We have been hearing more and more about “blue light” in the media for several years now. Many articles have been published about the effects of this light, particularly on our health and sleep. But do you really know what it is?
What is blue light?
Blue light has always been present everywhere. But we have been hearing more about it lately because our lifestyles have changed and are increasingly digitalized. This one comes mainly from sunlight, but it is also emitted by artificial lights (LED type) and digital screens (computer, television, smartphone, tablet…).
Blue-violet light between 415nm and 455nm is the most harmful to the external retina[1] and can be responsible for early AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)[2].
In addition, it induces oxidative stress and limits antioxidant defences. Blue-violet light therefore contributes to accelerating retinal aging[3].
We know today that we spend more and more time in front of the screens, at work, at home and from an early age. That is why it is important to take precautions as soon as possible to protect your eyes from this harmful light.
[1] Arnault, Barrau et al., PlosOne, 2013
[2] (AMD: chronic degenerative retinal disease of the retina that begins after the age of 50 and leads to progressive loss of central vision)
[3] Marie et al., Cell Death and Disease, 2018
Some numbers:
- 40% of respondents say they are bothered by the brightness of screens (source: IPSOS for Essilor)
- ¾ of computer users complain of visual fatigue (source: IPSOS for Essilor)
- 65% of respondents say they have headaches (source : IPSOS for Essilor)
- 70% of respondents complain of neck and back pain due to computer use (source: IPSOS for Essilor)
But beware, not all blue light is harmful.
Indeed, we need blue light to live. It is the blue-turquoise light that is essential for the synchronization of our circadian (biological) clock and therefore for the proper functioning of our body. It helps to regulate our sleep and has an impact on our well-being and mood. It is just above the blue-violet light in the spectrum, from 465nm to 495nm.
How to protect yourself from this blue-violet light?
Researchers have developed optical lenses that can stop this harmful blue light.
Given that blue-violet and blue-turquoise lights are very close on the light spectrum, it is difficult to filter it completely without altering the beneficial one.
That is why these glasses only let through the blue-turquoise light, which is essential to us.
These lenses provide immediate comfort in front of the screens and prevent unwanted effects (itchy eyes, migraine…).
Our Essilor Pro-Office™ lenses, available with or without corrective lenses, benefit from the latest filtering technological innovations and help prevent the early aging of your eyes by helping to protect you from the harmful rays of light, while letting the light that is essential to you pass through.
Even with these lenses it is always recommended to take visual breaks : every 20 minutes or so, leave the eyes of the screen and look away for 20 seconds to reduce visual fatigue.
Think about the visual health of your employees.
Choosing Essilor Pro-Office™ means offering your employees the best vision for more efficient work.
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We have been hearing more and more about “blue light” in the media for several years now. Many articles have been published about the negative effects of this light, particularly on our health and sleep. But do you really know what it is?
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Les marques : Essilor Pro-Safety®, Varilux®, Crizal®, Transitions®, Eyezen® , Xperio®, Optifog® , Essidrive™ sont des marques déposées d'Essilor International SAS. Les verres ophtalmiques Essilor sont des dispositifs médicaux constitutifs d'un produit de santé qui porte, au titre de cette réglementation, le marquage CE. Consultez votre ophtalmologiste ou votre opticien pour plus d'information.
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