Protect Your Eyes When Using Smartphones, Laptops and Computers

Online, November 5, 2013 (Newswire.com) - There are 140 million smartphone users in the U.S. according to research firm eMarketer. As of 2011, more than 75% of households have at least one computer per the U.S. Census Bureau. A national survey found that children 8- to 18- years spend seven and a half hours per day on some type of digital media. The digital age is now, and is here to stay.

Desktops, laptops, tablets, phones and televisions all emit high-energy visible light (HEV). Long-term exposure to this type of radiation has been shown in clinical studies to increase the risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and other retinopathies in the eyes. In addition, the American Medical Association has recognized in a 2012 policy statement that HEV exposure at night is a causative factor in sleep disorders especially in children and adolescents. HEV affects melatonin production which affects the sleep-wake cycle.

Since digital devices are so prevalent, and the use of them are so important in today's society, certain precautions can be taken to help protect the eyes as well as mitigate sleeping difficulties. Young children, people with macular degeneration, people with a history of macular degeneration, people with light-colored eyes and those with known sleeping difficulties are at highest risk for complications due to HEV. Other than just not using these devices, one of the best ways to protect the eyes would be to block out HEV from even reaching the eyes. Special prescription lenses that filter out HEV are helpful in doing this.