Blue Light: What Is It And How Does It Affect Your Eyes?

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. These wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm), and, in general, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is a short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy.

Unlike other forms of light, the eyes cannot effectively filter blue light, so more can pass through the eye to the retina. Blue light produces both benefits and concerns for our eyes and overall health.

Where Are You Exposed To Blue Light?

The largest source of blue light is sunlight. In addition, there are many other sources:

  • Fluorescent light
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • LED light
  • Flat screen LED televisions
  • Computer monitors, smart phones, and tablet screens

Blue light exposure you receive from screens is small compared to the amount of exposure from the sun. And yet, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent looking at them. According to an NEI-funded study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens.

Benefits of Blue Light?

Moderate amounts of blue light are essential for good health.

  • Promotes alertness
  • Boosts memory and cognitive function
  • Elevates mood
  • Regulates circadian rhythm

Blue Light and Digital Eyestrain

Using digital devices up close or for long periods can lead to digital eyestrain.

Research has shown that when people use computers, laptops, and other digital devices, they tend to blink less often than normal. Fewer blinks can mean less moisture.

Digital eyestrain means different things to different people, but is generally related to the focusing system of the eyes.

When your eyes are strained from staring at a blue-light-emitting screen, you might notice:

  • dry eyes
  • sore or irritated eyes
  • tired eyes
  • headaches
  • facial muscles fatigued by squinting

Blue light scatters more easily than most other visible light. This may make it difficult for your eye to focus when receiving blue light. Instead, your eye may digest blue light as poorly focused visual static. This reduction in contrast may make it more difficult for your eye to process blue light, potentially contributing to eyestrain.

Still, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that blue light directly leads to eyestrain. More high-quality studies are needed.

How to Limit Blue Light Exposure

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that you take the steps below to reduce digital eyestrain.

1. Practice the 20/20/20 strategy

  • While you’re using a device that emits blue light, stop every 20 minutes to focus on objects that are around 20 feet away. Study those objects for 20 seconds before you return to your up-close viewing.
  • Keep your eyes moist
  • Eye drops, such as artificial tears, and room humidifiers are all good ways to keep your eyes from becoming too dry and irritated while you’re using blue-light-emitting devices.

2. Use eyeglasses with the right prescription

Squinting at screens for long periods isn’t recommended for the overall health of your eyes. If you wear prescription eyeglasses to correct your vision, make sure you’re wearing a prescription intended for the distance between your eyes and your screen — ideally an arm’s length away. Most glasses are formulated for longer distances.

3. Adjust the blue light on your screen

To lower the risk of eyestrain and sleep disturbance, you may want to set your screens to a “night shift” setting with warmer tones. You can also purchase blue-light-filtering screens to slip over your computer screen when you’re working at night. The filter could cut the glare of your screen.

And a 2020 research study shows that they block 30 to 60 percent of blue light, though it isn’t clear whether blocking the blue will help preserve the sleep-wake cycle for those who use backlit screens before bedtime.

June is Cataract Awareness Month

National Cataract Awareness Month is celebrated in June. The awareness campaign promotes information about the eye condition that is the leading cause of treatable vision loss in the U.S.  Yes, this is a scary fact, but no need to be frightened because cataracts are treatable with an outpatient surgery, which has over a 97% success rate.*

Vision loss from cataract is caused by clouding on the lens of the eye. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a crystal-clear artificial lens.  This common eye condition mostly affects people over 50 and the causes can range from simple aging, diabetes, long-term eye diseases, and eye injury/inflammation, to factors like hereditary influences, smoking, intake of certain oral steroids, and so forth.

