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Do I need special blue light blocking glasses for my computer or phone?

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I get asked this question almost daily, and the short answer is no! I get asked this question almost daily, and the short answer is no!

Much to do has been made in the last couple of years about the damaging effects of blue light from our computers and phones on our eyes. This worry has come from research at Toledo University that was published in Scientific Reports. This research examined a naturally occurring chemical found in the human eye called retinal. The research found that when retinal is exposed to blue light, it is more toxic to other cells.

There are several problems with jumping to the conclusion that blue light will damage our eyes. First, in the living retina, there are proteins that protect against the toxic effects of retinal. Second, the research was done on cells that were not derived from the retina. Third, the cells were not exposed to the blue light the same way they are in our eye.

In fact, we need blue light to help regulate our circadian rhythm. We need blue light to feel alert and awake during the day. If we block blue light, we may feel sluggish and sleepy.

We get most of our blue light from the sunlight. Some research is suggesting that this may, in fact, be beneficial in the growth and development of children’s eyes and may decrease the risk of developing myopia.

Blue light is high energy light (380nm-500nm) so it scatters more. This does make it more difficult for us to focus and so can lead to more eyestrain.

We often use lens coatings that block 20 percent of the blue light to help decrease this eyestrain.

We recommend using special blue blocking lenses if you have glasses that you use just for computer work, or if you have glasses that you wear JUST in the evening before bed.

Written by Dr. Sherri Norris

More Articles By Dr. Sherri Norris

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Our Blog

Check out our Blog for news updates and eye care tips!

We Are Moving!

Office Updates

We have been in the Stock Exchange Tower for over 30 years, but on August 3rd we will be moving 110 steps down the hallway into the Calgary Place building.  We will be across from the fitness centre, across from Marcello’s, at the top of the escalator, in the old Metropolitan Conference Center space.  You […]

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Help Make the Season Kind With Downtown Vision Care

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This year the CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive is taking place but from a safe distance. Many local Calgary and Area businesses, including Downtown Vision Care, have joined forces to donate some fantastic items for an online auction. From private tours of the Royal Tyrrell Museum to Whiskey packages, there is something for everyone! Make your […]

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Many of us take supplements because we want to support our muscles, skin, bones, brains and heart — but we often forget about the miraculous structure we depend on every day. Our eyesight is essential for our survival and quality of life and deserves its own set of supplements to help prevent and minimize eye-related […]

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September 1, 2020
Dr. Sherri Norris

We have been in the Stock Exchange Tower for over 30 years, but on August 3rd we will be moving 110 steps down the hallway into the Calgary Place building.  We will be across from the fitness centre, across from Marcello’s, at the top of the escalator, in the old Metropolitan Conference Center space.  You […]

Read More…

This year the CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive is taking place but from a safe distance. Many local Calgary and Area businesses, including Downtown Vision Care, have joined forces to donate some fantastic items for an online auction. From private tours of the Royal Tyrrell Museum to Whiskey packages, there is something for everyone! Make your […]

Read More…

Many of us take supplements because we want to support our muscles, skin, bones, brains and heart — but we often forget about the miraculous structure we depend on every day. Our eyesight is essential for our survival and quality of life and deserves its own set of supplements to help prevent and minimize eye-related […]

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