More and more eye doctors are warning against the dangers of too much screen time. Blue light given off by smartphone, laptop, and TV screens can actually have a detrimental impact on a person’s vision after prolonged exposure. The following information illustrates the type of damage that can occur and how you can mitigate the effects of blue light.

3 Effects of Blue Light on Your Eyesight

1. Redness & Irritation

It’s common for your eyes to become irritated after staring at a screen for many hours. The best remedy for this is to take incremental breaks, especially if you work at an office job involving a lot of time on the computer. Try the 20-20-20 rule next time you experience eye irritation; every 20 minutes, look away from your computer at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Dry Eyes

Too much blue light exposure can also result in dry eyes. This can be an uncomfortable feeling, and you might even experience the sensation of something gritty being stuck in your eyes. Drops are key in this case, as they can properly lubricate the eyes and boost tear production. You can try over-the-counter drops or consult with your eye doctor if symptoms are more serious.

3. Problems Sleeping

Not only can blue light impact your vision, but it can also affect your sleep cycle. For instance, blue light from the sun is useful for regulating a person’s circadian rhythm when exposure occurs during the day. Blue light exposure at night can signal to the brain that it’s time to wake up, even when that’s not the case. It’s best to limit the use of all digital devices in the three hours leading up to bedtime.

Northern Lights Eye Care is invested in helping its patients achieve healthy vision for life. If you’re concerned about the effect blue light is having on your eyes, these skilled doctors can perform a comprehensive exam to ensure your vision is healthy. They can also recommend corrective measures, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, or treatments for degenerative diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. If you’d like to schedule an appointment at the Anchorage, AK, office, call (907) 276-3937 today. You can also visit their website to see the full listing of services.