Nowadays, people can’t seem to tear off their eyes away from their gadgets. While these advances in technology may have made our lives easier and more enjoyable, spending prolonged hours in front of your digital devices may actually do more harm than good to your health.
In particular, studies show that overexposure to blue light from your laptops, smartphones, and televisions are positively linked with computer vision syndrome. Let your expert optometrist, Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, answer commonly asked questions about this condition for your understanding.
Q: What Is Blue Light?
A light band holds electromagnetic rays of varying frequencies and wavelengths. One end contains red rays which have low energy levels and long wavelengths while the other end has blue rays, which feature high energy frequencies and short wavelengths. Laptops, smartphones, and other similar devices are common sources of blue light.
Q: What Are Its Potential Effects on My Eyes?
Since blue rays have greater energy levels and short wavelengths, they can easily enter your eyes. According to your expert eye doctor, some may even reach the back part of your eyes which may cause changes to your retina and other structures. You may also experience a feeling of fatigue whenever you use your gadgets for some time, a condition often referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). You may notice that your eyes are drier than the usual as well.
Q: How Do I Know If I Have CVS?
Your eyes may appear reddish and feel heavy after using your blue light-emitting devices for some time. Your eyes may also feel dry, gritty, or itchy. Some may even complain of headaches, blurry vision, as well as neck and shoulder pains.
Q: How Can I Protect My Eyes from Blue Light-Related Problems?
Apart from vision problems, prolonged and constant exposure to blue light may also put you at a higher risk of developing sleeping problems, cardiovascular disorders, and even depression. While it may be impossible to totally stop using your digital devices, you can still make sure to wear computer eyeglasses when doing so. They are specially designed to keep blue light from penetrating your eyes.
We also recommend following the 20-20-20 rule which means you should look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds after using your gadgets for 20 minutes. Blinking regularly can help prevent CVS and dry eyes as well. Lastly, make sure to visit your go-to eye clinic for routine eye evaluations.
If you have any further questions about the effects of blue light on your visual health, call us at (717) 609-4443 or complete our form. We serve Chambersburg and surrounding PA areas.