prescription.
Most frames you see at drugstores or pharmacies are very narrow. This can make it difficult to find the sweet spot to look through and can also cause headaches. When choosing frames, make sure they fit not just your face comfortably, but your nasal bridge and ears as well.
Don’t waste your money on low-quality drugstore reading glasses. Try the comfort and quality of Dr. S Eyewear’s Unisex Reading Glasses. And don’t forget to protect your eyes from harmful blue light with our blue light blocking glasses. Have a question or need more information? Contact Dr. S Eyewear.
]]>Eye discomfort and dry eyes can happen to anyone who spends an extended amount of time using a computer or focusing on a task. But by using a pair of blue light filter glasses, you may be able to ease and even prevent the symptoms of dry eyes.
Did you know that when you work on a computer screen or are hyperfocused on a task for a long period of time, the frequency with which you blink drastically drops, leading to dry eyes? And did you know that the dangerous blue light emitted from LED bulbs, computer monitors and smartphone screens can cause uncomfortable eye fatigue?
These health problems are growing more and more prevalent and impacting the well-being of a young, once-healthy population. It’s a startling bit of information that could make you think twice about your extended screen time.
There are two core types of eye strain. One is traditional eye strain and develops from intense overuse. The other is digital eye strain and is caused directly from prolonged computer or digital device use. Let’s go through the core symptoms and causes of these two types of eye and vision-related problems and explore the various ways you can get relief.
Eye strain and dry eyes occur when your eyes get tired from intense use. While eye strain can be extremely annoying, it normally isn’t serious and dissipates once you rest your eyes or attempt to reduce your eye discomfort. Typically, a change in your habits or environment can help.
For many people, wearing a pair of blue light computer glasses to protect the eyes from harmful blue light emitted from LED bulbs has been found to help ease eye strain. However, you should see your doctor if you continue to experience dry eyes, discomfort or any of the symptoms listed below.
Computer Vision Syndrome, or digital eye strain, is a term used to describe various eye and vision-related problems that are the direct result of prolonged computer, smartphone or tablet use. The blue light that is emitted from computer monitors and digital devices can significantly impact your eyes. It has been found that the discomfort level only increases with the amount of time spent on a screen.
Reading something on a digital screen tends to strain the eye more than reading print material because people tend to use devices that have a glare, reflection and poor contrast. People also inadvertently blink less when using computers, naturally drying out the eyes.
Most visual symptoms of digital eye strain are temporary and will decline once you stop using a computer or digital device. But some may continue to experience symptoms if nothing is done to address the cause of the issue.
To help prevent and combat your dry eyes and eye strain, try out a pair of blue light blocking computer glasses from Dr. S Eyewear. Our blue light filter glasses have been tested and found to block up to 99 percent of blue lights. They can even help prevent both eye strain and dry eyes brought on by blue light emitted from lights, monitors and digital devices.
Choose from multiple styles:
While blue light filter glasses are not a cure-all, they can help to combat dry eye symptoms.
Migraines are characterized as intense or even severe headaches that have additional symptoms like pain in the temples, pain behind one eye or ear, nausea, vomiting, seeing spots or flashing lights, temporary vision loss or sensitivity to light and/or sound.
But what exactly triggers these debilitating migraines? The bad news is it could be one (or more) of dozens of reasons. But you can try to pinpoint your personal triggers if you know the general causes.
A trigger in terms of migraine pain is any event, change, food, beverage or physical act that results in a migraine. Below are some of the most common causes.
Food and Beverages
Health
Prescription or Illicit Drugs
Routine
Environment
The type of light you’re exposed to really does impact how you feel. While flashing or flickering lights are the most likely to bring on a migraine attack, blue lights and fluorescent and LED bulbs containing blue light are also massive triggers and aggravators. And where are people the majority of their lives? In an office environment under fluorescent or LED bulbs, straining their eyes looking at monitors and smartphones that emit blue light. It’s really no wonder so many people struggle with migraines nowadays.
Blue light has been found to activate the trigeminal nerve, which plays a large role in pain perception during a migraine attack. It can even exacerbate migraine symptoms as well, such as light sensitivity, dizziness, nausea and more. While blue light is at its most harmful when the sun goes down, it can still trigger migraines throughout the daytime.
The good news is there is some relief. Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light glasses are the only blue blockers on the market designed by a licensed optometrist. The lenses block up to 99 percent of harmful blue light and can help prevent both headaches and migraines brought on by blue light. They can even help minimize symptoms, like light sensitivity, once a migraine has already been triggered.
So, when exactly should you wear blue light glasses to help fight your battle with migraines?
You know your own body. If you feel a migraine coming on, take the proper steps to stop it before it gets worse. If your migraine pain continues to worsen or is happening more and more frequently, be sure to seek medical advice from a certified doctor.
Blue light blockers are extremely beneficial when using digital devices like computers, tablets or phones. But did you know that these aren’t the only sources of blue light?
Blue light is all around us. It’s naturally created by the sun and this type of blue light has been found to be good for our health. But it’s also created in unnaturally high proportions by LED lights and energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs. And exposure to these high levels of blue light can actually have adverse effects on our health.
