California has created many of the iconic products and technologies that have spurred the digital revolution, which, in turn, has exposed us to large amounts of blue light. So it is appropriate that the California State Senate has designated October 10 as Blue Light Awareness Day, as a way of calling attention to the issues associated with blue light from digital devices and other sources.
Noting that there are 80 million digital devices in California, and they are used up to nine hours per day by state residents, the Senate resolution cited a number of concerns about blue light, including:
Possible harmful effects on retinal cell physiology
Visual discomfort in 65% of Americans
Disruption of sleep cycles by suppressing the natural release of melatonin
Based on this information, the resolution states, “Given the growing body of research around the breadth and scope of potential eye and systemic health impacts related to blue light exposure, the State of California encourages citizens, particularly children, to consider taking protective safety measures in reducing eye exposure to high-energy visible blue light.” It is good that voices outside our industry, like the California State Senate, are helping to raise public awareness of concerns about blue light. However, it is only in our practices that this awareness can be turned into action. It is very important that we provide all patients (or their parents) with information about blue light, and introduce them to products like epik™ BLUE (formerly known as UVhp™). If you need materials to help inform your patients, please contact your GSRx sales rep, or call us at 800-833-4779.