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Eye Cells “Rewire” Themselves When Vision Begins to Fail

The AHA! Team — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:19:44 +0000

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences via Newswise – Mouse study reveals how retinal neurons adapt by forming new connections during early stages of inherited blindness Retinal cells can rewire themselves Scientists at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have discovered that certain retinal cells can rewire themselves when vision begins to deteriorate in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that leads to progressive blindness. In a study using mouse models, researchers found that rod bipolar cells, neurons that normally receive signals from rods that provide night vision, can form new functional connections with cones that provide daytime vision when their usual partners stop working. The study appears in Current Biology. Why it matters Retinitis pigmentosa affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of inherited blindness. While the disease often progresses slowly, with some patients maintaining a surprising amount of usable vision into middle age, little is known about how retinal circuits adapt to cell loss. Understanding these natural adaptation mechanisms could reveal new targets for treatments aimed at preserving vision. What the study did Researchers used rhodopsin knockout mice that model early retinitis pigmentosa, where rod cells cannot respond to light and degeneration proceeds slowly. They made electrical recordings from individual rod bipolar cells, neurons that normally connect to rods, to see how these cells behaved when their usual input was lost. The team also used additional mouse models lacking different components of rod signaling to determine what triggers the rewiring process. They supported their single-cell findings with whole-retina electrical measurements. What they found Rod bipolar cells in mice lacking functional rods showed large-amplitude responses driven by cone cells instead of their normal rod inputs. These rewired responses were strong and had the expected electrical characteristics of cone-driven signals. The rewiring occurred specifically in mice with rod degeneration, but not in other mouse models that lacked rod light responses without actual cell death. This suggests that the cellular rewiring is triggered by the degeneration process itself, rather than simply the absence of light responses or broken synapses. The findings complement the research team’s previous 2023 work showing that individual cone cells can remain functional even after severe structural changes in later disease stages. Together, these studies reveal that retinal circuits maintain function through different adaptation mechanisms at various stages of disease progression. The research shows that retinal adaptation occurs through different mechanisms at various disease stages, which could help scientists identify new targets for preserving vision in patients with inherited retinal diseases. From the experts “Our findings show that the retina adapts to the loss of rods in ways that attempt to preserve daytime light sensitivity in the retina,” said senior author A.P. Sampath, PhD of the UCLA Stein Eye Institute. “When the usual connections between rod bipolar cells and rods are lost, these cells can rewire themselves to receive signals from cones instead. The signal for this plasticity appears to be degeneration itself, perhaps through the role of glial support cells or factors released by dying cells.” What’s next One of the open questions is whether this rewiring represents a general mechanism used by the retina when rods die. The group is currently exploring this possibility with other mutant mice that carry mutations to rhodopsin and other rod proteins that are known to cause retinitis pigmentosa in humans. About the study Published in Current Biology (2025). “Photoreceptor degeneration induces homeostatic rewiring of rod bipolar cells.” DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.057 About the Research Team Paul J. Bonezzi, Rikard Frederiksen, Annabelle N. Tran, Kyle Kim, Gordon L. Fain, and Alapakkam P. Sampath from the Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Paul J. Bonezzi and Rikard Frederiksen contributed equally to this work. Funding and Disclosures This work was supported by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health USA (EY36811 and EY01844) and an unrestricted grant by Research to Prevent Blindness to the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology. The authors have no disclosures. To read the original article click here.

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Choose the Right Artificial Lens for Your Cataract Surgery