While researchers aren’t exactly sure why exposure to blue light at night seems to have detrimental effects on our health, it is known that exposure to this light suppresses the secretion of melatonin. Lower melatonin levels can disrupt sleeping habits, which might help explain the association with various health problems like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and an increased risk for depression.
Based on these facts, blue light blockers can help in some surprising scenarios you might not have even thought of.
Blue light can be extremely detrimental to your circadian rhythm if you’re sitting in a bright, LED-lit airport and about to take a red-eye flight (the time your body is supposed to be sleeping). Slip on a pair of blue light blockers to help cut down your exposure to blue light while you’re sitting at your gate.
Some major cities around the country, like Seattle, Los Angeles and New York City, utilize high-intensity LED streetlights. In fact, , the American Medical Association has cautioned that the light-emitting-diode lights affect circadian rhythms five times as much as conventional street lights. Blue light blockers can help tone down these LED lights and improve your sleep.
Going to a nighttime baseball game? Be sure to bring your blue light blockers. These intense LED stadium lights can really throw off your body’s internal rhythm and overall health.
Even if you’re not on your computer or tablet, exposure to fluorescent light bulbs in the evening can impact your health. This includes in an apartment or dorm room where you can’t change the lighting, a school or classroom, or even a brightly lit retail store. Keep this in mind when you’re up after the sun goes down.
Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light glasses have been tested and found to block up to 99 percent of blue light. Blue light blockers are not a cure-all, but they can help to combat some potentially harmful effects of blue light exposure.
What to learn more about how Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light blocking glasses can help protect your vision? Contact Dr. S Eyewear today.
]]>Whether you realize it or not, blue light is just about everywhere — and there’s no escaping it. As you work, as you play, and even as you read this, it’s there. It can cause damage so gradually, you might not even comprehend what’s happening until it’s too late. Read on to learn more.
Blue light is known as a High Energy Visible (HEV) wavelength on the light spectrum — the only wavelength of light shorter belongs to ultraviolet light, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. In nature, blue light actually has a lot of benefits. During the day, the blue light in sunlight helps boost our alertness, elevate our moods, and heighten our reaction times.
In our modern age, however, humans are surrounded by sources of blue light long after the sun has gone down. These sources include LED lights, fluorescent lights, and pretty much any screen on our electronic devices: phones, tablets, televisions, you name it. Having exposure to blue light all the time can throw the human body out of whack in all the ways we’ll explore below.
It may sound mild, but this is one of blue light’s most dangerous side-effects — one that contributes several of the other conditions on this list. Exposure to blue light suppresses your body’s ability to secrete melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms and tell your body that it’s time to hit the hay. Less melatonin, and therefore less time asleep, has been linked to increased risk for everything from depression to cardiovascular disease.
A sleep study conducted by Harvard Researchers revealed that when circadian rhythms are shifted, even gradually, several negative health effects arise. In the study, the subjects’ blood sugar levels increased and their leptin levels decreased as their sleep patterns grew more abnormal. Leptin is the hormone that helps you feel full after you’ve eaten a meal, meaning that, if it isn’t present, your appetite won’t feel satisfied and you will most likely end up overeating.
Suddenly, it’s easy to understand why blue light, and blue blockers, are becoming an important part of the discussion about diabetes and obesity. The potential sleep-related effects of blue light may actually be just the start of much broader domino effect.
One of the most important parts of mental health treatment is getting yourself back on a proper sleep schedule. Without sleep, you wind up feeling mentally drained, lethargic, and irritable. But, sleep is also crucial for your brain’s ability to process new information and create new memories. So, if you are going through a difficult period of your life, or have depressive tendencies, not getting enough sleep might throw you into a spiral of mental illness.
Using blue blockers to reduce exposure to blue light, and allowing your body to produce the melatonin it needs to get you to sleep, may help your body and mind cope with whatever challenges life has thrown at you.
Have you ever noticed yourself squinting at your computer screen halfway through the work day? This could be one of the many symptoms of Digital Eye Strain Syndrome.
This newly-coined diagnosis describes the itchiness, dryness, and blurriness that our eyes can experience after staring at blue light-emitting screens for too long. It’s also common to experience headaches and neck and back pain.
Remember when carpal tunnel was the biggest computer-related health concern? Digital Eye Strain Syndrome has overtaken it by far. Having proper blue blockers can help keep your eyes happy even after the longest days at the office.
One of the biggest concerns related to blue light is the macular degeneration many doctors believe is related to overexposure to it. Macular degeneration occurs when the central portion of the retina (the macula) deteriorates. Since the retina is responsible for recording images and sending them to our brains through the optic nerve, sustaining this kind of damage can lead to permanent vision loss. While blue light isn’t a direct cause of this sort of deterioration, it most likely helps to accelerate it.
When we imagine the ways technology could hurt us, we usually wind up with a picture of a dystopian future filled with robot overlords. But who would’ve thought they’d be so subtle?
Fortunately, there is a simple way to help protect yourself: by regularly wearing blue blocker glasses.These special lenses can help filter out potentially harmful blue light while allowing you to comfortably go about your daily tasks.
Dr. S Eyewear has a great selection of blue light blocking glasses, which also happen to be the only blue blockers on the market today designed by a licensed optometrist. Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light blocking glasses protect your eyes from up to 99 percent of blue light — most other brands can only block 65 percent.