 

 

Cataract Vision Simulator

Although there may be no early symptoms, patients may begin to notice:

  • cloudy or blurry vision
  • colors that look faded
  • difficulty seeing at night
  • a halo around lights, making night driving difficult
  • seeing double out of the affected eye
  • frequent changes of the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses

 YOUR DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT

A healthy diet may help reduce risk of and/or delay formation and progression of cataracts. Research suggests that a diet high in vitamin C-rich foods — citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit), bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) — is helpful in slowing the progression of cataracts. More importantly, adopting good nutrition is a cornerstone of optimizing health early in life and can greatly reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases including cataracts.  For eye healthy recipes visit discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/

 

BE SURE TO HAVE AN ANNUAL EYE EXAM

By age 40, all adults should visit an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye exam to screen for early-stage cataracts and other eye diseases that are leading causes of low vision and even blindness. By age 65, a routine eye exam is recommended every year, in most cases to diagnose cataracts that are progressively clouding the lens. A comprehensive eye exam allows eye specialists to detect and monitor cataract progression as well as diagnosing other problems such as glaucoma. Patients should discuss with their eye specialist their vision problems and seek guidance about the timing of cataract surgery when worsening vision has compromised their quality of life and normal functioning.

 

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE  

Multiple factors are at play that increase our risk for developing a degenerative eye disease or vision compromising conditions as we age.  If an individual lives long enough, then cataract formation is unavoidable. Living a healthy lifestyle, however, greatly improves an adult’s odds of avoiding early onset, faster progression, or possibly even avoiding the need for cataract surgery in the future.

 

WHY WE PROMOTE CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH 

  • It’s a celebration of sight – The ability to see the world clearly and in all its glory is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Millions upon millions of cells perform complex operations in our eyes to allow us the gift of sight. We should take care of our eyes and appreciate our glorious vision for what it is.
  • It’s a celebration of science – Science has not only explained to us how intricately our eyes work, but it has also revealed to us the many ways we can repair and treat them in case things go south. Medical advancements have ensured that about 80% of all eye diseases are treatable or can be prevented.
  • It’s a celebration of modern surgery – There’s “always” light at the end of the tunnel. Today’s cataract surgery is a modern day miracle developed by dedicated surgeons over the last five decades.  For most of us it is a painless, outpatient surgery with rapid return of excellent vision.

* https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21472-cataract-surgery

 

For more information about cataract:

https://discoveryeye.org/eye-conditions/cataracts/

 

10 Tips for Summer Eye Care

Summer is almost here, whether you’re hanging out in the backyard pool, at the beach or spending quality time outdoors with family, it’s important to remember your eye safety — no matter how much fun you are having. 

Cornea burn, dry eye, tired eyes, pain and allergies are some of the common eye issues of the summer season. When people think of sunburns, the focus mostly is on skin but very few are aware of the fact that excessive heat and harmful UV rays can also lead to corneal burns, a condition where one gets blurry vision, dryness and a gritty feeling in the eye.

To help keep your eyes healthy, we’ve outlined 10 easy ways to protect them and still enjoy your time in the sun.

1. Sunglasses with Complete Ultraviolet Protection

As sunscreens are essential for skin, so are sun glasses for eyes. When you are stepping out in the peak summers, go for oversized shades as it will provide extra protection to your eyes. Shades protect the eyes from cornea burn from the damaging UV rays. Some of the major symptoms of cornea burn are dryness, discomfort and tearing up. Be sure to use sunglasses that filter out UV rays.

2. Avoid Sunburned Eyes

Sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis, is a painful eye condition that occurs when your eye is exposed to UV rays, either from the sun or from a man-made source.

This can happen when sunlight shines off the water, sand, snow, or other highly reflective surfaces into your eyes. These UV rays burn the surface of your eye and can cause pain, redness, blurriness, and even temporary vision loss. To prevent photokeratitis, wear 100% UV protection sunglasses when outdoors and appropriate eye protection when working with UV light.

3. Keep Your Eyes Moisturized

When you’re spending time outdoors, the heat and dry winds can irritate your eyes and can cause a condition called dry eye. The summer environment affects the tear film of the eye, drying out your eye’s surface.

