Blue
Light
Saying goodbye to the blues
by Sarah McGoldrick
W e spend countless hours in front of the computer screen . All this time focusing and refocusing can take a huge toll on the health of our eyes .
The blue light emitted from our computer screen , phones or other hand held devices can cause eye strain and headaches .
Medicine is just beginning to understand the effects of long-term exposure to blue light and the eyecare industry is developing new technology to ensure technology enthusiasts and regular computer users are protected .
“ With the huge increase in the usage of digital devices , as well as energy efficient lighting , we are all surrounded by more blue light than ever before ,” said Tibor Martz , Technical Assistance Group Director , Nikon Optical Canada Inc . “ This technology is not going away . With an increase in research showing that cumulative or prolonged exposure can impact both your vision and your visual health — it ’ s important that we find a way to safely interact in our new digital reality .”
Blue light is a type of ultra-violet light ( UV ) that range from 380nm to 200nm and can also be found in devices such as sterilization equipment . Martz noted that research is revealing a real concern for visual health as more and more time is spent in front of screens .
He said Nikon high index lenses already protect against UVA , UVB and UVC , however the company has been developing further technology to address blue light exposure .
34 OPTICAL PRISM | APRIL 2013