Our blue blockers can help reduce headaches, dry or irritated eyes, and other side effects related to overexposure to blue light. These blue light blocking glasses can even help prevent your sleep cycle from being disrupted. And as you read above, your sleep cycle can have far-reaching effects.
Call or contact Dr. S Eyewear today to learn more about the effects of blue light and how our blue light blocking glasses can help protect your eyes and your overall health.
]]>Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness surrounding the dangers of blue light exposure. In particular, the blue light emitted from the screens of our electronic devices can be the most harmful to our health.
Excessive blue light exposure can increase the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. It also can disrupt our circadian rhythms, causing sleeplessness at night and fatigue during the day.
Blue light blocking glasses, also known as blue blockers, claim to limit the amount of blue light reaching the wearer’s eyes, thus cutting down blue light exposure and improving your overall health. But do they work? Well, here’s what the experts have to say.
Blue wavelengths during the daylight hours can be quite beneficial. They boost attention, focus, reaction times and even your mood. But when the sun goes down, doctors say blue light can become detrimental to your health. Here’s how they say blue blockers can help.
Maxine Builder, New York Magazine investigative reporter, wrote that in a perfect world, you’d actually start to avoid blue-enriched light from screens four hours before bedtime.
Cathy Goldstein, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Center, admitted to New York Magazine that “that is hard for a lot of people to swallow, so we do sometimes recommend blue light blocking glasses at that time.” Builder goes on to reveal that there is now a growing body of research to back up the claim that blocking blue light before bed can ultimately help you sleep better.
This is because blue light exposure from devices before bed or during the nighttime has been found to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm over time.
Researchers have even been studying the association between dysfunctional sleep-wake cycles and other health problems like diabetes and certain forms of cancer. The American Optometric Association has been closely watching and studying Americans’ digital device use over the last few years.
The systemic effect of blue light is something Bryan Rogoff, O.D., a private practice consultant, always talks to his clients about, especially for different practice models. As doctors of optometry join accountable care groups and move toward a coordinated care model, Dr. Rogoff urges them to screen patients for blue light eye damage – and conduct a thorough case history that incorporates patients’ sleep patterns – and how it relates to metabolic and cardiovascular changes that affect their bodies.
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a well-known osteopathic physician, also believes blocking blue light serves an important biological purpose; helping to not only regulate your internal clock, but to protect your overall health and well-being. By utilizing blue blockers, users can correct their circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. And by getting a good night’s sleep, you can help strengthen your memory, sharpen your attention, curb inflammation, lower anxiety and more.
Exposure to artificial light, Mercola explains, is one of the largest, often-overlooked health risks of the 21st Century. Our early ancestors did not face this problem, as they started and ended their day with the rise and fall of the sun, synchronizing their circadian rhythm almost perfectly. Today, our bodies are still attuned to this internal clock, however, most people living in the developed world no longer go to sleep when the sun sets.
Instead, we turn on LED lights, computers, televisions, tablets and smartphones, all of which expose us to varying amounts of blue light at a time of day when there’s supposed to be next to none, says Mercola. Your body is understandably confused as a result. It’s now becoming clear that one of the least expensive and simplest ways to protect your body’s internal rhythm, and thereby support healthy sleep and a lowered risk of many chronic diseases, is to wear blue light blocking glasses, not just at night but anytime you are exposed to artificial lights.
Wearing blue blockers are indeed recommended to help to limit the amount of blue light your eyes are exposed to. New York-based optometrist Dr. Fran Reinstein recently explained to Zocdoc how you can benefit from reducing the amount of blue light reaching your eyes.
“They reduce eye fatigue, headaches and blurred vision – all of which are associated with computer vision stress,” says Reinstein. “People who use them have much less eye strain.”
If you do want to try a pair of blue blockers, make sure you get a pair that has been tested for its blue light blocking capabilities.
Did you know that Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light glasses have been tested and found to block up to 99 percent of blue light? While blue light blocking glasses are clearly not a cure-all, they can help to combat the potential harmful effects of blue light exposure.
Want to learn more about how Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light blocking glasses can help protect your vision? Call or contact Dr. S Eyewear today.
]]>Blue light is everywhere. In its natural form, it’s what regulates our sleep cycles, or what’s called our “circadian rhythm.” Short, high-energy blue wavelengths from the sun collide with air molecules, causing blue light to scatter everywhere. See that blue sky? You can thank blue light!
Blue wavelengths in our electronics and energy-efficient lighting can also be beneficial during daylight hours. They boost attention, reaction times and even your mood. But at night, they become ... disruptive. Here are the top reasons why you need blue light blocking glasses.
High-energy blue light scatters more easily and is thus not as easily focused. When you’re looking at smartphones or computer screens that emit significant amounts of blue light, this unfocused visual “noise” can reduce contrast and lead to digital eye strain. But by utilizing blue light blocking glasses, you can significantly increase that contrast, thus increasing your comfort when using your digital devices for long periods of time.
Blue light specifically is able to penetrate the retina. Some studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage cells in the retina. This can lead to macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss. By cutting down the amount of blue light your eyes are exposed to with blue light blocking glasses, you can help to protect your overall eye health.