Dry eye is a common condition but you’re at a higher risk of experiencing dry eye if you wear contact lenses or suffer from seasonal allergies. To protect your eyes in these conditions, use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.

4. Wash your hands frequently

This is one of the simplest and best ways to block all sorts of health disorders and infections around you. It protects the eyes and other parts of the body from bacterial and virus infections.

5. Follow Swimming Best Practices

Bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and even swimming pools can be contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes it very risky to wear contact lenses while swimming because the organisms can get underneath the contacts and cause an infection.

Goggles can reduce the contamination and irritation, but it’s still a best practice to splash your eyes with fresh water after getting out of the pool.

6. Wear Eye Protection While Working Outside

The summer months are a great time for home improvement and yard work, but this is when many accidents can happen with your eyes. Before beginning work in the yard or around the house, be sure to clear the area of any debris that could become airborne and injure your eye.

Simply wearing protective eyewear can reduce your risk for eye injury by 90%. Try to find wrap-around eyewear that protects the eyes from the sides as well. Most hardware stores carry excellent protective eyewear.

7. Keep Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes

During the summer, there’s a high chance you will get sunscreen or bug spray in your eyes. We’ve all had it happen to us and it’s very uncomfortable when it does. Next time, try to apply sunscreen very carefully and slowly around your face. Try to avoid your eyes and eyelids. Dermatologists recommend using mineral-based sunscreens because they stick to your skin and are less likely to run into your eyes.

If you do get sunscreen in your eyes, use fresh water to flush them out immediately.

8. Wear a hat

Hats aren’t just a fashion accessory, they are also a great way to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun! Add an extra layer of protection this summer by wearing a hat with a wide brim or a sun visor to keep your eyes comfortable.

9. Eat Healthy

Summer is an easier time to eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, zucchini, green peppers, melon, and peaches can be found just about anywhere and are great sources of healthy nutrients for your eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit your eyes as well, so don’t forget to eat seeds and nuts.

In addition, always drink plenty of water during the summer. Dehydration even affects your eyes, which in turn can lead to blurry vision and blurred vision headaches.

10. Keep Up with Your Eye Appointments

It’s important to get regular eye exams every  year to keep your eyes healthy, so don’t skip out during the summer. Regular exams can help identify issues before they get worse.

 

April is Women’s Eye Health Month

April is Women’s Eye Health Month to educate women about the steps they can take today to help preserve vision in the future.  Women make up most of the 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind. Some eye conditions can cause vision loss and even blindness. These include:

The easiest way to test for common eye problems is a dilated eye exam – in which your eye doctor uses drops to widen your pupils and check for common issues.  This exam is the best way to detect eye disease’s early stages.

Good Eye Habits to Lessen or Prevent Future Vision Problems

  • Receive an annual eye exam. Regular dilated eye exams help monitor your vision status.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition is the key to good health, including your vision. Dark green vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) potentially. Also, remember to keep your diet low in sodium and caffeine. Visit our website for eye healthy recipes. discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/
  • Quit smoking today. Crushing the habit of smoking can reduce the risk of a host of diseases such as cancer and respiratory issues. Smoking is the most important risk factor for AMD and progression.

Having healthy eyes not only keeps us alert but keeps us safe. It is of the utmost importance to keep our eyes safe and have regular eye exams to check for any problems.

To learn more about the Discovery Eye Foundation’s research, visit discoveryeye.org/research/our-research-projects/

DEF Helps Bring Vision-Saving Treatment To Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa

Director of the Stem Cell and Retinal Regeneration Program at the  Gavin Herbert Eye Institute (GHEI), Henry Klassen, MD, Ph.D., leads life-changing research that will affect and influence vision-saving treatments for years to come.

Watch below to hear from Dr. Klassen on his recent stem cell research:

February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month is observed annually every February. It’s an awareness month targeted at spreading information about AMD and other sight threatening diseases that could lead to visual impairment.

