In a recent newsletter we discussed EMFs and their harmful effects. We learned that electronic devices emit these electromagnetic frequencies. With some electronic devices, unfortunately, there is another harmful effect. Devices with screens, such as computer monitors, smartphones and tablets all emit high-intensity blue light, which comes with a host of potential health-harming issues.

What is Blue Light?

If you recall your elementary school science classes, you remember that light is a spectrum of different frequencies (colors). ROYGBIV stands for the visible color spectrum and the last three here are blue, indigo and violet. These are the highest frequency/intensity colors, and everyone has heard of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and their harmful effects from overexposure. Blue light comes from the sun also and some exposure is beneficial to humans. According to Suzanne Cavanagh, a lighting specialist in Eugene, Oregon, sunlight rich in blue light (480 nm) is especially good for helping to maintain our circadian rhythm. The best time to catch these rays is from 10 AM to 2 PM. However, overexposure can create problems. Screens of electronic devices also emit this high-intensity blue light, and in this age of nearly-constant exposure to our smartphone or computer, we are susceptible to the damage it causes. Two recent studies have shown that the average adult in the US spends more than nine hours a day looking at digital media.

 

There are three problems caused by the blue light emitted from these devices: digital eye strain, difficulty sleeping and the risk of macular degeneration.

• • The eye strain (called computer vision syndrome previously) can manifest as eye pain and dry eye, headaches, and blurred vision.

 

• • Increased screen time into the evening with its attendant exposure to blue light disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm and thus our internal sleep-wake cycle.

 

• Macular degeneration – permanent damage to the photoreceptors in the retina. They are not replaceable and vision loss and even blindness may result.

Prospek Glasses Can Help

 

Fortunately there is helpful technology recently developed to protect our eyes from harmful blue light. Glasses with lenses which filter the emitted blue light from devices can be worn. Evergreen Nutrition is now carrying the Prospek Blue Light Glasses from Spektrum. The glasses use a patented lens coating with eight layers of protection to block blue light. There are glasses for adults and children, as well as clip-ons for use over prescription eyeglasses, and magnifying lenses for those who use “cheaters.”

Spektrum offers two levels of protection: Prospek-50 blocks 50% of blue light and is designed for moderate computer users, allowing you to work all day without feeling the effects of exposure. Prospek-99 blocks 99% of blue light and is perfect for heavy computer users, night use, or those with extreme sensitivity. There is a wide range of styles available.

Additional Macula Support

In a previous newsletter we discussed nutritional and lifestyle support for macular degeneration. Since that was published there have been several new products added to our shelves which offer powerful protection to the eye from harmful blue light.

Eugene’s own Quantum Health has their Digital Blue. Digital Blue was formulated by one of the world’s leading experts in
eye health nutrition. This formula fortifies your eyes with the
nutrients they need to help filter blue light and to optimize normal
visual performance, including healthy visual processing speed, contrast
sensitivity, and glare tolerance. It includes lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, and also omega-3 which supports retinal integrity and normal macular function. Additional support comes from the antioxidants Vitamin E and zinc.

Jarrow offers MaculaPF™ (Protective Factors) Blue Light Protection,
a synergistic combination of three key carotenoids to protect the eyes’
maculae against oxidative stress, blue light from all types of screens,
LED lighting, and sunlight. Also new from Jarrow is
Lutein + For Kids. This liquid supplies carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin for eye protection and, according to research, may also play an important role in the neural development of infants and children.

With the myriad assaults on our precious eyes these days, why not give them a little TLC and protect them with internal and/or external support so that they can continue to help you see clearly now.

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