Blue light can be especially aggressive in triggering sleeplessness. It can suppress melatonin production and alter your circadian rhythm.
To put it plainly: Blue light’s interference with your sleep can lead to shortened total sleep time and diminished sleep quality. But by using blue light blocking glasses, you can help manage your blue light exposure and start to get a better night’s sleep.
Blue light’s interference with your body’s 24-hour circadian rhythms can create problems with your cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems, disturbing your mood, causing weight gain and obesity, and compromising cognitive function.
By utilizing blue light blocking glasses, you’ll correct your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle, improving your overall health. By getting a good night’s sleep you can strengthen memory, curb inflammation, sharpen your attention, maintain a healthy weight, lower stress and decrease anxiety.
Blue light blocking glasses from Dr. S Eyewear are the only “blue blockers” on the market today designed by a licensed optometrist. Glasses by other popular brands only block 65 percent of blue light. Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light blocking glasses block up to 99 percent of blue light. Use the Dr. S blue light blocking glasses while you use your computer, phone or other devices to prevent headaches disrupted sleep, dry eyes and other side effects of blue light.
Interested in learning more about the effects of blue light or how Dr. S Eyewear’s blue light blocking glasses can help protect your eyes and overall health, call or contact Dr. S Eyewear today.
As digital devices continue to become more and more essential to our daily lives, there has been a growing concern about the negative effect that smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions have on eyesight and overall health.
Digital devices emit blue light. Blue light rays have short wavelengths (380-500nm) and, thus, higher energy than other visible light. While blue light is actually beneficial to our health in a variety of ways, overexposure at a close range can result in digital eye strain and even damage light-sensitive cells in the retina over time.
But how do you know if you need blue blocker glasses? When do you need to start worrying about overexposure when using digital devices?
The best way to know if you are in need of blue blocker glasses is to schedule an appointment with your local eye doctor. Professional eye tests will be able to most accurately identify potential concerns, diagnose symptoms, and determine the overall health of your eyesight.
However, here are a few telltale signs that may indicate your need for blue blocker glasses:
If a large portion of your waking hours are spent consuming digital media (smartphone, tablet, television, computer), it is probably safe to assume that you are in need or will greatly benefit from blue blocker glasses. You may be tempted to think that high levels of digital media consumption are only common among certain professions. However, as digital devices continue to permeate our everyday lives across all age groups, overexposure to blue light is becoming a concern for everyone.
According to a Nielsen Company audience report, adults in the United States spent more than 10 hours using digital devices each day. Usage among kids and teens is not much better. CDC research reveals that children ages 8-10 spent about 6 hours a day in front of a screen, and youth ages 11-14 spent nearly 9 hours consuming digital media. And younger eyes are even more vulnerable.
Due to the significant daily consumption of digital media, overexposure to blue light is a serious concern for a large majority of Americans. As a result, many are in need of blue blocker glasses.
Looking at a screen for too long and, thus, overexposing your eyes to blue light can result in digital eye strain. Digital eye strain can manifest itself in a variety of ways:
If you spend a lot of time consuming digital media and find yourself suffering from these symptoms, you may be experiencing digital eye strain. By using blue blocker glasses, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate these symptoms.
Research shows that exposure to blue light at night or just before bed can suppress the body’s production of melatonin, delay deep REM sleep, and disrupt circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycle of physiological processes that help determine sleep and feeding patterns). As a result, significant digital device usage and, thus, blue light exposure can negatively affect your ability to get a good night’s rest.
Sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of issues, including:
Getting sleep is essential to living a healthy life. Overexposure to blue light can have a negative effect on your eyesight, but it can also be detrimental your overall well-being. If you are unable to limit your screen time, blue blocker glasses will ensure your digital media consumption does not undermine your ability to sleep.
Still not sure if you need blue blocker glasses? Call or contact Dr. S Eyewear! We would be happy to discuss the effects of blue light with you further and help find a solution that addresses the problems you face.
]]>At the least, blue light can cause digital eye strain with symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, and irritated eyes. At the worst, overexposure to blue light can increase the risk of macular degenerations and retinal degenerative diseases. Retinal cells and macular pigment that are severely harmed by blue light can lead to permanent damage or loss of vision. Simply wearing blue light blocking clip-on glasses while using the computer or tablet can reduce risk of these negative health effects.
Protecting your eyes from blue light can practically eliminate digital eye strain on a daily basis and significantly mitigate the risks of retinal degenerative diseases. Due to all the research and studies showing the negative effects of blue light, some digital devices are starting to utilize filters that block blue light. However, these filters don’t block enough blue light to improve the protection of your eyes and health significantly. Dr. S blue light blocking clip-ons, are an effective, convenient, and affordable solution.
Growing awareness has resulted in a variety of products that seek to mitigate the negative effects of blue light, specifically blue light blocker glasses and blue blocking clip-ons. However, the blue light blocking technology approved by Dr. S is unique and superior to even our closest competitors.
Popular brands of blue light blocking glasses and clip-ons only prevent around 65% of blue light from entering the eye. These brands don’t block enough blue light. The clip-ons and glasses offered by Dr. S block 99% of blue light!
