With disrupted routines during the lockdown resulting in increased screen times, blue light lenses have become a necessity more than a luxury. Prolonged exposure to blue rays is causing multiple optical defects and diseases like macular degeneration, retinal damage, Computer Eye Syndrome and Cataract. This article talks about the different effects of blue light on the eyes, along with some effective tips to avoid blue light damage.
What is blue light?
The white light, or as we call it in general language, the sunlight, is a spectrum made of the seven colours of the rainbow. Further, these seven colours are divided for the visible and invisible spectrum where violet and indigo fall in the invisible spectrum and the other four colours form the visible spectrum. Blue light, here, is the last colour of the visible spectrum and moves with the smallest wavelength and the highest energy. It is this extremely high energy that makes blue rays this damaging for the eyes.
Effect of blue light on the lens
The eye lens, apart from providing the optical power, filters light waves to prevent light damage on the retina. It is able to do so with the help of enzymes, structural proteins and protein metabolites present in the lens that absorb short waves of light. This results in the production of substances and derivatives in the lens that gets added to the lens’ protein and turns them yellow. Gradually, the lens darkens and turns yellow. So this way, the lens undergoes changes while protecting the retina from blue light damage. This yellowing of the lens is what results in cataract.
Tips for preventing cataract
- Get regular eye check-ups
Though eye check-ups don’t help to prevent cataracts directly, they aid in early detection of any optical defects. By being in regular touch with a doctor, you can stay updated about your status. Also, this way, you can learn measures and diet options to prevent or delay cataract.
- Eat good food
A balanced diet of plants and fruits rich in Vitamins and minerals can provide optimum nutrition for eye health. You can include foods like blueberries, oranges, carrots, legumes, leafy vegetables, bell peppers and lots of nuts. All of these are rich in helpful Vitamins and antioxidants like Lutein, Zeaxanthin and other good things like Zinc and bioflavonoids.
- Quit smoking
Studies reveal that smoking increases your vulnerability to diseases like Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, including Cataract. It is known to believe that smoking causes cataract by altering the structure of the retinal cells through oxidation. Counselling, medication and motivation-based strategies are some methods to let go of smoking addiction.
- Reduce alcohol intake
Drinking alcohol results in increased blood sugar levels and consequently resulting in a blurred vision. Multiple studies indicate that higher consumption of alcohol increases the risk of cataract among people. If you are an alcohol addict, you can ask your doctor to suggest a few effective methods to get rid of the addiction.
- Avoid unnecessary steroids
Although steroids are life-saving drugs, rampant consumption and overdose of steroids affect our vision adversely. Always intake steroids upon recommendation from the doctor. Also, ask your doctor if there can be an alternative for the steroids he has prescribed for you.
- Wear blue light glasses
Protecting your eyes from sunlight, or blue light precisely can help prevent cataract. X-blue light glasses are the latest technology that helps to block harmful blue rays from the sun, thus, preventing them from entering the eyes and causing potential damage. If you don’t have any optical defects, you can get a pair of non-prescription glasses coated for blue light.
If you are looking to buy some good quality reading glasses at affordable prices, you can try visiting Specscart. This young brand displays some great trendy styles at mind-boggling prices and discounts. On top of that, you don’t have to pay an extra charge for anti-glare glasses as the lenses already include a complimentary anti-glare coating.
You can also order on their website for a free trial of up to four different frames. The home trial box even includes a blue light lense with a blue light torch so you can check the efficiency of the glasses by yourself.
Title – Learn top 6 essential steps to prevent cataract.
Description – Cataract is fatal for our vision, and it progresses with no visible signs and symptoms. With these 6 steps, take instant cataract precaution, today.