If you are familiar with the retinal disease, age related macular degeneration (AMD), you may not know about the importance of protecting your eyes from the damage caused by blue light.
Blue Light Filter
Blue light is especially damaging to the retina. Their light waves are wavelengths from 400-500 nanometers and are the waves that give the sky its blue color.
The retina is very vulnerable to free radical damage because of its frequent exposure to ultra-violet light and to blue light. Free radical damage leads to aging and degenerative diseases like macular degeneration.
There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing the loss of central vision and sharp, detailed vision due to AMD. Exposure to sunlight and blue light is one of them.
Blue Blocker Lens
A person can reduce or delay their chances of developing AMD by protecting their eyes with sunglasses that use a blue blocker lens. These lenses will have an orange, amber or yellow tint.
These tinted lenses will alter one’s color perception. Objects that are yellow, such as a yellow school bus or yellow striped lines on the road appear pink. Because of this, it is not recommended that one drives with these sunglasses.
Their are other other advantages to wearing these sunglasses. They are:
1. Increased Visibiliy
These glasses do not make "the world" appear darker like most sunglasses. Blue blockers let in more light which helps with better visibility when outside.
2. Reduced Glare
Not only do these glasses block blue light, they also block glare. Most people with AMD are very sensitive to glare and appreciate these sunglasses for this reason alone.
Blue Blocker Sunglasses
These glasses can be found in many different styles. They can be worn as:
1) Wrap around glasses that fit over your regular glasses
2) Regular frame style as your sunglasses or
3) Clip ons
Reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration and start protecting your eyes with
blue blocker sunglasses.
Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.
Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
Better Health for Better Vision