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Blue Light Exposure and Eye Strain – Are you at risk?

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Every day we find not only ourselves but our children spending longer hours in front of a digital device. In fact, according to a 2012 survey conducted by The Vision Council, more than 1/3 of adults spend 4-6 hours a day with digital media or related electronic devices. In fact, 14% of young adults spend 10-12 hours per day. According to the American Pediatric Association, children are learning from their parents habits and spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers/laptops/tablets, smartphones, gaming devices, and other electronic devices. 

As an Optometrist, I receive frequent patient complaints of eyestrain and fatigue when using a digital device. Digital eyestrain is the result of overuse of digital devices and is the most common computer-related repetitive strain injury. When using a digital device for reading or close range use, eyes must constantly refocus and reposition to process what is being seen. After 2 hours of use, an individual may experience eye fatigue, blurred vision, irritation, headaches, and neck and back pain. 70% of adults experience digital eyestrain when using their electronic devices. Anyone in front of a digital screen is at risk, regardless of age, occupation or lifestyle and children are no exclusion.

Spending longer hours on a digital device also means our eyes have increased exposure to blue light. Blue light has a short wavelength and provides basic illumination to our world but long term exposure can have harmful effects on the eyes. Many devices are now made with LED lighting that releases a form of bright blue light. When blue light hits the lens it refracts and causes other objects in the surrounding to go in and out of focus.  Individuals often compensate by squinting resulting in eye fatigue.  

Our eyes absorb the blue light through the lens and retina.  Over exposure of blue light can cause symptoms of eyestrain, fatigue, headaches and trouble sleeping. More severely, long term exposure can lead to cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD). For those who are at risk for AMD or who have had cataract surgery must always take precautions against both UV and blue light. Additional evidence is accumulating indicating that blue light is also toxic to the human retina. Ophthalmologists, Braunstein and Sparrow found that blue light exposure led to cell death of cultured human pigment epithelial cells, while placing a blue blocking filter over the cells, protected them. Furthermore, they found that only blue light caused cell damage.

There is also a link between blue light and melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone which helps control sleep and wake cycles. Chronic exposure to blue light at night can reduce melatonin which disrupts our sleeping pattern.  In another study of blue light, researchers at the University of Toronto compared the melatonin levels of people exposed to bright indoor light who were wearing blue-light–blocking goggles to those exposed to regular dim light without wearing goggles. The fact that the levels of the hormone were about the same in the two groups strengthens the hypothesis that blue light is a potent suppressor of melatonin.

In practice, I often see children come in for eye examinations complaining of excess blinking, redness, tearing and blurred vision. Many of these symptoms are related to overuse of the computer and should be monitored and recorded. If you or your child is experiencing digital eyestrain or are concerned about your exposure to blue light come in and see your Optometrist. It is important to log how many hours per day you spend on a digital device, how far is the digital device placed from your eyes, and keeping a list of specific symptoms you or your child may be experiencing. Your Optometrist will use this information to determine the best treatment option for you or your child.

Treatment options can include glasses to be worn when using a digital device. Computer lenses and coatings can be created for making the use of digital devices more comfortable for the eyes by reducing the glare, improving contrast and relaxing the eye muscles. There are specific lens materials that can absorb up to 20% of blue light waves, and anti-reflective coatings that absorb an additional 10% of blue light waves. 

The proximity and position of the digital device is important. Computer screens and televisions should be placed in front of or just below eye level so the viewing angle does not exceed 35 degrees. When sitting at a desk, position the monitor or laptop at about an arm’s length away from the eyes which can reduce squinting. In a 2011 study by the State University of New York College of Optometry found people hold mobile phones 2 to 9 inches closer to their eyes than printed material causing more eye irritation, strain and pain. 

It’s really important for children to have a balance between playing on the computer, getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and playing outdoors or being involved with extracurricular activities. Studies have shown that children who spend 2 hours or more on the computer are more likely to experience eye strain or fatigue which can increase their near sightedness.  In order to prevent eye strain, children should take frequent breaks from the computer. Every 20 minutes your child should take their eyes off the computer and look at an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. It’s a great habit to adopt for anyone who spends time on the computer.

The Canadian Pediatric Society discourages screen-based activities for children under the age of 2. Limit television watching to less than 1 to 2 hours per day for children over the age of 2 years. Avoid making television watching part of your regular daily routine. Often I see parents relying on a digital device to keep child occupied rather than finding more engaging activities or ones they can work on together. I encourage a balance between digital time, play time and family to keep your child well rounded.

For a more restful sleep at night, avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed for a more restful sleep. Keep televisions, computers and gaming devices out of your child’s bedroom and place them in common areas where you can watch your children while they use them. Late-night chatting online, surfing and texting with friends should not cut into important sleep time. Hence, it is important to set time limits for children when using any digital or gaming device to prevent over use and exposure to blue light and digital eyestrain.

Biography: Dr. Farrah Sunderji, OD completed her Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry followed by a residency in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy at the Southern California College of Optometry.  Her practice Eyedeology is located in the Centennial Clinic. Unit 245, 520 3rd avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P0R3. For more information on children’s vision, check out her website at www.eyedeology.ca

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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