AMD is a disease that is a leading cause of low vision in Americans older than 50 years of age. The macula is the part of the eye affected by this disease, a pigmented, oval-shaped part of the retina. About 5mm in diameter, it is responsible for the central vision required for driving, reading, and fine detail. AMD, is a progressive disease that causes retinal cells to slowly die, though it causes no physical pain.

Medical experts have been able to identify some risk factors that might lead to the onset of AMD, including high blood pressure, high levels of blood cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Other risk factors that a person has no control over are age, heredity, race, and gender. Symptoms of the disease include blurry vision, blind spots, straight lines appearing wavy, doorways seeming crooked, and objects appearing farther away or smaller. When any of these symptoms present themselves, the concerned individual is advised to immediately visit an ophthalmologist.

Watch the video below to learn more about AMD presented by M. Cristina Kenney, MD, PhD

 

For more information on AMD and other visual impairments – EYE CONDITIONS

The Discovery Eye Foundation is committed to finding a treatment for Dry AMD which makes up 85% of AMD cases and for which there is no FDA approved treatment as yet. This could preserve the vision of millions of people.  Luckily, there are treatments for Wet AMD. Right now, research supported by DEF at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Medical School is on the cutting edge of promising breakthroughs that could make the difference in the lives of so many. 

If you would like to help support DEF’s sight-saving research, click here DONATE NOW.  Your generosity may help save your vision or that of someone you love.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and the perfect time to raise awareness about this disease. Early on there are no symptoms.  In fact, many people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. Learn about glaucoma and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma, although the most common type of glaucoma is age-related Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.  It affects people starting at age 40, but can develop anytime later in life.

So, the way to detect if you have it is to get regular thorough eye examinations every two years after age 40.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk. These groups include African Americans and Hispanics over the age of 40, and all people over the age of 60. Since it is hereditary, people with a family history of glaucoma and people who have diabetes are at higher risk.

4 GLAUCOMA GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER

1. Glaucoma can affect people of all ages – Although it is generally associated with seniors, glaucoma can strike anyone.

2. Demographics do play a role – Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans; it’s also highly prevalent in Hispanics over the age 65.

3. Is glaucoma hereditary? – The risk of developing primary open–angle glaucoma is up to nine times more likely if parents or siblings have the disease.

4. Hope for future glaucoma patients – Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can help control the disease and slow or stop the process of vision loss and blindness.

There are many steps you can take to help protect your eyes and lower your risk of vision loss from glaucoma. 

  • If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every two years to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops, and if that fails, surgery can stop glaucoma from progressing.
  • Even if you are not in a high-risk group, getting a comprehensive dilated eye exams can help catch glaucoma and other eye diseases early.
  • Open-angle glaucoma does not have symptoms and is hereditary. So talk to your family members about their vision health to help protect your eyes and theirs.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma.
  • Stay aware of the risks and symptoms and remember an annual comprehensive eye exam is key for early detection of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Click here to get more information on Glaucoma.

Discovery Eye Foundation research is undertaking a new approach to save vision for glaucoma patients.

Read our 2022 Thanksgiving Newsletter to learn more.

CLICK LINK BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP SUPPORT DEF’S GLAUCOMA RESEARCH 

Support Discovery Eye Foundation

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

Thank You to all who helped support DEF this year!!

 Discovery Eye Foundation has been successful in 2022 and all because of very loyal and dedicated donors that continue to support sight-saving research.

  We are thankful for every gift you have given to the Discovery Eye Foundation.

Wishing you and yours a Healthy and Happy 2023!!! 

