This course, Let’s Be Clear About Blue, aims to expand the conversation within the optical industry about sunlight’s potential to harm the eye. While most of us know that ultraviolet radiation damages the skin, fewer realize it can hurt the eyes, and even fewer are aware of high energy visible (HEV) blue lights’ phototoxic effects on our eyes. This article intends to increase awareness that UVR and HEV light are actinic and can produce photochemical damage to the skin and ocular tissues with prolonged or intense exposure, such as sunlight. We will review the cumulative and irreversible nature of actinic light injury from UVR and HEV blue, and how our clear glasses should have protection built in for all those times we are outdoors without sunglasses. And finally, we will be clear about what is known and under investigation relative to the ocular and circadian rhythm effects of blue light from prolonged exposure to LED and LCD indoor lighting and digital screens.
Get started on your free ABO CE here.
