PCC News Monthly PCCNov17Web | Page 11

Q/A ON BLUE LIGHT FILTERING LENSES I donʼt need prescription eyeglasses, but spend most of the day on the computer and my smart phone and iPad. My eyes get to aching by the end of the day. What can I do? You are suffering from digital eye fatigue. It is quite common these days because of all the time we spend on these devices. The largest shift in humankindʼs his- tory on our visual environment has occurred. 90% of Americans use digital devices for two or more hours per day. 60% use them for five or more hours and 65 percent experience symptoms of digital eye strain. A recent report states that by the time the average Ameri- can child reaches age 17, they will have spent over a third of their lives looking at digital devices which ex- pose us to unnatural amounts of blue light. It is well known that blue light in certain wavelengths has a detrimental effect on visual function. There are blue light-attenuating lens products on the market now that diminish the effects of blue light from artificial light sources to improve visual comfort. These lenses are available both for prescription and non-prescrip- tion wearers. The goal is not to block blue light, but to Vision Information from Antone Optical filter the damaging wavelengths and allow the rest to pass through the lens My husband spends a lot of time on the computer in the evening and sometimes works on his laptop in bed. Could that be causing his problem sleeping? Circadian rhythm can be thought of as our bodyʼs way of regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Historically, human exposure to blue light at night was relatively low. Daytime exposure to blue light would trigger our internal clock to be alert and awake. As evening would fall, lack of blue light was our signal to sleep. However, with advancement in technology, our eve- ning exposure to blue light is at levels never before experienced by mankind. The electronic screen on our smartphones, tablets, computers, as well as LED and CFL light bulbs, all emit light which affects our sleep- wake cycle. It is generally advised to turn these devices off a cou- ple of hours before bedtime to allow our internal clock to do its job. Next month I will talk about childrenʼs eyes and their exposure on these devices. Thank you Prescott Valley for voting us your “BEST EYE CARE CENTER” AGAIN FOR 2017 Thatʼs 10 years in a row!! Teri Antone (Independent Survey by Market Surveys of America) Comprehensive Eye Exams Available Dr. Renita Frost, O.D. Ind. Doctor of Optometry Terri Antone A.B.O.C. AZ Licensed Optician Terri Antone A.B.O.C. Dr. Renita Frost, O.D. Skilled Professionals • Personalized Service Prescriptions Filled • Prescriptions Duplicated Complete Contact Lens Services Precise Lenses - Rx & Non-Rx Sunglasses Best Eyecare Center - 2008 though 2016!!! “The best in eyewar – affordable prices” 775-9393 We are located in the Safeway Shopping Center 7840 E. Hwy 69, (Suite A-5a) Prescott Valley pccnews November 2017 11