Age Related Macular degeneration; a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60

Eye care professionals have been concerned about the risks of ultraviolet light for generations. Today we know that both UV and HEV (high energy visible) or blue-violet light is potentially damaging to the eyes and more. While UV has been linked to cataracts, HEV can penetrate deeper into the eye causing damage to the retina. HEV is all around us in the form of smartphones, LED monitors, flat screen TV's, tablets and cool light fluorescent bulbs. The greater the usage the greater the potential damage. Children's eyes are especially vulnerable.

Posted 5:31 p.m. Mar 27, 2015 — Updated 6:03 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

BLUE LIGHT RISK

Eye care professionals have been concerned about the risks of ultraviolet light for generations. Today we know that both UV and HEV (high energy visible) or blue-violet light is potentially damaging to the eyes and more. While UV has been linked to cataracts, HEV can penetrate deeper into the eye causing damage to the retina. HEV is all around us in the form of smartphones, LED monitors, flat screen TV’s, tablets and cool light fluorescent bulbs. The greater the usage the greater the potential damage. Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable.

HEV HAS BEEN LINKED TO:

- Age Related Macular degeneration; a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60.

- Sleep deprivation in those using their devices in the evening. The HEV tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daylight and reduces the secretion of melatonin necessary for deep sleep.

- Increase in obesity.

- Increase in hyperactivity in children.

- Trouble focusing on tasks.

- Significant increase in Digital Eyestrain or the eyestrain associated with our daily use of digital devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES

Eye Care Center’s doctors are the experts in diagnosing and prescribing high quality specialized ophthalmic products to protect your vision and reduce Digital Eyestrain.

Historically eye care professionals have been concerned about UV radiation exposure primarily in those patients whom direct sunlight was an occupational hazard. Today we know that both UV light and blue-violet light (wavelengths of 415-455 nm) are potentially harmful and ubiquitous in todays world. Literally the risk is all around us.

Ultraviolet radiation exposure from sunlight has been increasing with the depletion of the earth's ozone layer. HEV (high energy visible) or the blue-violet are a consequence of LED monitors, flat screen TV’s, smartphones, tablets and cool light fluorescent bulbs. Reflected UV and HEV can be equally damaging and this risk is shown in increasingly growing scientific data. Research continues to build the case for the oxidative stress caused by blue light induced chemicals, which cause damage to the retinal pigment epithelium. This assault can be a cause of Age Related Macular Degeneration. Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable.

HEV has also been linked to sleep deprivation especially in people who work on their screens well into the night. The bright light from these devices trick the brain into thinking it is still light outside and thus decreases the production of melatonin. Lack of sleep can cause an increase in hyperactivity, trouble focusing on tasks, and can be a factor in obesity. Digital Eyestrain related to HEV can be significant and can exacerbate Dry Eye Syndrome.

Based on all the data, which identifies significant risk, we believe all patients deserve education on HEV. There are outstanding ophthalmic products available, which block the specific damaging wavelengths and significantly reduce Digital Eyestrain.

Click here to schedule an appointment!