What's Blue Light, and How Does It Affect Our Eyes?

Do you struggle with sleep or experience frequent eye fatigue? Blue light emitted from screens could be the culprit. Fortunately, the right kind of eyeglasses can help mitigate these issues. At Family EyeCare at Westchase, our eye doctors in Tampa offer lenses that block blue light. Read on to learn more about blue light and its effects on your eyes.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a type of light emitted by various devices and bulbs, including:

•             Smartphones

•             Tablets

•             Computer monitors

•             Laptops

•             LED TVs

•             Fluorescent lighting

•             The sun

It's the shortest wavelength in the visible light spectrum, meaning it carries the highest amount of energy. While this energy is beneficial for alertness, memory, and mood, it can also cause problems for your eyes and sleep.

The Benefits of Blue Light

Blue light helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boost your mood. It also plays a vital role in vision and eye development in children.

The Harmful Effects of Blue Light

Excessive exposure to blue light can have detrimental effects on your eyes and vision, leading to:

•             Eye fatigue

•             Eye strain

•             Dry eyes

•             Redness

•             Headaches

•             Shoulder and neck pain

•             Blurred vision

•             Tearing

Blue Light and Sleep Disruption

When you use screens before bed or at night, blue light enters your eyes and disrupts your circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Protecting Your Eyes from Blue Light

Wearing eyeglasses with lenses that block blue light can help mitigate its harmful effects. Our eye doctors at Family EyeCare at Westchase can help you choose the right lenses during your optometry appointment. These lenses come in various levels of protection, types, and tints, including:

•             Eyeglasses with a special coating

•             Sunglasses for outdoor use

•             Computer glasses with a yellow tint

Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Tampa

Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? If you're concerned about blue light exposure and its impact on your eyes, schedule an appointment with our optometrist at Family EyeCare at Westchase by calling (813) 814-2020. We'll help you choose the right lenses for better sleep, reduced eye strain, and overall eye health.