How to Protect Your Eyes From the Negative Effects of Blue Light

Today’s gadgets and devices are placing demands on your eyes that they are not equipped to handle naturally. Our society seeks efficiency and convenience, yet the very devices that bring those benefits have a downside, especially eye fatigue. By reducing the amount of blue light that enters the eye, you will  increase your comfort level and reduce eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision and other related chronic discomfort.

Hoya Recharge anti-reflective treatment reduces blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, TVs and even energy efficient light bulbs by 10 percent compared to conventional anti-reflective treated lenses. (some blue light is important and therefore it is not necessary or desirable to block it all)

Hoya Recharge Anti Reflective Lens treatment is ideal for long lasting eye energy while using eyeryday devices.Book Your Eye Exam Online

Here is what you need to know:

  • School text books are rapidly moving to tablets
  • 72.5% of adults are unaware of the potential dangers of blue light to the eyes
  • 61% of adults experience eye strain due to prolonged use of electronic devices
  • 2 in 5 Millennials spends at least 9 hours per day on digital devices.

Benefits of Recharge Treatment

  • Blocks up to 10% of harmful blue light waves emitted by electronic devices.
  • Helps alleviate;e eyestrain, headaches, fatigue and blurred vision
  • Can help improve sleep patterns
  • Eliminates reflections, repels dirt and dust, and provides superior scratch resistance.

Take a Closer Look When Buying Sunglasses

Protect Your Eyes

Over time , harmful effects of UV exposure can contribute to:

  • Pterygium
  • Cataracts
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes)
  • Skin Cancer around the eyes

Sunglass Check List:

  • Sunglass lenses that block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
  • Lenses with uniform tint are ideal
  • A frame that fits close to the eyes and contours to the shape of your face.
  • Children need UV protection too.  Children take in 3 times more UV exposure than adults. Up to 80% of their UV exposure occurs by age 20.

Children Need Protection Too!

  • Children take in 3X more UV exposure than adults – up to 80% of their lifetime UV exposure occurs by age 20.

AOA_Sunglasses_infographic

 

When It Comes to Sunglasses, Looks Aren’t Everything

Honolulu  eye doctors Dr. Daniel Yamamoto and Dr. Tracie Inouchi would like to urge consumers to take a closer look when buying sunglasses this year.

While many will look for fashionable eyeglasses and sunglasses, the most critical factor to keep in mind is making sure sunglasses provide adequate protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation, which comes from the sun, and is what can cause harm to skin and eyes.

Christian Dior Sunglasses

According to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2014 American Eye-Q® survey, 41 percent of consumers do not check the UV protection level before purchasing sunglasses and only 30 percent of Americans said UV protection is the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses, ahead of glare reduction/comfortable vision (27 percent), style (15 percent), price (14 percent) and fit (9 percent).

Stephen-Murray-Antix-5“The harmful effects of long-term exposure to UV are a real concern because it can cause damage to the eye, possibly resulting in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, or an abnormal growth called Pterygium, also called “surfer’s eye,” said Dr. Inouchi.

Short-term exposure to UV rays from a day at the beach, for example, can be serious and could lead to a condition known as photokeratitis, also known as “sunburn of the eye.” Symptoms of photokeratitis include red eyes, a foreign-body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. These side effects are usually temporary and rarely cause permanent damage to the eyes, but to be sure overexposure is the only problem, patients should consult with their eye doctor if they have these symptoms.

 Children Need Protection

In addition, the average child takes in approximately three times the annual UV exposure of the average adult and up to 80 percent of their lifetime exposure occurs before age 20. Unlike the lens found in an adult eye, which is more mature, a child’s lens cannot filter out UV rays as easily, causing damage to the retina.

“Exposure to UV rays can cause problems for people of all ages, but it is critical for children to protect their eyes since they are more transparent than an adult’s. By learning to protect their eyes early, they can possibly avoid UV damage,” said  Dr. Inouchi.

