6 WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM BLUE LIGHT

How much time do you spend on your computer each day? What about your smartphone? And so on. A 2021 study from the Nielsen Company found that adults in Vietnam spend an average of 10 hours and 39 minutes a day staring at one type of digital device or another. That’s up a full hour from a similar study the company conducted in 2020.

Digital devices play such an integral role in our lives that it’s unrealistic to suggest that you avoid them completely. However, there are a number of things you can do to help minimize potential problems.

Here are six ways to protect yourself from blue light eye damage:

Increased pigmentation of your macula (yellow spot)

The main blue light-absorbing tissue in the eye is the macular pigment. This is the thin yellow layer of tissue located in the center of the eye, called the macula. This pigment is made up of three carotenoids: lutein, zeoxanthin, and meso-zeoxanthin. These carotenoids can be enhanced with supplements. So when choosing nutrients to protect your eyes, make sure the formula contains all three carotenoids, such as Lumegaz shown above.

Use anti-blue light glasses

Sometimes taking regular breaks while using your computer may not be enough to prevent eye strain. If your eyes are particularly sensitive or if you spend long hours working on your computer, consider investing in a pair of blue light blocking lenses. These lenses will block harmful blue light and reduce digital eye strain. Additionally, if the glasses are properly prescribed for the correct working distance, they can help relax your eyes while you work and reduce eye strain.

Look for anti-blue light glasses with an anti-reflective coating in addition to the tint. This coating provides an extra layer of comfort and protection by shielding against blue light reflections on both sides of the lens.

Use filters for the screen

An easy way to help limit your exposure to digital blue light is to apply a special screen filter to the front of your device. Screen filters are inexpensive and absorb much of the blue light emitted from digital devices, reducing exposure.

Using IOLs

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are small, implantable artificial lenses used to treat cataracts and myopia. The eye’s natural lens provides some protection against different wavelengths of light, such as blue light. There has been some buzz around the notion that certain IOLs have the ability to filter out blue light, but the jury is split. Additional research is needed to determine whether there is any validity to IOL blue light protection claims.

Give your eyes a proper rest

The simplest way to help prevent overexposure to digital blue light is to manage your time spent using them. Be sure to take regular breaks from your screen. An easy method is to use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a break from your computer to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This technique can help prevent eye strain and serve as a regular reminder to be conscious of your blue light exposure.