HEALTH
A quick search for ‘blue light’ will turn up information about insomnia, migraines, macular degeneration, cataracts and obesity
Norma Spittle, O.D.
What do our experts say we can do now to protect our eyes from the natural and manufactured threats they face every day? Focus on light protection. Sunglasses or optical glasses with Transitions lenses and/or UV protection built into the lenses are a must.
It is estimated that 10 hours of screen exposure are equivalent to 15 minutes of direct sun exposure, and that number can be lowered by five percent by turning on night mode or dimming screens. “Thankfully, there are products in the marketplace, with and without prescription, that block 90 percent of the harmful light without weird tints,’’ she adds. “We would all benefit from healthier and more-comfortable eyes.” Virginia Eye Institute has partnered with one of the largest lens manufacturers to offer the newest digital surface lenses “to help give our patients the clearest sight possible,” adds Richard Myott, Director of Optical Services. “These lenses are both progressive and single vision, with one of the largest growing concerns in the eye industry being blue light protection.” Mark MacMillan, O.D., agrees that blue light is a growing concern for everyone in the digital age, but especially for children. “Blue light has been linked to macular degeneration-type disorders. It is also responsible for the maintenance of sleep cycles,’’ he says. “This is why it is harder to fall asleep at night after staring at your phone, tablet, TV or computer screens late into the night. By utilizing blue light blockers on glasses, we can minimize the effects of this potentially harmful light radiation.” Dry eye is also becoming a prevalent eye care concern, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune conditions and something we will all face — aging eyes. “This is a major condition that affects 4.91 million Americans, ages 50 years and older,” MacMillan explains. “We stay at the forefront of it by monitoring progression of the disease with Tear Lab instrumentation and utilizing the most up-to-date medications and procedures to treat the condition.”
24 Chesterfield Living
Practice healthy habits. Sunglasses, a healthy diet and abstaining from nicotine could reduce your chances of developing macular degeneration. Consider special lenses. Look for a lens that reduces fatigue and blocks harmful light (now available with clear lenses). Schedule your checkups. Visit an eye care professional regularly. Encourage family members and friends to do the same. Function Over Fashion? Though eyewear has become highly specialized to the needs of each consumer, let’s not forget that a new pair of frames is an opportunity to make a fashion statement. (Yes, this applies to the gentlemen, too.) Our experts tell us bold, statement frames are in style this season, as well as florals and neutrals. Iconic, bold yet classic, frames are all the rage for the adventurous side in all of us. And who can forget Aviators, with thin, lightweight metals, which are also popular this season. Whatever your personal style may be, function and fashion are both available by visiting an eye care professional near you!
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