What to Look for in Lenses and Frames

For optimal eye sun-safety, Dr. Yamamoto and Dr. Inouchi recommend wearing sunglasses or contact lenses that offer appropriate UV protection, applying UV-blocking sunscreen and wearing a hat to keep direct sunlight off of the face and eyes. Dr. Inouchi also recommends:

  • Lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
  • Lenses that have a uniform tint, not darker in one area from another. Gradient lenses should lighten gradually with the bottom being lightest.
  • Lenses that are free of distortion and imperfection.
  • A frame that fits close to the eyes and contours to the shape of the face, in order to prevent exposure to UV radiation from all sides, even behind.
  • Prescription glasses with tints and full UV protection. While some contact lenses also offer UV protection, these should be worn with sunglasses to maximize protection.
  • Staying out of the sun during the peak UV exposure risk hours for the eyes, from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m.

There are also a number of lens and frame options that can enhance vision for particular activities, such as:

  • Polarized lenses, which reduce reflected glare from sunlight that bounces off snow or water and add comfort and enhance vision when cross-country skiing, fishing or driving.
  • “Blue-blocking” lenses help make distant objects easier to see, especially in snow or haze, which is great for skiers, boaters and hunters.
  • Polycarbonate lenses to provide impact protection, an important option for potentially hazardous work, sports and other activities.
  • Photochromic (transition) lenses that offer convenience since the lens darkens or lightens depending on the light exposure.

The best way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision, and keep up to date on the latest in UV protection is by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams.

Five Tips For a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

Here are 5 tips for a life time of healthy vision.  Honolulu eye doctors, Daniel Yamamoto, O.D. and Tracie Inouchi, O.D. suggest:

  1. Schedule Yearly Comprehensive Exams. Seeing a doctor of optometry regularly will help keep you on the path to healthy eyes.
  2. Protect against UV rays. No matter the season its important to wear sunglasses.
  3. Give your eyes a break from digital device use. Practice the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.
  4. Eat your greens. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables – particularly the leafy green variety.
  5. Practice safe wear and care of your contact lenses. Keep them clean.
Lifetime of Healthy Vision Seeing a doctor of optometry regularly will help keep you on the path to healthy eyes.
Lifetime of Healthy Vision

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

  • 80 percent learning happens through your child’s their eyes.
  • Until the teenage years, a child’s crystalline lens does NOT prevent UV light from damaging the retina.
  • School vision screenings may not detect all vision problems in kids.
  • 1 child out of 4 does not see well in school.
  • 600,000 eye injuries related to sports and recreation occur each year. Are your child’s eyes protected?

Now You Know.

Fendi Eyewear – 5131

This sunglass is easily one of our favorite frames.  While it may not look like anything unusual, the flat bevel on the front of the frame gives it a unique look with a bold appearance.  The tortoise shell also has a wonderful rich color that adds to the uniqueness of this frame.  The best part of this sunglass is that it fits remarkably well . . . no nosepads required!  Like many of the Fendi sunglasses, the bridge design is perfect for the Asian face.

 

Vintage Bausch & Lomb: B&L5024

 

Before Ray Bans, they were Bausch and Lombs.  Here is an example of a classic pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers  B&L 5024’s.   Stamped B&L glass lenses, riveted hinges and the black cat eyes are true American classics.

Old Raybans that were originally made by Bausch & Lomb are a classic piece of Americana.  This sunglass was manufactured in the USA and has glass B&L G-15 lenses.   This design has been around since the 50′s and will likely be around for a number of years.  Who hasn’t seen a Wayfarer?

  • Mfg: B&L Rayban -USA
  • Name: 5024 – Wayfarer
  • Style: UNISEX
  • Circa: 1980′s
  • Frame material:  Acetate
  • Temples material: Acetate
  • Frame color: BLACK
  • Lens color:  G-15 (Glass