As the amount of digital devices continues to grow, there has been an increase in the number of individuals complaining from eye discomfort known as digital eye strain. The reason why eye strain occurs is because of the amount of time individuals are staring at a digital screen for longer than 3 hours.

Unfortunately, a staggering 80% of adults report that they frequently use a digital device, or multiple devices, for 3-hours or longer each day. The long-term exposure to blue light has the possibility to cause damage and increase the risk of many abnormal conditions to the eyes and surrounding skin. A few conditions that can occur include the following:

1. Macular degeneration
Being constantly exposed to blue light can potentially cause macular degeneration in the eyes. This is due to the fact that blue light is able to reach the retina so it can cause damage to cells that are light-sensitive, over the long run.

2. Eye strain
All devices that have screens, like computers, tablets, and cell phones, have some amount of blue light that emanates from them. When we constantly have our eyes focused on these devices, we eventually develop too much screen time and eye strain. Some symptoms of eyestrain involve experiencing irritated or sore eyes and trouble with focusing clearly.

3. Wrinkles and fine lines
Skin changes can easily occur due to the constant exposure to blue light. The most noticeable change causes wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes from using smartphones. This is especially true if the exposure is from a concentrated source. Ultimately, this overexposure causes skin stressors to promote photo-aging, which is abnormal aging due to light exposure.

4. Chronic dry eyes
When we stare consistently at any mobile device or computer screen with blue backlighting, we often blink less often. This can lead to a drying out of the eyes. Lack of blinking means the eyes are not naturally lubricated (with tears) as often, and this lack of lubrication by blinking may lead to chronic dry eyes and eventual eye damage.

5. Blue light protective glasses can help
The use of blue light protective glasses helps to filter blue light by preventing a certain type of wavelength transmission. Besides blue light filtering, the blue light glasses lens was developed to decrease eye strain so that circadian rhythm cycle disruption can be avoided which can cause poor sleep and physical health. Normally a tint of yellow, the lenses easily block blue light rays, while also terminating the wavelength that disrupts your circadian rhythm.

6. Specifics to look for in blue light protection
As you search around for a pair of glasses that will protect from blue light, make sure that the seller includes a certificate that states the range of filtered wavelength. For your reference, the glasses should protect you from a minimum of 400 nm of blue light.