How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable During Winter Months

Harsh weather conditions can reduce the natural moisture in your eyes and the irritation usually results in a burning or itching sensation that often leads to rubbing or scratching your eyes which can worsen the symptoms. Sometimes it feels like there is a foreign object in your eye and for some, dry eyes can even cause excessive tearing, as your eyes try to overcompensate for their lack of protective tears. Prolonged, untreated dry eyes can lead to blurred vision as well. Between the harsh winter winds outside and the dry heat radiating inside, our eyes are very quickly irritated and dried in the winter months.  The result is itchy, dry eyes that may cause pain, blurred vision, a burning sensation, or even watery vision as our eyes try to compensate for the dryness.

What Are The Symptoms?

  • Uncomfortable, stingy, burning or scratchy feeling.
  • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
  • Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
  • Eye fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness
  • A sensation of having something in your eyes
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Periods of excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period

10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR EYES COMFORTABLE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Whatever the symptoms, dry eyes can cause significant discomfort during the long winters and relief can seriously improve your quality of life.

  1. To keep eyes moist, apply artificial tears/eye drops a few times a day. If you have chronic dry eyes, speak to your eye doctor about the best product for your condition.
  2. Drink a lot of fluids – keeping your body hydrated will also help maintain the moisture in your eyes.
  3. If you spend a lot of time indoors in heated environments, use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air.
  4. Try to situate yourself away from sources of heat, especially if they are blowing. While a nice cozy fire can add to the perfect winter evening, make sure to keep your distance so dry eyes don’t ruin it. 
  5. Staring at a computer or digital device for extended amounts of time can further dry out your eyes. If you spend a lot of time staring at the screen, make sure you blink often and practice the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Use artificial tears often to lubricate eyes during long periods of using your eyes.
  6. Avoid air blowing in your eyes. Don’t direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. In your car, direct heat to floor vents and away from your eyes once your windshield is defrosted.
  7. Stop smoking and avoid smoky environments.
  8. Don’t rub your eyes! This will only increase irritation and can also lead to infections if your hands are not clean.
  9. Give your eyes a break and break out your glasses. If your contact lenses are causing further irritation, take a break and wear your glasses for a few hours or days. Also talk to your optometrist about switching to contacts that are better for dry eyes.
  10. Protect your eyes. If you know you are going to be venturing into harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or wind, make sure you wear protection. Try large, 100% UV protective eyeglasses and a hat with a visor to keep the wind and particles from getting near your eyes. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, make sure you wear well-fitted ski goggles.

If you find that after following these tips you continue to suffer, contact your eye doctor.

A Thanksgiving Spread that Promotes Eye Health

Thanksgiving is almost here; a meal that nourishes the family bonds and traditions.  It’s the one time of the year where you can guarantee your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. This meal also has another added bonus — almost every item on the Thanksgiving table is healthy for your eyesight!

Here are several of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and their corresponding benefits to your eye health:

Turkey –

No Thanksgiving is complete without a turkey, roasted golden brown and stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Turkey is loaded with zinc and B-vitamin niacin, which helps prevent the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, so gobble up!  You are “preventing” cataracts with every bite.

 

Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts –

These foods and other leafy greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect the retina, which may also help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

 

Sweet Potatoes –

Sweet potatoes are full of Beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid and antioxidant that promotes night vision and overall good eyesight. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamins C and E. Diets that are rich in these vitamins can help prevent or delay the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

 

Cranberry Sauce –

Cranberries contain bioflavonoids, a large class of antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are found in the pulp, skin and rinds of foods that contain vitamin C. Both flavonoids and vitamin C help protect the eyes from free radical damage caused by pollution and the body’s normal metabolic processes.

 

Pumpkin Pie –

Pumpkin is one of the best sources of vitamin A, so pumpkin pie is an eye-healthy dessert. In fact, one cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Vitamin A provides nourishment and protection to the eye’s lens, cornea and macula (part of the retina), so it improves night vision. 

 

A diet that’s full of the right nutrients is a great start to keeping your eyes healthy, but don’t forget that regular eye exams are equally important! We hope you enjoy a happy and delicious Thanksgiving with family and friends.

*For more eye healthy recipes click here EYE COOK