The AHA! Team — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:35:31 +0000

Larissa Biggers via Duke Health – Cataract surgery involves removing a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (also called an IOL) to improve your vision. However, not all IOLs are the same. Cataract surgery involves removing a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (also called an IOL) to improve your vision. However, not all IOLs are the same. Some can help you see near or far even better. Choosing the right lens for you can be confusing. Here, Duke corneal specialist, Terry Kim, MD, explains your options. What are my intraocular lens options? You have a one-time opportunity to select the lens that’s going to give you the best possible vision and improve your quality of life. It’s important for your doctor to explain all the options so you can make the best choice for you. Monofocal lenses correct your vision for distance or for near. You decide which is more important to you. For instance, you may want to correct your distant vision so you can drive without glasses but wear glasses for near work. If you are an artist or a dentist, you might choose to improve your near vision and wear glasses for distance. Toric lenses reduce your astigmatism to help improve the quality of your vision. Presbyopia-correcting lenses (also called multi-focal or extended depth-of-focus lenses) correct both near and far vision. For many people, this means depending less on distance glasses and reading glasses after cataract surgery. Which lens is right for me? That depends on your needs. If you’re comfortable wearing glasses after cataract surgery, a monofocal lens may be the right choice. If you want to avoid wearing distance glasses after cataract surgery and have astigmatism, a toric lens might be appropriate. A presbyopia-correcting lens may be best if you want to avoid wearing distance and reading glasses after cataract surgery. It all comes down to what you want in terms of improving your eyesight and lifestyle. Are all IOLs covered by insurance? Monofocal lenses are fully covered. Toric lenses and presbyopia-correcting lens are not covered by insurance. You will pay an additional out-of-pocket expense — around $1000 per eye for toric and between $2000 and $2600 per eye for presbyopia-correcting lenses — if you choose one of these IOLs. How long does vision correction last? Vision correction achieved with cataract surgery is permanent. Is the surgery performed differently based on the type of lens you choose? Cataract surgery is the same no matter which IOL you select, but surgeons can use one of two approaches. In traditional cataract surgery, your eye surgeon uses a thin blade to make incisions in your eye, removes the cataract, and replaces it with the artificial lens. In laser-assisted cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a laser to make the incisions, which allows for more precision and safety. The surgeon then removes the cataract and replaces it with the artificial lens. Laser-assisted surgery can also reduce astigmatism, which is harder to achieve with traditional surgery. It’s important to note that insurance plans don’t cover laser surgery for cataracts. What should people know when considering cataract surgery? It’s important for you to spend one-on-one time with your eye surgeon before the procedure. Your surgeon should explain the surgical procedure and your lens options. Understanding your choices is the only way you can make an informed decision. To read the original article click here.

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LASIK: What You Need to Know

The AHA! Team — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:04:15 +0000

Kourtney H. Houser, MD via Duke Health – Chances are, you know someone who has had LASIK surgery, or you may have considered the procedure yourself. Despite the allure of ditching daily eyewear, the decision to undergo this elective surgery is one most people understandably deliberate on for quite a while. Here, Duke corneal specialist Kourtney Houser. MD, explains what you need to know if you are considering LASIK surgery. Is LASIK as quick, easy, and painless as it’s sometimes described? Make no mistake — LASIK is surgery, and anyone who implies otherwise is not forthcoming. The surgeon creates a flap in the cornea, and a laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. The surgery takes less than ten minutes, and patients feel pressure but no pain. However, that does not mean it is a simple procedure that just anyone can perform. Like any surgery, the experience of the surgeon is the most important factor in achieving the best results. What factors are important when considering LASIK? In addition to the surgeon’s experience, several elements are crucial to success with LASIK surgery. It starts with a thorough preoperative exam by a qualified surgeon and staff to ensure you are a good candidate. The quality of the surgical tools, such as the laser used, is also very important. We believe that having dedicated, on-site laser machines in a controlled operating room environment, where temperature and humidity are constantly monitored, contributes to better outcomes in our patients. We also have two different excimer laser platforms so that we can customize the procedure to each patient’s eye measurements and ensure the best vision possible. What complications are possible, and how common are they? Any eye procedure has a risk of vision loss, infection, or scarring, but thankfully this is very rare with LASIK. We actually think that the infection risk is less than that with contact lens wear over a patient’s lifetime, based on some reviews. Other risks include needing a second procedure, worsened dry eye, and development of pain or discomfort in the eyes, but most of these can be avoided by appropriate and in-depth pre-operative screening. Our rate of complications is extremely low, with the majority of them occurring less than 1% of the time. Our rates of enhancement (the need for additional laser adjustments) are under 2%. Who is not a good candidate for LASIK? Good question. There are people who are not candidates for LASIK surgery. In fact, I generally turn down roughly 20% of the prospective patients who come in for an evaluation. Some of the more common reasons include high refractive errors (nearsightedness or farsightedness), dry eyes, thin or abnormally shaped corneas, cataracts, and retinal problems from diabetes. The good news is that if you do not qualify for LASIK, Duke offers an array of alternative surgical procedures, such as PRK, phakic intraocular lenses, and cataract surgery with presbyopia- or astigmatism-correcting intraocular lenses. How long do improvements last? Improvements typically last a lifetime, though there can be some slight regression with time depending on your prescription. Also, most patients will develop a need for reading glasses as they reach their 40s and 50s–and while this doesn’t signify the LASIK “not working” anymore, it does usually require patients to wear glasses for some near tasks. What’s the bottom line when considering LASIK? LASIK is not for everybody, but those who are good candidates can experience a life-changing experience–independence from glasses or contact lenses and the freedom to see without correction for many years. As with any surgery, people should do their homework beforehand and choose a surgeon and facility in which they have confidence. To read the original article click here.