The technology we use practically eliminates the dangers of overexposure to blue light from digital devices. Therefore, wearing our convenient and affordable blue light clip-on glasses when using your computer, smartphone, tablet, and other digital devices can significantly improve your overall health.
While wearing Dr. S eyewear, you will find that your eyes are no longer strained, dry, and irritated after using your digital devices for long periods of time. Furthermore, headaches and sleep problems that arise from overexposure to blue light may no longer be an issue. More importantly, using our blue light blocking clip-ons greatly reduces the likelihood of suffering from macular degeneration later on in life.
Prescription blue blocking glasses are significantly more expensive than our non-prescription versions, and they are typically only capable of blocking around 60% of blue light, compared to our 99% blocking.
If you currently wear prescription glasses or reading glasses, purchasing blue light blocking clip-ons is a convenient solution. You simply clip our lenses onto your existing prescription glasses to block 99% of harmful blue light and protect against UV rays. You don’t have to invest in a whole separate set of prescription glasses specifically designed to block blue light.
Compared to purchasing prescription glasses or even other popular brands of non-prescription glasses that block blue light from digital devices, our clip-ons and glasses are very affordable. The most popular non-prescription blue light blocking glasses can cost well over $100, and blue light blocking glasses with a prescription can cost upwards of $250.
Our blue light blocking clip-ons are only $48! They’re also made of durable CR-39 lens material, which helps you get even more out of your investment. Best of all, they block 99% of blue light and protect against UV rays. Compared with even our closest competitors, you get greater protection against the effects of blue light for a more affordable price.
“Geek chic” is in, and it’s not going anywhere. That means glasses in general are trending, and clip-ons are particularly hot right now. Blue light blocking clip-ons specifically have an added uniqueness that’s a combination of retro mixed with futuristic flair.
Buying a pair of blue light blocking clip-ons will not only protect your eyes and overall health but also help you to make a bold fashion statement in the process.
If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of blue light or our blue light blocking clip-ons, call or contact Dr. S Eyewear. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
]]>Experts predict that digital devices will continue to become a bigger part of kids’ lives in the future.
There are many positive and negative impacts associated with increasing screen media consumption and digital device usage among children. One effect, in particular, has garnered a lot of research and concern from parents: exposure to blue light through the eyes. Blue light emanating from the screens of video games, smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions can affect kids’ vision and their overall health.
Growing evidence and research show that, at the least, overexposure to blue light due to screen media consumption can produce digital eye strain, headaches, and a lack of deep sleep in children. At the worst, exposure to blue light over time can lead to damaged retinal cells and the early onset of macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss.
In an increasingly digital age, protecting your child’s vision and health is a genuine concern. Let’s take a detailed look at blue light and how computer glasses for kids can combat its damaging effects on vision.
Within the spectrum of light that is visible to the human eye, blue light is defined as electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 380 to 500 nm. See the diagram.
A light that looks white can actually have a large component of light from the blue end of the wavelength spectrum.
In comparison with red light (700 nm) at the opposite end of the visible light spectrum, blue light rays have shorter wavelengths and, therefore, more energy. In fact, blue light is considered high-energy visible (HEV). In terms of energy, it is the most powerful form of visible light.
Blue light is everywhere. The most natural source of blue light is the sun. When light from the sun travels through the atmosphere, the shorter, high-energy blue wavelengths collide with the air molecules and cast blue light all over the place. This is why the sky looks blue.
Blue light exposure from artificial sources, such as digital devices, is small in comparison to the amount of natural exposure from the sun. However, due to the proximity of screens and the length of time spent looking at them, the long-term effects of blue light exposure from digital devices is a more serious concern, especially for children. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults’ when using digital devices.
After all that has been said about the dangers of overexposure to blue light, you may be surprised to learn that some blue light, especially from the sun, is essential for good health in adults and children.
When it comes to digital devices and the consumption of screen media, the danger stems from the proximity of the eyes to the source of blue light and the timeframe of exposure. Maintaining a healthy level of blue light exposure for your kids is all about finding a balance. Living in an environment with little to no blue light is almost impossible and unhealthy for a variety of reasons. Overexposure to blue light is also harmful, especially to the eyes. To find this reasonable balance, it is helpful to understand why blue light can irritate and damage your children’s vision. Let’s look at how blue light directly affects the human eye.
The human eye is incredibly good at filtering many of the visible and invisible light rays that it encounters on a daily basis. But unlike the majority of light rays that hit our eyes, all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina.
HEV blue light is the most dangerous light for the retina. It can significantly harm retinal cells over time and penetrate the macular pigment found in the eye.
The risk of blue light damaging retinal cells and the macular pigment is greater among young children due to the underdeveloped protective structure of the eye from birth to the age of 7. During these early years of eye development, a child’s pupils are larger, and the lenses are clearer. This allows for greater amounts of blue light to enter the eyes of young children.
While the eye is developing, consistent exposure to blue light for long periods of time can increase the risk of your child suffering daily irritation and long-term damage.
Chronic exposure to blue light can lead to:
Due to their short-wavelength and high energy, blue light scatters more easily than other visible light. As a result, your child’s eyes are working harder to focus, which causes digital eye strain.
Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, headaches, dry and irritated eyes, and neck and back pain.
