Q: What are the negative effects of Blue Light?

• The high-energy wavelengths of blue light translates to greater flickering, which results in glare, reduced contrast /clarity, and digital eyestrain, including tired eyes, headaches, and mental fatigue

• Prolonged blue light exposure may cause retinal damage & contribute to macular degeneration
• Blue light is thought to suppress melatonin production, resulting in a disruption of the natural circadian rhythm & sleep cycle (can contribute to symptoms of insomnia/ restlessness)
• Recent research suggests that nighttime blue light exposure and/or working the “night shift” is thought to be associated with higher risk of breast/ prostate cancer, heart disease, obesity and depression

Q: How can we counter the negative effects?

• Glasses with a blue blocking filter can prevent this harmful type of light from entering the eyes (rather, the light is reflected at the surface of the lens back out into the environment)

Q: What can an OD do to help me in this area?

• Your optometrist can prescribe you a special type of glasses with a blue blocking filter for use during prolonged screen-time
• Your optometrist will also discuss other behavioral & environmental modifications that you can use to reduce the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

Q: What is the relationship between Computer Vision Syndrome and Blue Light?

• Computer Vision Syndrome is a term used to describe the symptoms of strain, headaches, tired eyes, blurred vision, dry eye that patients often describe after extended use of tablets/ digital devices
• Preventing blue light from entering the eyes has been shown to relieve many of these symptoms and allows patients to work on their devices comfortably for longer periods of time

Q: Bluetech Lenses –

• What are Bluetech lenses used for and what are their benefits?
• Bluetech lenses block high-energy blue light from entering your eyes. This allows for:
• UV ray and high-energy blue light protection
• Natural depth and colour perception
• Improves visual acuity & night vision
• Improves contrast & reduces glare
• Please describe the technology behind them
• Bluetech lenses filter high-energy blue & UV light using a specialized ocular lens pigment (derived from the oxidation of 3-Hydroxykynurenine).
• This pigment is combined with melanin & isolated in a durable material, which is then added to the optical lens, providing protection, contrast and colour enhancement

• Are there different types of Bluetech lenses and what are they used for?

Indoor lenses:

• provide protection from sources of harmful high-energy blue light, such as harsh fluorescent lighting, computer screens, and personal electronics, while also giving you soothing vision.

Outdoor Lenses

• Outdoor lenses allow patients to experience the ultimate visual performance and protection.
• See everything in high-definition! Experience improved visual acuity, better color perception and reduced glare, with a unique lens technology that is durable and provides the protection you need to prevent the damaging effects of UV rays and high-energy blue light.

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