The importance of blue light treatment
The anti-blue light treatment is becoming increasingly important in the choice of both prescription and rest glasses. This choice is due to the parallel increase in the use of electronic devices characterized by this light.
The choice of this treatment is not limited to those with visual impairments, but strongly recommended for all those who are exposed for work, study or leisure reasons to the lights of screens for several hours a day.
Blue light: how is it processed by our eyes?
Light is radiation that can occur in the form of particles, waves, or other forms.
The form received by the human body is the wave. These waves are grouped in the visible electromagnetic spectrum, which includes wavelengths between 380 and 780 nanometers. In this range are colors, each of which is characterized by a specific wavelength. For example, blue light can be found between 380 and 500 nanometers.
Anything that is not in the predisposed range (380-780 nanometers) is not received by the human body. Examples are X-rays and UV rays.
Blue light is emitted both by the sun (which appears white as it is released with all other frequencies), and by the screens of electrical devices and LED lamps.
If we are exposed to blue lights for several hours a day without any protection, we can run into discomfort or real problems such as: eye strain, dry eyes, general fatigue, difficulty relaxing and insomnia.
Special lenses allow you to mitigate the action of blue light on the eyes, making it easier to focus on bright screens.
Greater protection can be found on many lenses with a blue light filter characterized by a yellowish tint capable of intensifying the filtering action.
Why is it important to protect yourself from blue light?
Blue light protection is essential and addresses two main needs, such as:
- Prevention and protection of the long-term degenerative effects of exposure to high-intensity blue light from natural daylight. The intrinsic energy of blue light can trigger photo-oxidative stress in retinal cells. It is assumed that these phototoxic processes are cumulative and can lead to eye damage such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Visual comfort. Blue light can cause intraocular dispersion and chromatic aberrations that are presumed to contribute to increased digital visual stress. Excess blue light is also identified as one of the causes of psychological glare.
What are the effects of blue light on the eyes?
Blue light is necessary for color and high contrast vision. The transmission of blue light through the light-sensitive cells of the retina is fundamental for our well-being.
The passage of blue light through the structures (crystalline and vitreous) of the eye determines some optophysical effects, which are related to a limited quality of vision and perceived visual discomfort.
Due to its shorter wavelength, blue light can create more scattered and stray light and is susceptible to the effects of so-called longitudinal chromatic aberrations (LCAs).
Excessive blue light from digital devices can cause discomfort to our visual comfort, often described as “visual noise.”
Artificial night light (ALAN) interferes with natural cycles of wakefulness and sleep, particularly in adolescents.
Anti blue light glasses, one of the novelties of eyewear
Blue light glasses protect our eyes from the risks posed by blue light by filtering out the light waves emitted by the digital devices.
They block blue light , helping the body maintain its natural biorhythm after sunset, counteracting the effects of blue light that we receive from artificial sources.
They also protect against exposure to UV rays, which can cause macular degeneration, cataracts, tumors and other unpleasant consequences.
They improve visual acuity by reducing reflections and light intensity.
All major blue light eyewear manufacturers claim that their lenses help relieve eye strain and VDU asthenopia. However, at present, there is no scientific research to support this claim.
Ophthalmologists recommend that anyone who spends a good part of the day in front of a screen pay attention to the lighting in the rooms and not forget to take breaks. Computer glasses alone cannot replace these good practices.
The characteristics of blue light lenses
Lenses that filter blue light are useful for reducing the excessive assimilation of the harmful part of it by our eye.
The blue light lens must be of such a quality that it can also be used far away and consequently also outdoors (where blue light is most commonly found).
It is useless to use a lens “against” blue light only on the PC if we do not have adequate sunglasses or if after 8 hours in the office we go out without glasses. Surely using this type of lens only in front of the PC will reduce eye fatigue a little but in an almost imperceptible way.
By combining a blue light control treatment with an accommodating lens, you can have real and obvious benefits.
