FAQ: Computer Vision Syndrome
What is computer vision syndrome? Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is the discomfort or symptoms caused by focusing on a computer or technological device for a long and uninterrupted time.
Light is all around us. Although it’s a fact that light can be both beneficial and harmful to your eyes and your vision, blue light in particular, is everywhere. Blue light is a part of sunlight just like UV rays is and it can also emit from our electronic devices such as our computers, flat screen TVs, LED lights, fluorescent lights, tablets, and smart phones. Because we live in this age where most of us are dependent on constantly using our electronics, we are being further exposed to the harmful long-term effects of blue light. This light has its negatives and positives. However, blue light reduction is crucial to health of our vision. A next generation lens coating is available to combat blue light exposure and enhance your visual performance. Would you like to learn more about the effects of blue light and the positives of blue light reduction? Continue reading below.
Sunlight is composed of different colors of the visual light spectrum. Red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, violet, and blue lights form the neutral white light that we all see. Each color also has its own energy and wavelength. Blue light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than most. The shorter wavelengths lead to flickering from the LED backlight controller of a monitor which leads to increased eye fatigue.
With blue light, it can dive deeper into the eye and its effect can damage the retina after over exposure. HEV (High Energy Visible) blue light is the most dangerous light for the retina. In effect, this may cause eye diseases to grow such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, the latter being the leading cause of vision loss and caused by the deterioration of the center retina. More blue light exposure from devices could increase the risk of macular degeneration for a person and even permanent vision loss. Additionally, because blue light is emitted from everyday electronic devices, it is one of the sources for digital eye strain and eye fatigue.
Although the negatives can be very bad, there is a good side to the light. In some cases, they can lead to good health for your body. HEV blue light can boost alertness, helps with memory, increases cognitive function, and elevate mood. A big plus from blue light is regulating our circadian natural sleep/wake cycle. Exposure to blue light help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm during the daytime. Too much exposure at night can disturb this rhythm and cause daytime fatigue and sleeplessness. Studies also show that a deficiency in blue light exposure could lead to an increase in myopia (nearsightedness).
Fortunately there are lenses out there designed to protect your eyes from too much blue light exposure. These special glasses have a special blue light filter coating that can help reduce exposure from your computer and other electronic devices and cut high energy blue light penetration. It can also help reduce symptoms of eyestrain by half during prolonged computer exposure. Individuals suffering from eyestrain will see an improvement from dry eyes, sticky eyes, or “sand” in the eye. Furthermore, anti-reflective lenses can help reduce glare, improve visual comfort, enhance your experience, extend your lenses life, and increase contrast.
Thankfully, the harmful effects of blue light can be reduced. Ask your local optometrist if you need any help or immediate treatment. Inglewood Optometric Center is dedicated to deciphering the source of eye fatigue and eye conditions. We can help with blue light reduction and will always provide you with an answer to any concerns in your vision.