While boosting our attention, reaction, and mood during the day, exposure to blue light at night or just before bed can be problematic for children. Blue light is helpful to a kids’ natural wake cycle, but detrimental to their sleep cycle. Exposure to blue light a couple of hours before bedtime can suppress the body’s production of melatonin and delay deep REM sleep.
Sleep is vitally important for growing children and blue light exposure can hamper their ability to get a good night's rest.
Children who are overexposed to blue light, particularly when the eye is still developing, have a greater risk of suffering from macular degenerations, glaucomas, and retinal degenerative diseases. Damaged retinal cells and macular pigment can lead to permanent damage or loss of vision.
There is good news for you and your kids, though! There are solutions that can help protect your child’s vision from the harmful effects of blue light.
Making an effort to decrease the amount of time your kids spend in front of computers, TVs, smartphones, and tablets will certainly help limit their exposure to blue light. Ensuring your children take frequent breaks and limit their screen media consumption is a solution, but it is not always practical or easy to enforce.
Digital devices are not just a luxury, but a necessity in our present day and age. Preschools and K-12 are utilizing digital and screen technologies for educational purposes every day. Screen media consumption will only become a bigger part of kids’ lives with each passing year. As a result, limiting your child’s time with devices that emit blue light is not always possible. In this circumstance, you should consider purchasing computer glasses for your children.
Computer glasses for kids are specially designed to block blue light from digital devices. Giving your children blue light blocker glasses will virtually eliminate the effects of digital eye strain and significantly reduce the risk of AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
Finding computer glasses for kids can be a challenge, but Dr. S Eyewear makes protecting your child’s vision from blue light an easy task. Our blue light blocker glasses block 99% of blue light while other popular and expensive brands only block 65%. Our computer glasses for kids are not only affordable but well-designed. The temple of these computer glasses are soft and flexible, so they feel comfortable and continue to fit as your child grows.
If you want to play a video game or watch a movie with your child before bedtime, you don’t have to worry about blue light disrupting your child’s sleep cycle when using our blue light blocker glasses.
Getting a pair of computer glasses for your children is a worthwhile investment that you will not regret. To learn more about our kids computer glasses, call or contact Dr. S Eyewear.
]]>To effectively prevent headaches, you need to be aware of the things you do that may be bringing the headaches on. There are a lot of things that cause headaches, such as:
When you start your headache diary, pay attention to those things so you can make a note of them. If you can figure out what happens before, during, and after your headache, you can pinpoint those specific things to try and prevent headaches in the future.
There are a few things that are important to record in your headache diary every day:
In addition to the above, you'll want to ensure you record each headache and the following:
By finding patterns, you will be able to identify which common trigger applies to you. Preventing your headaches depends on your triggers. Below are some of the most common ways to avoid triggering headaches.
Everyone knows that sleep is absolutely vital to survive. When you are either having trouble sleeping, not sleeping, or oversleeping, you are setting yourself up for a lot of problems, with headaches being a major part. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If your headache diary uncovers that you mainly get headaches on weekdays when you have to wake up early, or on weekends when you are up too late, make adjustments to fix those. Start getting to bed earlier. You could also try wearing blue light blocking glasses before bed. By blocking certain light frequencies that can keep us awake, these glasses may help you fall asleep faster.
Sometimes, the timing of your sleep isn’t the problem, and it’s more about how you sleep. Make sure you are sleeping on a comfortable pillow. It may help to invest in a high-quality pillow that relieves pressure points and has the firmness or softness you prefer. Don't be afraid to test different pillows to find the right ones. When traveling, always try to take your home pillow because our bodies are often stubborn and want the pillows they know.
Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes are all it takes to start preventing your headaches. For example, if you find yourself sitting in front of a computer or at a desk all day, are you paying attention to your posture? Make sure your neck isn't stiff and you are sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Wear blue light blocking glasses and take frequent breaks from the computer to help reduce eye strain, sleep problems, and headaches.
If you are a drinker or smoker, consider cutting down or quitting these habits altogether. Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, which is a common source of headaches. Some people also find that red wine in particular can worsen their day-after headache. Smoking can cause head pain because the nicotine narrows the blood vessels in your brain. When you quit, headaches may worsen temporarily as the body adjusts, but cutting down and ultimately eliminating smoking can significantly reduce your headaches in the long term.
When you notice a pattern of headaches that correlate with what you eat (or don’t), it might be time to make some changes. If you are eating a lot of food that contains additives, certain ones like MSG, the nitrates in processed meat, tyramine, and aspartame can all contribute to headaches. If you are going long periods of time without a meal or snack, try making it a point to eat more frequently. Whether it is doing 5 small meals, or taking along meal bars with you, it's important to stay fueled.
In addition to what you eat, the caffeine you drink may be a major dietary headache trigger. When your body becomes used to caffeine, whether from coffee, soda, or an energy drink, missing one day or even a few hours can give you a major caffeine headache. It may be healthiest to cut out coffee completely, but if your biggest concern is preventing headaches, you should be able to keep them at bay simply by staying in your caffeine-consumption routine.