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Improving Vision with At-Home Brain Exercises

The AHA! Team — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:17:33 +0000

John Jeffay via Israel21c – RevitalVision offers a unique intervention for people with eyesight challenges, treating the brain where images are processed. Doctors told Amit Azulay again and again that she’d never be able to drive because of medical conditions affecting her eyesight. She proved them wrong — using a unique piece of software developed by a startup in Israel that has been clinically proven to improve vision. Despite suffering nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and albinism, her eyesight became good enough to apply for a license (see her delighted response to the news here). Amit, aged 25, is one of many patients who say the online training exercises have literally changed their lives. RevitalVision offers a unique intervention for people with eyesight challenges. It doesn’t treat the eye. It treats the brain. The eye is the hardware, providing the best optical signal it can. But in many cases, the brain struggles to process that signal. That could be because of medical conditions including diabetes, glaucoma or AMD (age-related macular degeneration). It could be a cataract patient whose hardware has been upgraded (cloudy lenses replaced with clear ones) but whose software (the brain) hasn’t caught up. Or somebody who’s had laser surgery but now has blurry vision resulting from reduced contrast sensitivity and still has to wear glasses. Or somebody with “lazy eye” (amblyopia) whose brain sidelines signals from the eye that doesn’t work as well as the other. Or somebody who’s borderline for wearing glasses and would prefer not to. RevitalVision addresses all these problems, and more, with a structured program that trains the brain to better make sense of the blurry signals it receives. Screams of joy RevitalVision’s program typically involves three half-hour, at-home computer sessions per week for two or three months. Patients are trained via a dedicated app. The result, says Yair Yahav, the company’s CEO, is a measurable improvement in vision of 20% to 25%, equivalent to an extra two or more lines on a standard eye chart or, in many cases, the difference between a driving license and no license. “Some patients come to our premises in Modi’in [central Israel], where we have a team of optometrists,” he tells ISRAEL21c. “About once a week I hear screams of joy from a patient in another room who now has good enough vision to qualify for a driving license. We have people who are literally crying. “They’ve been told their whole life that there’s no way, forget it, you’ll never be able to drive. “Then they come to us and if they’re missing just one or two lines [on the eye chart], that’s the average, we tell them they have an 85% to 90% chance of success.” One patient testimonial is from a woman who couldn’t read the label on her medicine, or see well enough to sign a check. She now can. Another, a graduate student with congenital nystagmus, always had to sit at the front of the class to read the board. Now she can sit anywhere. “It’s really lifechanging for many, many people,” says Yahav. Image processing He explains the science behind what they do. “The quality of the image we see depends both on image capturing and image processing,” he says. “We don’t treat the lens of the eye; we treat the brain by enhancing its ability to process visual information, which results in significant vision improvement.” The brain training is based on a “Gabor patch,” which looks like a grid of blurry black and white stripes on a gray background. It was invented by Dennis Gabor, who was born in Hungary, fled the Holocaust, invented holography, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 1971. His seemingly simple image perfectly matches the shape of the receptive fields of neurons, or nerve cells, in the part of the brain that processes visual information. Repeatedly stimulating those neurons improves their performance, just like physical exercise at the gym builds muscle, says Yahav. Shoring up weaknesses RevitalVision uses an algorithm to understand exactly where the weaknesses lie for each patient. In a typical on-screen exercise, the patient sees three images pop up, two of a Gabor patch and one of a blank. They have to click, using their computer’s mouse, to indicate which is which. The exercises get harder and harder, with the Gabor patch appearing less clear or further toward the edge of the patient’s field of vision. All the time, the algorithm is assessing responses and adjusting the images it displays accordingly. “Our software maps the patient’s cortical deficits, neurons that do not respond well. Then the algorithm tailors specific stimulation to match those deficits,” says Yahav. “Once the patient is consistently answering correctly, the software knows that’s the exact threshold, the maximum vision of the patient in this exercise, and moves on to the next one. “We are training the neurons to be more responsive and restoring the basic mechanism of visual processing in the brain,” he says. FDA approved Yahav says RevitalVision has “the only regulated product approved by the FDA with clinical claims to improve vision for a variety of eye diseases and impairments.” Some products approved to treat amblyopia, he says, are not for those over the age of nine. RevitalVision builds on pre-Internet technology developed in Israel, which it acquired from another company. This technology was launched commercially two years ago as a web-based product available by direct purchase or through an eyecare specialist. So far, the company’s product has treated 15,000 patients. “We’ve raised $7 million so far and we’re raising another $6 million. Now we are scaling up,” says Yahav. The company received a grant from the Israel Innovation Authority during its product development stage, and is conducting trials at Shamir Medical Center associated with Tel Aviv University. It currently employs six people in Israel, six in India and one in the UK. The potential market is so huge that the biggest challenge right now is to spread the word, says Yahav. For more information, click here. To read the original article click here.

