In an increasingly digital world, we are exposed to artificial lighting more than ever before.  Artificial lighting not only causes issues such as eye strain, headaches and blurred vision, but also impacts one of our most important internal biological processes: sleep.

Our sleep cycle is regulated by our internal body clock or circadian rhythm, which uses the light sensors in our eyes to track what our body perceives as daylight in order to match our schedule to our environment.

This process can be disrupted when exposed to artificial light, which contains blue light. Blue light is used by LED screens including televisions, computers and our phones, and can be problematic as it closely mimics natural sunlight. Because of this, our body interprets blue light as sunlight and sends signals to the brain that we should be awake. This can throw off our circadian rhythm and contribute to insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help alleviate some of the issues caused by blue light to ensure a good night’s sleep:

1. Invest in special blue-light-filtering glasses: These special-purpose glasses are available without an eyeglass prescription, so you can use them even if you have no need for vision correction or if you routinely wear contact lenses. [or ask about our blue light lens coating]
2. Avoid the use of LED screens in the evening: Substitute phone time or watching television with blue-light-free activities, such as reading a printed book. Use specialized lighting such as the Dyson Lightcycle, a task light that continually adjusts its colour temperature and brightness in relation to your local daylight, providing the right light for the right time of day.
3. Use a blue light filter app: Available for smartphones, tablets, and computer screens, blue light filters tint your screen to neutralize the blue light emitted – a fast and effective way to instantly reduce exposure. Some phone companies, realizing the importance of blue light filtration, have even included built-in blue light filters within their operating systems. Search the features on your smartphone to see if a “night shift” setting is available.

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Your eyes are your window to the world – they allow you do everything from performing everyday tasks to enjoying the most precious moments life has to offer. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and make vision a priority. Check out these simple tips to keep your eyes healthy:

• Book an annual eye exam: Stay on top of regular eye exams. Only half of Canadians seek treatment for symptoms of potential eye disease.  Eye care professionals can spot underlying issues even if one’s vision seems fine.
• Take a break from screen time: Between smartphones and other devices, our eyes need a rest. Consider following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to minimize eyestrain.
• Eat healthy: Like our bodies, our eyes need nutrients to maintain good health. Increasing intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and vitamins C and E can help prevent vision issues. Try foods like fish, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
• Get enough shuteye: Lack of sleep reduces the amount of oxygen in our eyes. The result? Red eyes and blurry vision. A good rest can replenish your eyes, ensuring you start the day fresh.
• Protect from UV light: Sunglasses and hats are not just fashion statements – they protect eyes from harmful UV light, which can contribute to the development of certain eye conditions.
• Stay vigilant: Vision changes as we age, and common conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma can develop. Cataracts affect 2.5 million Canadians every year and are the leading cause of blindness and low vision in age-related eye diseases. Minimize damage to your eyesight by learning the signs of treatable eye conditions like these. Find out more at seethefullpicture.ca.