If the above suggestions don’t help in preventing headaches, be sure to see your doctor for a medical solution to your problems. If you suspect your problems may stem from eye strain or a lack of sleep, try a pair of blue light blockers from Dr. S Eyewear. They’re a convenient, affordable way to protect your eyes against up to 99% of blue light. So they’re good for your eyes no matter what, and they may be good for your headaches, too.
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Common household products are responsible for over 125,000 eye injuries each year. Children will suffer eye injuries at home and during play due to misusing toys, handling harmful household products (detergents, glues, paints, etc.), mishandling tools and objects (utensils, pencils, and scissors), and falling.
According to the National Eye Institute, eye injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. Child eye injuries due to sports account for over 100,000 physician visits each year and cost roughly $175 million. Protecting your eyes is important regardless of the sport and the age of your child.
When it comes to preventing sport-related eye injuries, your child needs to wear safety glasses or equivalent eye protection. Kids should wear protective eyewear for racquet sports or basketball. For sports like baseball or hockey, make sure your child uses helmets and face shields.
Regular glasses do not provide enough protection to minimize the risk of sports-related eye injuries. To get the highest level of protection for your child, purchase eyewear that is performance tested.
As digital devices continue to permeate our daily lives, there has been a growing concern about the negative effect that smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions have on a child’s eyesight. Digital devices emit blue light. Blue light rays have short wavelengths (380 - 500nm) and, thus, higher energy than other visible light. Not all blue light is bad. However, overexposure can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina.
The risk of overexposure to blue light is higher among children because their eyes develop gradually and are more sensitive. Children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens, according to a recent NEI-funded study. While adult eyes are not insusceptible to blue light exposure, kids under the age of eighteen have eyes that typically lack protective pigments that help protect the retina from blue light exposure. In addition to wearing kid's blue blocking glasses, there are a number of ways to help avoid exposure.
The blue blocker glasses from Dr. S block 99% of blue light from entering the retina, more than other popular brands! To learn more about our blue light blocking glasses for kids, call or contact Dr. S Eyewear.
]]>The scene is probably familiar to you - it's late and you're tired, but you can't go to bed until you complete a task of the utmost importance. You know that you're going to feel terrible in the morning, and you know that your work is suffering because of how exhausted you are. Just the same, you press on because whatever you're working on simply has to be done. While your dedication is admirable, the truth is that pushing yourself to press on well after your body starts screaming for sleep does nothing but keep you on a treadmill of exhaustion that'll lower your overall productivity as it wears away at your health.
We're not suggesting that you should give into your body's every whim - we do, however, believe that it should probably be listened to in terms of when you should rest and rise. Take a few days to observe your natural circadian rhythm and schedule your time to best suit it. Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day, even on weekends - doing so will help prevent the grogginess that sabotages so many miserable Monday mornings. If you find yourself needing a nap during the day, try to limit them to 20 minutes or less so as to ensure that you'll still be tired when night falls.
This may take some time to get used to, and it may feel at the outset as though you're losing valuable hours that you could dedicate to your work or family. To combat this, keep in mind that sticking to a rhythm will eventually lend you more energy to work with during the day, increasing your efficiency and making tasks that seemed insurmountable suddenly feel much more reasonable. Be sure to let co-workers and loved ones know that it may take some time before you find the right routine, and ensure them that you'll emerge healthier and more energetic for it.
Though regular exercise offers a myriad of health benefits, perhaps none are as important as its encouragement of healthy sleep. What's more, this need not be a practice reserved for the highly mobile or athletic among us - as little as ten minutes of light exercise every day can help improve sleep quality. As with sleeping itself, it's important that you find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. It may take several months before you begin enjoying the full sleep-improving benefits of exercise, so don't get discouraged if you don't experience superior snoozing right away. Stick to your regimen and keep in mind that the work you're putting in is contributing to your overall health. Be sure also to not exercise too near to your scheduled bedtime - generally speaking, any workouts you undertake should be completed at least three hours before you turn in.
While caffeine is a great tool for those who need a boost to get through their day, this most popular of drugs has the unfortunate side effect of wreaking havoc on healthy sleep. Since it holds the potential to cause sleep problems up to 12 hours after ingestion, we recommend abstaining beyond your morning cup of joe or at the very least limiting your consumption throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages, meanwhile, may help you get to sleep but often interfere with your sleep cycle - meaning that your rest may not be particularly restful, even if you're down for the full seven hours.
Many foods also hold the potential to prevent healthy sleep, especially particularly spicy or acidic ones. Their proclivity towards causing heartburn and stomach issues can rouse the rest of even the soundest sleeper. If you must indulge, consider eating earlier at night - doing so will give your body more time to deal with any adverse effects caused by that five-alarm chili or tongue-burning pad thai.
Blue light - the kind emitted by smartphones, computers and other electronic devices - has been found to be a significant contributor to our nation's growing insomnia epidemic. In How Do Blue Blockers Work, we discussed the benefits of blue light blockers for those who work the night shift or for those who simply can't tear themselves away from their technology until it's time for bed. It's just as important, however, to know which kinds of light you should seek out as it is to know which kinds you should avoid. Your circadian rhythm demands natural daylight during the waking hours, and as such it's important that you get as much of that as possible by, for example, spending time outside or working near a window. If neither option is possible, consider getting a light therapy box - it stimulates natural sunshine and can provide much of the energy that the rays of the sun would otherwise offer.
