Blue Control lenses for the digital age

Digital media devices have taken the world by storm and almost everyone is constantly exposed to an information overload. This can occur through work, entertainment or addictive social media, which seems to draw millions of people to constantly stare at their phone screens. They give us updates on where they are, what they’re eating and who they’re with. But what is the cost of all this?

The reality is these devices have eased and in many cases improved the quality of life for millions of people. It has also saved a tree or two in the process. One must however consider the effects this has on our bodies and health. Current digital devices make use of low energy, high definition LED displays. What is important to note is that these LED screens emit a very high percentage of blue light. In fact up to 40% more than any other colour.

Now blue light is not only found in digital devices, but also occurs naturally within sunlight. It is in fact the very same light which helps us to control our internal clock, to stay awake during the day and to sleep at night. But when you expose yourself to high levels of blue light, coupled with the fact phones and tablets are generally held far closer to the eye then normal reading material, you would be correct in assuming there would be some adverse effects on your visual system and general health.

Some of the effects of blue light over exposure may include eye strain, eye fatigue and even sleeplessness. Preventing this is far easier than you think. A new treatment is now available as an add-on for your normal prescription lenses. BlueControl is a coating that neutralises the blue light emitted by digital devices, keeping the eyes in better condition. It offers more comfortable and relaxed vision as well as better contrast perception, preventing eye strain and fatigue. Everything you need in the digital age.

 What Is Blue Light?

Sunlight contains red, orange, yellow, green and blue light rays and many shades of each of these colors, depending on the energy and wavelength of the individual rays (also called electromagnetic radiation). Combined, this spectrum of colored light rays creates what we call “white light” or sunlight.

THE LIGHT SPECTRUM

The electromagnetic rays just beyond the red end of the visible light spectrum are called infrared — they are warming, but invisible. (The “warming lamps” you see keeping food warm at your local eatery emit infrared radiation. But these lamps also emit visible red light so people know they are on! The same is true for other types of heat lamps.)

The fact that blue light penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) is important, because laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. This causes changes that resemble those of macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Although more research is needed to determine how much natural and man-made blue light is “too much blue light” for the retina, many eye care providers are concerned that the added blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices might increase a person’s risk of macular degeneration later in life.

On the other end of the visible light spectrum, blue light rays with the shortest wavelengths (and highest energy) are sometimes called blue-violet or violet light. This is why the invisible electromagnetic rays just beyond the visible light spectrum are called ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

THE BENEFITS OF BLUE CONTROL COATING

• Neutralise blue light, preventing eye strain and fatigue
• Blue Control lenses reduces the symptoms of digital eyestrain such as dry eyes, sticky eyes, and the feeling of grittiness or “sand” in the eye.
• Enhance contrast perception offering a more natural colour experience
• Reduce glare for a more comfortable and relaxed vision
• Protect your lenses against water, dirt, grease and dust, keeping them clean for longer!