According to recent studies, 60% of people spend as much as 6 hours a day in front of a digital device whether it is a computer, tablet, smartphone or other gadget. All of these devices emit blue light or high-energy visible (HEV) light, which is a known cause of computer vision syndrome, sleep disruptions and possibly other potential dangers to the eyes. Blue light radiation is also emitted from television screens, electronic devices. fluorescent and LED lighting and yes, even the sun.
What is Blue Light?
Emitted from the sun, blue light is naturally occurring in the world around us. On the spectrum of visible light (light that humans can see), blue light has the highest energy and the shortest wavelength. It is also sometimes known as blue-violet or violet light, which is where ultraviolet (UV) light rays that are just beyond our perception get their name. Much like ultraviolet light, blue light has both dangers and benefits to our health, particularly to our eyes.
What are the Potential Dangers of Blue Light?
Research is still being done to determine the long-term effects of blue light or high-energy visible (HEV) light emission, however, it is known is that blue light is a cause of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and sleep disruptions.
Eye Strain
The high energy and shorter wavelengths of blue or HEV light emit a less consistent flow of light, creating a glare or flickering that can cause eye strain. Because sharpness and visual contrast are affected by this, the eyes have to work harder to see clearly. After extended periods of time, this can result in headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and mental and physical fatigue.
Sleep Disruptions
Natural blue light in the atmosphere is known to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm (which controls your sleep cycles), to boost your mood and level of alertness and to improve memory and cognitive function. However, prolonged exposure to artificial sources of blue light has been shown to reverse these positive effects, causing disruptions in the circadian rhythm which affects sleep, as well as an increased risk of depression. Studies show that using a digital device before bedtime can negatively impact their amount and quality of your sleep.
Macular Degeneration
Researchers at Harvard University have shown that over time, prolonged exposure to blue light can cause damage to the retina at the back of your eye, which may lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and possibly other serious health and vision problems. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss and low vision.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Blue Light Emissions?
As the dangers of blue light from digital devices emerge, more and more options are becoming available to protect your eyes. The eyes have very limited natural ability to block out blue light radiation so we need to be aware of blue light exposure and how to minimize it.
Computer glasses with blue-blocking lenses, coatings, and filters are a good solution for those working on a computer for long periods of time each day. You can also add anti-glare coatings with blue light protection to your regular eyeglass and sunglass lenses. Additionally, there are filters available for devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, to reduce the amount of blue light radiation that can reach your eyes.
The easiest way to reduce blue light exposure is to take frequent breaks when working on a computer and to reduce screen time overall.
Special Products For Blue Light Protection
EyePromise Restore (New & Improved)
EyePromise® Restore offers a full suite of essential nutrients to proactively reduce the risk of developing age-related eye health issues. Don't be reactive with your eye health. Be proactive with EyePromise Restore.
As science progresses, so does the EyePromise Restore formula. Based on cutting-edge research, EyePromise Restore now includes vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and CoQ10.
Visionary Nutrition for Proactive Eye Care
A combined 12 mg of the dietary nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein have been proven beneficial for age-related eye health issues. Restore provides this level of antioxidant protection. Because healthy eyes accumulate zeaxanthin and lutein at a ratio of 2:1, Restore was formulated with 8 mg of zeaxanthin and 4 mg of lutein.
Only EyePromise Restore offers this amount of zeaxanthin, the superior antioxidant chosen by the retina to protect central vision.
Is Restore right for me?
EyePromise Restore is specifically formulated for those concerned with, or at risk for, age-related eye health issues.
Risks for developing age-related eye health issues include:
- Over 50 years of age
- A family history of age-related eye health issues
- Light skin and eyes
- Smoking (former or current)
- Poor diet
EyePromise Zeaxanthin + Lutein
Zeaxanthin and lutein are found naturally in the back of the eye, keeping vision healthy and nourished. Since our bodies do not reproduce these nutrients, it’s important to take an eye vitamin to help with eye health.
- Naturally protect vision
- Increase contrast sensitivity
- Pair with a multi-vitamin
EyePromise® Zeaxanthin + Lutein is the optimal combination of essential nutrients for healthy vision.
Zeaxanthin and lutein are found naturally in the back of the eye, keeping vision healthy and nourished. As our bodies do not reproduce these nutrients, it’s important to take an eye vitamin to help build up our natural levels.
Zeaxanthin + Lutein is formulated to:
- Protect and enhance vision naturally
- Help build up the defensive barrier responsible for protecting the back of the eye (where central and peripheral vision come from) from oxidants
This eye health vitamin is right for you if:
- You want your eyes to get the amount of zeaxanthin and lutein needed to help protect vision
- You’re looking for an eye health vitamin to pair with your multi-vitamin
- You’re vegan or vegetarian
Backed by 20 years of scientific research, EyePromise Zeaxanthin + Lutein is guaranteed to help protect vision naturally as well as provide nutritional support for vegans or vegetarians.