Though we all want to sleep well, the daily demands of our jobs and families can make it seem impossible to get the proper amount of healthy rest. In reality, good sleep can be achieved by just about anybody willing to put in a little extra time and effort - time and effort that'll be rewarded in spades with improved health and increased energy. If you'd like more tips on how to get those seven healthy hours, please feel free to send us an e-mail or to give us a call at (818) 232-2556 to talk about our blue light blocking glasses.
]]>There's no replacing a good night's sleep. Drowning yourself in coffee may get you through your day, but caffeine and other stimulants simply can't provide the restorative effects offered by proper rest. That's why it's all the more concerning that a growing number of adults don't get enough sleep.
A 2016 study suggested that more than a third of American men and women fail to rest for the recommended seven hours a day, a shortcoming that can lead to chronic conditions ranging from high blood pressure to heart disease.
That same study found that the increasing prevalence of blue light in our day to day lives - that is, the kind emitted by electronic devices such as phones and computers - is partly to blame for that phenomenon, as exposure to it during nighttime hours has been linked to sharply lowered levels of melatonin production (the hormone necessary for healthy, regular sleep). Though it's easy to say that we all should simply try to avoid using those devices after dusk, that's easier said than done for those of us who work the night shift or who rely on technology to remain connected to our friends and family. What, then, is the solution?
Before we can understand why it's important to shield our eyes from blue light, we must first understand the specifics of how it lessens melatonin production and affects our sleep. In this sense, the main issue is in how blue light interacts with the photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs) found within our eyes. These cells hold a direct line to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which governs the circadian rhythm of our bodies - in part by sending signals to the pineal gland concerning its production of melatonin.
Put simply, the stimuli experienced by pRGCs dictates much of the SCN's behavior in this regard. When these cells are exposed to blue light, they tell the SCN to tell the pineal gland to limit or halt the production of melatonin. Though researchers are still unsure as to why pRGCs react in this way to light on that wavelength, some have suggested that the cells' behavior is dictated in part by the blueness of the daytime sky. pRGCs, after all, cannot distinguish between natural and artificial light. When they're exposed to stimuli similar to that provided by a clear daytime sky, it only makes sense that they would tell the SCN to hold off on the production of sleep-spurring hormones - as far as they know, it's nowhere near yet time to go to bed.
If you simply cannot lessen your exposure to blue light after dusk, the next best step you can take is to prevent that light from affecting your eyes. That's where blue blockers (also known as sleep glasses) come in. The tint of their amber lenses are designed specifically to block light on the blue portion of the spectrum before it can reach your retinas, thus lessening the effects it can have on melatonin production. Though this may seem like an overly-simple solution, research has borne out the effectiveness of blue light blocking glasses in maintaining proper melatonin production and healthy sleep. A 2006 study, for example, found blue blockers to be "an elegant means to prevent the light-induced melatonin suppression."
Though all individuals can be affected by the issues related to a lack of healthy sleep, those issues are much more pronounced among those who typically work during nighttime hours. A 2009 study, in fact, suggests that night shift workers are at a nearly three-fold greater risk for occupational accidents than those who work during the day, a phenomenon that has been attributed in part to these individuals' exposure to blue light after dusk. Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle while working a third-shift job is tough enough on its own - the task only becomes tougher when your body refuses to produce the melatonin needed for a good night's (or day's, in this case) rest.
Thankfully, researchers have discovered that blue blocking glasses can be tremendously helpful in maintaining proper melatonin production for these individuals. That was the conclusion reached by a 2005 study, which also indicated that night-shift workers who made use of blue blockers experienced no adverse effect on their work. "The blocking of short-wavelength light does not interfere with attention span, concentration, or response accuracy," the authors of that study wrote. "These findings suggest that strategies designed to preserve normal melatonin secretion produce few, if any, impairments in neurobehavioral functions and are unlikely to negatively affect on the job performance.”
As much as we love our smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices, the sad truth is that the blue light they emit can curb melatonin production when viewed after dusk. This phenomenon has become something of an epidemic in recent years as technology has become more portable and more prevalent - a 2015 report, for example, suggested that 71 percent of Americans sleep within a few feet of their smartphone. That proximity indicates that many of those individuals made use of the device while winding down for bed, a practice that in truth will only encourage more tossing and turning - and, in turn, more midnight browsing or app usage, which serves only to perpetuate the cycle of fatigue. Though technology addiction is a significant issue in its own right, you don't have to exacerbate the problems it can cause by allowing your devices to mess with your much-needed rest. Wearing blue light blockers while making use of smartphones or similar devices at night can help ensure that your level of melatonin production remains normal, even if you're tied to your technology right up to the moment when you close your eyes.
The lack of healthy sleep is nothing less than a national epidemic, a crisis that costs us billions a year in medical costs and steals both time and health from individuals across classes and localities. Wearing blue blockers may seem like a small and simple step, but it's an important one for those of us whose healthy sleep has been disrupted and limited by exposure to blue light. If you'd like to learn more about the technology behind blue blockers - or about all the ways in which quality eyewear can promote long-term health - please feel free to send us an e-mail or to give us a call at (818) 232-2556.
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