Blue Light & Your Eyes by www.irishlifehealth.ie

15 Oct 2018

 

by www.irishlifehealth.ie

 

There’s been a lot of talk in the media lately about blue light; its potential to harm our eyes and even cause eventual blindness. For those unfamiliar with the conversation, blue light emits high energy in short wavelengths (between 400 and 450nm), reaching deeper into the eye than yellow light. We’re exposed to it through technology; smartphones, tablets and computer screens, for example. And while some recent studies suggest this exposure will have detrimental effects on our eyesight, Antonio Uceda-Montanes, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Optilase Eye Clinic, says that at this stage, it’s too early to tell what that damage might look like.

Eye Damage Yet to be Seen

“We’ve only been using mobile phones and tablets for the last 10 years”, Antonio begins. “This kind of damage is not going to happen overnight. Maybe in 20 years we’ll start seeing patients – young patients I’m afraid – who’ve been using phones and computers, with some damage that we’ve never seen before. For now, it’s yet to be seen in clinical practise.”

Using Devices at Night

Why does Antonio specifically cite young people? “They have very clear lenses”, he explains. “Think of the typical image of a teenager lying in bed, lights off, looking at their phone or tablet. This is the most dangerous situation, because the pupils dilate and become large, allowing the maximum blue light in. They have no defence against that. So yes, I’ve a strong suspicion that this could do damage in the future. I’m convinced that we’ll see young people with macular lesions due to a chronic exposure to blue light.”

Office Environments

 

 

Antonio says that the common symptoms many people attribute to blue light – headaches, dry eyes, fatigue – are likely caused by their everyday working environment. “Most people work in offices with artificial light, air conditioning, and computers,” he says. “All of that creates an unfriendly environment for the ocular surface.” According to Antonio, it’s actually the things we do without thinking in the office that put excess strain our eyes. “People looking at computers all day tend to blink less”, he explains, “so dry eye becomes an issue. Reading documents without the proper prescription, or working at the wrong distance from your screen will cause grittiness in the eyes, and headaches. It’s the main complaint in optometry and ophthalmology clinics.”

How to Counteract Symptoms

Luckily, there are ways to protect your eyes. “First of all,” says Antonio, “get your eyesight tested regularly. Then, remember to take breaks from screens, and avoid reading continuously.” Given the hot summer we’ve just experienced, lots of offices have likely had the air con on at full blast, while heating’s probably just around the corner! “Both these things will cause dryness”, says Antonio, “so you need to use some sort of lubrication.” Remember also to consider your office’s lighting, as it may be another culprit. “Lights, either too bright or too dim, could be a problem, as you may have to squint to see. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration.”

 

Find out more about the benefits you can get with Optilase if you are an Irish Life Health member, here.

More to Explore

Romantic Eye Contact Infographic Sources

09 Feb 2013
Read more

What causes refractive errors?

18 Jan 2014
Read more

Life after Laser Eye Surgery

06 Oct 2013
Read more

Eyes in the Back of your Head Peripheral Vision

30 Aug 2013
Read more

Book a Free Consultation Today!

At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
World’s Leading Technology
Laser Eye Surgery Lifetime Care Guarantee
Laser Health Insurance Discount
World-Renowned Surgeons
20% Tax Relief
0% Interest Free Finance
99% Of Our Patients Recommend Us
No Waiting List Guaranteed

Patient Reviews

google
Elizabeth Kalandadze
November 10, 2023

I am very happy with my results! It feels amazing leaving behind my glasses should’ve done it sooner and I feel like a new person! Everyone was amazing and super friendly, I recommend Optilase!!

google
Aron Bruinewoud
November 6, 2023

100% recommended. Great service from the consultation to the after care. A great team that makes you feel comfortable and at ease!

google
Sarah Doyle
November 6, 2023

The best experience ever !! And I am extremely delighted with my vision, truly 20/20 vision

google
Diana Sisu
November 6, 2023

Best experience ! Staff were extremely professional and kind, helped me a lot during the whole process. I definitely recommend !

google
anamaria sisu
November 6, 2023

Amazing Clinic all staff friendly and helpful!

google
jordan fields
November 1, 2023

Great experience! Very friendly and helpful staff. Couldn’t recommend options enough

google
anita hogan
November 1, 2023

Very happy with my overall experience, I was very nervous but the team were very understanding and really put my mind at ease. I’m over the moon with my results!!!!!!

google
Денис
October 20, 2023

Hello Million thanks for optilase clinic You change my life😍😍😍 After my surgery I start see next day!!!

google
Ciara Reilly
October 7, 2023

Attended the clinic today and couldn't be happier with the staff and how pleasant they were. Delighted that I got a consultation

google
Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

google
Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

google
Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

Lets Connect

Privacy CentrePolicy & Procedures
Flexible Payment with
humm
Book a Free Consultation
crossmenuchevron-left