Research into Digital Artifical Light

A new study* highlights the disruption to sleep patterns which can be caused by blue light emitted from digital devices. 

The study, at the University of Houston College of Optometry, had people wearing blue blocking filters before bed. Participants still performed their usual nightly digital routine. Results showed a 58% increase in night-time melatonin levels. Melatonin is the chemical that signals your body its time to sleep. These melatonin levels were higher than would be achieved taking over-the-counter melatonin supplements.

“The most important takeaway is that blue light at night time really does decrease sleep quality. Sleep is very important for the regeneration of many functions in our body,” said Dr. Ostrin, from University of Houston College of Optometry.

The 22 study participants wore sleep monitors 24 hours a day. They reported sleeping better, falling asleep faster, and even increased their sleep duration by 24 minutes a night.

The largest source of blue light is sunlight, but it's also found in most LED-based devices. Blue light boosts alertness and regulates our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, that tells our bodies when to sleep. This light activates photoreceptors, called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which suppresses melatonin.

Dr. Ostrin recommended limiting screen time, applying screen filters, wearing computer glasses that block blue light, or using anti-reflective lenses to offset the effects of artificial light at night time. Some devices have night mode settings that limit blue light exposure.

“By using blue filtering lenses we are decreasing input to the photoreceptors, so we can improve sleep and still continue to use our devices" she said.

Closer to home we are dispensing blue coating on lenses. This coating improves comfort looking at screens. Wearers also find the blue coat is good for driving. Blue light causes light scatter so in daylight conditions blocking this reduces glare. Please contact us if you have any questions about lens coating options.

*Study published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics.

Lenses for a Digital life

The way we look at the world is changing. We used to spend most of our time looking at far and middle distances. Today we focus on near objects, our computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, gaming devices and e readers. Traditional computer screens are giving way to ever-smaller displays on tablets, eReaders, netbooks and smart phones. As our screen hours increase there are new lenses to help with the resulting eye fatigue.

Reports show nearly 60% of us are looking at digital screens for 5+ hours per day. This is taking its toll on our eyes, causing eye fatigue and digital eye strain.  Symptoms can include tired eyes, blurred vision, headache and dry eyes. Digital technology can effect our posture. You may have neck or back pain, through stress on your cervical spine when you are unconsciously bent forward looking at a screen. Spending large amounts of time looking at digital screens (or any near object) means our eyes are exerting more effort to focus. 

We are now offering Hoya Dynamic Sync lenses - designed for long periods on your screen. Dynamic Sync’s design has your ‘distance power’ for everyday use and a ‘boost zone’ at the bottom of the lens. The boost zone reduces eye strain when you are looking at screens, or reading. The boost zone allows your eye muscles to relax and focus more easily. This helps relieve eye strain, even after several hours looking at near.

The lenses have clear vision in all directions so they are easy to wear. We would love to talk to you about how these lenses will help.

Digital Life

From early morning until late at night we are using all kinds of digital devices, for work as well as for recreation. Think about laptops, tablets, smartphones and televisions. As we access most of these devices at a short distance, our eyes are increasingly exposed to the light emitted by the screens of those devices.

Research* has shown that more than 34% spend 4 to 6 hours a day with digital devices, while 14% even spends between 10 and 12 hours a day. It is therefore not surprising that more and more people complain about red dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, back, neck and shoulder strain.  

*2012 VisionWatch Findings: A survey among 10,000 adults across America about their use of digital media and symptoms of vision stress, conducted by The Vision Council.

LCD and LED computer and TV screen, smart phones, tablets and GPS devices all emit blue light, also know as high energy visible light.  As the quality of screen improves, their blue light emission is increasing.  Although blue light in itself is a natural phenomenon - it is present in daylight and helps us to stay  awake - excessive amounts can have an adverse effect, and cause eye strain and fatigue.  

BlueControl coating is a way to prevent eye strain an fatigue by neutralizing blue light, preventing eye strain.  With Bluecoat glare is reduced for more comfortable and relaxed vision.  Using the lenses gives better contrast and more natural colour perception.  This coating comes with HOYA’s unsurpassed Diamond Finish anti-reflection coating.

We have samples of this lens, come in an see the difference for yourself.