Insight on Blue Light

2017 • Staff Education

By Dr. Brian Chou, EyeLux Optometry

Harmful blue light is a hot topic among patients of all ages. How can we help patients understand what harmful blue light is and what steps they should be taking to ensure their eyes are protected?

Tip: Compare UV and harmful blue light protection to being similar to sunscreen for your eyes.

4%of people know the most common sources of blue light.

Awareness of Harmful Blue Light

While there is considerable buzz about blue light, the majority of consumers have never heard of blue light (49%), or don’t know much about it (30%). Not surprisingly, many consumers believe blue light predominantly comes from digital devices and artificial sources. While eyecare professionals are more aware of the issue, they too are focused predominately on digital devices as the source of blue light. While knowledge is on the rise, 41% of eyecare professionals are still not aware of the largest source of blue light—the sun. Understanding the impact of harmful blue light exposure is critical to ensure patients are protecting their eyes in all situations.

Talking with Patients

I am telling patients that blue light is an increasing concern due to mounting evidence that it may be harmful and cause some long-term retina problems. So, it doesn’t really supplant the message that UV light is definitely known to be problematic for the eyes, but it’s something of additional concern for patients that want to do every single thing that they can to protect their eyes. I’ll mention that they should have eyewear that protects not only against UV light, but also has an added benefit of having harmful blue light protection—giving them the peace of mind.

Product Solutions

The interest in lenses that protect against harmful blue light creates an opportunity for ECPs to educate their patients about products that help protect against it. Transitions lenses have always filtered harmful blue light and block 100 percent of UV radiation. Transitions lenses help protect against harmful blue light everywhere you need it, both indoors and out. To find more information on blue light and to hear how other ODs are bringing up blue light with their patients, visit: TransitionsPRO.com/bluelight. And, please tell us how you address blue light with patients by joining in the Facebook conversation here.

SOURCES

2016 Transitions Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits Survey, Wakefield Research for Transitions Optical, Inc.; Transitions Optical ECP Brand Tracking, Sept 2016.