Researchers have been telling people for years to protect their eyes from sunlight because the rays from the sun can damage the eyes. Scientists have known for some time that sunlight can cause cataracts. Recently, researchers, doctors, and scientists have been concerned about the effects of blue light exposure on the eyes.
In addition, blue lights can also cause cataracts and other eye damage as well. Blue light exposure can become a much larger problem since so many people are working from home and working long hours on their computers.
If you are worried about the effects of blue light exposure on your eyes, here is some information about what blue light exposure is and how you can protect your eyes from damage.
What is Blue Light Exposure?
There are many types of light your eyes have to deal with daily. Light is not one color, instead it is a rainbow of colors, and each color on the light spectrum affects your eyes differently. Blue light is one of the types of light on the light spectrum. A lot of blue light comes from the sun.
However, you can find the majority of sources of blue light in technology such as computer, tablet, and phone screens. People hold screens up close to their eyes, which makes the blue light more dangerous the longer you are viewing them or working on them.
Not only can blue light lead to eye fatigue, headaches and even eye strain, it can also affect your sleep. Blue light lowers the release of melatonin into your body, which not only encourages you to fall asleep but also helps you stay asleep.
Without enough sleep, your brain won’t process information correctly, which is a problem in the workplace.
Blue Light Screen Protectors on Company Devices
One way that you can help your employees manage blue light effectively is to offer them blue light screen protectors. There are two types of blue light screen protectors.
One type of screen protector is blue light glasses. These removable glasses help filter out the blue light so your employees can work without incurring eye strain and fatigue. Blue light glasses are a great way to manage eyestrain for your employees.
They are relatively inexpensive, and employees can keep them at their desks or in a purse or backpack. Blue light glasses are also great for employees to carry around to long meetings, conferences, and work sessions, because they are so portable.
Many companies install blue light screen protectors, which fit easily over your employees’ computer screens. These screen protectors are also available for laptops, so your employees can take them wherever they travel to do work.
Computer Monitor Brightness
Another solution to blue light exposure is to make sure your employees adjust the brightness on their monitors, especially if they are working in a dark room. Often, employees who work in darkened rooms forget to lower the brightness.
By keeping the brightness level high, employees are exposing their eyes to more blue light than is needed. Remind your employees to lower their brightness setting if they are working at night or in dark rooms so they can minimize eye strain. If your employees like the bright monitor lights, you’ll want to be sure they have blue light glasses.
Eye Safety Awareness
Currently, nearly two-thirds of Americans wear eyeglasses, which gives employers an opportunity to discuss eye safety awareness and conduct yearly seminars about eye health with employees. First, your employees can add anti-blue light lenses to their eyeglasses.
In today’s market there is a variety of affordable eyeglasses with quality lenses that can have anti-blue light and anti-glare technology to their eyeglasses. Second, encourage your employees to wear their glasses to reduce eye strain.
Third, be sure your employees know they can adjust their screens and chairs to minimize exposure to blue lights. If they adjust their computer screens, your employees can reduce blue light exposure, but they can also improve their posture and reduce shoulder and neck strain.
20-20-20 Rule
Part of minimizing blue light exposure for your employees is to ensure they know the 20-20-20 rule. The 20-20-20 states that every 20 minutes, your employees need to look away from their screens at an object that is 20 feet away from them for 20 seconds.
If they practice the 20-20-20 rule, your employees can reduce the effect of blue light, relax their eyes, and reduce their amount of fatigue. Some businesses also encourage their employees to take a break for a few minutes from work and walk around.
This not only helps reduce the effects of blue light on your body, but it also helps your circulation. Your employees will be able to think more clearly as well.
Conclusion
Whether you are trying to reduce the amount of blue light for yourself or your employees, a few short tips will be able to minimize your exposure to blue light while you are working. First, be sure you have a blue light filter on any employee computers.
Make sure you mention to employees who work overnight or in a dark room to lower their screen brightness. Be sure and tell your employees to wear their glasses and have filters to protect against blue light and glare. They can also practice the 20-20-20 rule.
When you’re employees are thinking about their eyes, and minimizing their blue light exposure, you will have a more productive workplace.
