Launching an Awareness Campaign on Blue Light Exposure

In an effort to educate eyecare professionals, workers, families and children about this subject, an important awareness campaign named Blue Light Exposed is being unveiled across Canada Today's electronic devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones and TVs, emit high-energy blue light. Because of the growing popularity of these devices, the exposure to blue light sources has drastically increased, leading to negative effects on health and eye vision (blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, neck and back pain).   The major objectives of the awareness campaign are to clarify the impact of blue light exposure based on current knowledge and evidence, and to provide solutions to eyecare professionals and consumers. In October, www.bluelightexposed.com will officially be launched. For the first time in Canada, this complete educational and informational website will provide access to detailed information about blue light. It will also invite visitors to evaluate their actual exposure to blue light and offer solutions to health concerns. The use of protective eyewear can play an important role in shielding the eyes against blue light. Sunglasses that are specifically tinted to absorb high energy visible blue rays can be ideal for outdoor activities. For indoors, in low light or at night, protective ophthalmic lenses with a special coating designed to reflect and cut blue light penetration are available.   The sponsors of the Canadian awareness campaign on the effects of blue light - Blue Light Exposed - are Essilor Canada, Nikon Optical Canada and Shamir Canada.