Share:

Although light is necessary to see properly, a crucial aspect of vision care involves avoiding harmful ones or overexposure to benign types. For example, blue light emits from computer, tablet, and phone screens as well as environmentally friendly bulbs. It’s also present in sunlight. Though it’s useful, it should be used in moderation so it doesn’t end up doing you more harm than good.

Is Blue Light Bad for You?

Using blue light during the day is beneficial. It helps you concentrate, stabilizes your mood, and improves your memory.

At night, however, it can reduce your melatonin levels and throw off your body’s internal clock, making it difficult to maintain a normal sleeping pattern. In turn, this can contribute to depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Additionally, blue light can damage cells in the retinas of your eyes, putting you at higher risk of macular degeneration, a loss or distortion of vision. The condition is treatable but not curable.

How Can You Minimize Exposure to Blue Light?

vision careIncorporate careful vision care routines into your daily life. Try to stay away from blue light for at least two or three hours before going to bed. If you need to see in the dark, use red light rather than fluorescent, CFL, or LED bulbs. Otherwise, wear special computer glasses to block blue light. They’re safe to wear with contact lenses and don’t require a prescription. You can also find blue light-filtering apps for your devices.

 

To manage the effects of blue light on your eyes, visit top-notch vision care specialists Nelson O. Yoshioka Jr., O.D., and Cheryl C. Niitani, O.D. As members of the American Optometric Association and the Hawaii Optometric Association, they’ve fulfilled the eye care needs of patients of all ages since 1998. Make an appointment today by calling the Honolulu office at (808) 734-7050 or the Pearl City office at (808) 455-3333. Learn more about their vision care services online.

tracking