August 13, 2024

Could blue light glasses or coatings actually be harming you?

Dave Asprey Glasses Computer screen blue light filters have become a hot topic lately. Especially in relation to headaches or migraines. They are being pushed by everyone from industry insiders to people like Dave Asprey. …
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Dave Asprey Glasses

Computer screen blue light filters have become a hot topic lately. Especially in relation to headaches or migraines. They are being pushed by everyone from industry insiders to people like Dave Asprey.  It?s hard to buy a pair of glasses without having the person ask if you?d like to pay extra for a blue light coating.  It?s being pushed hard by industry reps on doctors, but does the logic hold up?

Have you heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

The Mayo Clinic Defines SAD as: Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression related to seasonal changes; begins and ends approximately at the same time each year. If you are like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and continue throughout the winter months, reducing your energy and making you feel bad-tempered. Less commonly, seasonal affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer.

They then list one of the causes as:

Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in autumn and winter may cause the onset of winter seasonal affective disorder. This decrease in sunlight can alter the body?s internal clock and cause depressive feelings.

The cells responsible for detecting this wavelength are in your eye.  They are called Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells or IRPGC?s.  They synapse at an area of your brain responsible for your circadian rhythm.  Blocking certain light could interfere with their function.

Let?s summarize, a lack of natural blue light can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder. So do you think that maybe cutting out your blue light could have a negative affect too?

So what can you do?

Rather than listen to the marketing hype, use your logic.

  1. Cut out blue light at the screen. Not your eyes.
  2. Reduce your screen time before bed. Oh yah, that?s another thing. Screen time before bed, or when you can?t sleep, is like having another cup of coffee, and wondering why you?re having trouble falling asleep. Keep your phone out of reach of your bed.
  3. If you need to wear blue blockers, get the kind that fit over your glasses, and wear them in the evening when your body wouldn?t get blue light anyways.
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
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Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

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    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.