How Computer Screens Can Affect Your Vision

Computers, cell phones, TVs, and other screens are firmly entrenched in everyday life. But what does staring at a screen for many hours each day do to your eyes? Without some careful intervention, screen use can have a damaging effect on your vision.

Thankfully, there are steps we can take to reduce or even remove the risk completely. The following discusses the risks involved and how to ensure our relationship with screens isn’t at detriment to our vision. 

The Computer Screen—Vision Link

• All about blue light
• How blue light affects your eyes 

All about blue light

Blue light is the term for the element of light that falls into the blue segment of the lighting spectrum. The easiest way to understand this is to think of the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). As you move through the spectrum, the wavelengths and energy of light change. Red has the longest wavelength and the least energy. Blue light, being further across the spectrum, has a shorter wavelength and higher energy. 

Light that appears white has a large blue component. The greatest source of this is sunlight, but screens—such as computers, LED TVs, tablets, and cell phones, also emit high levels of blue light. 

How blue light affects eyes

While we can easily shield our eyes from sunlight by wearing high-quality sunglasses and hats, the same isn’t true of screen use. Blue light exposure isn’t all bad, it’s needed for certain elements of health, including: 

• Helping with cognitive function, memory, and helping us stay alert
• Elevates mood
• Regulating the circadian rhythm
• In children, it helps with the development of good vision. 

Blue light passes straight through the eye and saturates the retina. While some exposure is necessary, too much is believed to cause damage to virtually every structure of the eye.

There are many ongoing studies as to the harm this causes, but current research suggests that overexposure causes:

• Digital eye strain
• Fatigue
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty in focusing

More worryingly, over time it could damage the retinal cells. This can lead to further issues, such as early cataract formation or age-related macular degeneration. 

Healthy Computer Screen Vision

• How to protect your eyes from blue light 

How to protect your eyes from blue light

Thankfully, there are many easy steps to protect your vision from blue light caused by screen use. 

• Reduce your screen time: Even if your work means you need to use a computer for many hours, taking regular breaks will help reduce this. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, whereby you look away from the screen every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away, and do so for at least 20 seconds.
• Use blue light filters: Most modern screens have these built -n. In those that don’t, add-on filters are available to use.
• Wear blue light blocking glasses: They are readily available. Ask your eye doctor which they recommend if you’re not sure which to buy.
• Use anti-reflective lenses: If you wear eyeglasses, have them fitted with these lenses to reduce glare and help block blue light.

As an aside, if you’ve had, or are about to undergo, cataract surgery, consider upgrading to a higher level of intraocular lens (IOL) that blocks UV and blue light. 

From Modern Cataract Surgery to Regular Eye Checks, the WBEC is Here to Preserve Your Best Eyesight

Modern Cataract Surgery is the dedicated department of the West Boca Eye Center to monitor and provide the latest treatment for cataracts. There’s increasing evidence that over-exposure to blue light can hasten the onset of cataracts, as well as cause other damage. 

The WBEC is committed to all aspects of eye health. Headed by renowned eye surgeon, Brent Bellotte MD., it provides a single location of excellence where every element of eye health—from cataract surgery to emergency care—is dealt with.

Don’t leave eye health to chance. Visit https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com to find out more and call now to book a consultation.

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