What is blue light and how can we protect our eyes from screens / sun

Computers, tablets and cell phones are an integral part of our daily lives.

However, these devices emit a blue light that, on the one hand, allows us to see with greater clarity and brightness, while on the other hand, without proper protection, can cause serious, irreversible problems to the health of our eyes.

What is blue light?

In recent years, more and more studies indicate the negative impact of a part of the visible spectrum, which is "adjacent" to ultraviolet radiation. This is the range of the visible spectrum ranging from 380 to 500 nm (nanometers) and concerns what we perceive as blue light, whose energy is almost twice that of the red light at the other end of the visible spectrum.

Due to this high brightness, blue light is used on all modern LED screens or even on low power lamps ("energy saving lamps").

The problems with the blue light emitted by LED screens increase when the screen we use is very close to our eyes and for a long time - something that is directly related to the large amounts of energy they emit, since 40 % of the brightness of an LED display consists of blue light.

On the other hand, blue light has beneficial properties and any obstruction can cause problems in the body such as psychomotor dysfunction, memory problems, metabolic effects, depression, deregulation of the biological clock, etc.

So yes, we need protection from blue light, but by no means do I want to convey that I recommend for the mother to be inactive.

A natural protection

Fortunately, our body has a protection mechanism against this particular light spectrum: there are pigments inside the eye that create a real natural protection filter that is enhanced by eating vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Unfortunately, over time, the function of these pigments decreases, resulting in a weakening of this filter.

What happens when the natural protection filter does not work properly?

The degenerating cells absorb blue light, causing a chemical reaction that creates toxicity to other cells in the eye, which accelerates the destruction of retinal cells. When the weakening of the natural filter is due to advanced age, then one can take dietary supplements in order to replenish the lower absorption of pigments by the body, but also antioxidants that stop toxicity and protect cells.

Do you need special protection for blue light?

Prevention is always the best "doctor". Given this, the simplest thing one could do is to include in the daily diet of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and pigments for the retina (such as, say, lutein). .

Of course, additional protection is recommended for those who are accustomed to or forced to spend many hours in front of a PC or tablet screen due to the nature of their work.

In the past, the most common method of protection was the orange filter lens filters, which had the disadvantage of discoloration and the difficulty of separating one color from another - a choice that was obviously not the most appropriate solution. for those who were forced to use computers that display graphics and images while working. In contrast, modern filters for blue light are made in transparent lenses that do not alter the perception of colors to a minimum.

Finally, it should be noted that the brightness of blue light increases along with the improvement of the quality of the screens, which is why it is considered almost certain that eye diseases related to overexposure to it (such as premature cataract) will continue to affect and a larger part of the population in the future. Especially if we take into account the fact that the use of computers, tablets and mobile phones nowadays starts from early childhood.

How do I know if blue light is starting to have a negative effect on my body?

Usually the first symptoms that should worry us are:

• Redness or irritation of the eyes

• Dry eyes

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Headache

What are the advantages of modern lenses with a special filter for blue light?

Modern blue-coated flashlights protect the eyes from computer use, reducing visual fatigue, improving color contrast and eliminating glare caused by artificial lighting, which in the past caused significant discomfort and gradual fatigue.

The advantages of these filters are immediately noticeable especially in the relaxation of the eyes because they offer a more natural perception of colors, better contrast and reduction of dullness.

In our store you can get or be informed about the optical lenses of the leading companies with special filters for blue light (with or without degrees of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia) that provide the ideal protection for those who use a computer, tablet or mobile phone in your free time or at work. 

If you need help anywhere, feel free to contact us at 2610 220771 or 2611 112284 or by email at kalivas.optico@gmail.com

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