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Study Reveals Nighttime Exposure to Blue Light Causes UNEXPECTED Harm to Your Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – The fact that using your digital devices at bedtime can interfere with your sleep due to blue light emitted by light-emitting diodes (LED) screens is something we’ve known for years. As devices become more prevalent and become a part of everyday life for many, there has been an increase in certain health issues that are often caused by device over-usage. At the core of these problems is the LED screen due to the blue light that they emit. Researchers are now discovering that the health ramifications associated with blue light reach far beyond sleep disturbance. Exposure to blue light can disrupt the secretion pattern of specific hormones, upset the body’s thermoregulation, and disturb circadian rhythm. New evidence, however, shows that it decreases fat oxidation levels during sleep. One study found strong evidence that the type of light exposed to may influence certain physiological changes, including unwanted weight gain. Why Is Blue Light Emitted by Screens So Dangerous? Blue light is a light wave that is part of the light spectrum that the human eye can see – the visible light spectrum. It has the highest energy and shortest wavelength, vibrating in the 380 to the 500-nanometer range. It is most often associated with LED-lit screens for computers, smartphones, and digital devices. However, around a third of all visible light is actually blue light. In fact, the sun is the primary source of blue light. The problem with blue light emissions from device screens is that the eyes are directly exposed for lengthy periods and from close proximity. Exposure to sunlight typically does not have these issues. Most people wear sunglasses, shield their eyes, and limit exposure. But, of course, having the source too close to the eyes is not a problem with the sun. Blue light does have its place, providing some health benefits – but originating from natural sources such as the sun is preferable. However, when it comes from a screen that is mere inches from a person’s face, that can be a problem. From eye strain to weight gain and depression, studies link blue light overexposure to MULTIPLE health conditions The eye is not very efficient when it comes to blocking blue light. As blue light enters the eye, it passes through the lens and cornea to the retina. Retinal cells convert the light and send impulses to the brain that turns light waves into images. Essentially, the eye is wide open to receiving blue light, so it can be too much of a good thing when it is exposed via a device screen that is inches away. Health problems related to continued exposure to blue light (especially via LED screens) include: Eyestrain Damaged retinal cells Eye conditions like macular degeneration Myopia and nearsightedness Disrupted sleep patterns Sleep deprivation Inhibited production of melatonin Blurred vision Headaches Weight gain Decreased fat oxidation Depression (nighttime exposure) Changes in skin cells that speed the aging process Decrease in the hormones leptin and cortisol (stress hormone) Increased blood sugar levels (due to disrupted circadian rhythm) Decreased metabolism Scientists are only now beginning to connect the dots regarding the far reach of overexposure to blue light. It has traditionally been believed that it disrupted sleep patterns, which is true, but researchers now understand that it is only the tip of the iceberg. So how can you protect against the harmful effects of blue light exposure? Here are 5 simple solutions for you to try Anyone who uses a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other digital devices on a regular basis can benefit from decreasing their exposure to blue light. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to give your eyes a break and your health a boost. Shut down devices well before bedtime – Exposure to blue light before going to bed tricks the brain into believing it is daylight. In response, it does not produce melatonin which induces sleep. This can lead to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. By shutting down all devices at least two hours before bed, the body has a chance to make adjustments and transition from daytime to bedtime by producing the melatonin the body needs. Blue light glasses – More studies are shedding light on the effectiveness of blue light glasses. In response, more doctors and researchers agree that the glasses do indeed help people reduce their exposure to blue light and get better sleep. 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Place interesting objects and pictures at different points around the room, 20 feet or more from you, to have something interesting to look at, and you will be more motivated to look longer. Blue light reduction apps – An app like f.lux adjusts a computer’s display color to reduce blue light. It can be set to change automatically at dusk or at a specific time, such as a few hours before bed. Control exposure to screens – Most people have some control over the lighting and glare on their screens. Move the device further away, so it isn’t as close, bring the device to a more posture-friendly height and level, and adjust the light in the room to reduce glare. Blue light filters for devices – Blue light filters for computer screens, tablets, smartphones, and other devices. These filters act as a barrier between the screen and the eye, so the exposure is greatly reduced. Opt for OLED lit screens – Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a kinder, gentler light source that quietly overtakes LED-lit screens. More televisions, computers, phones, and other devices are beginning to use OLED because it does not produce as much blue light as LED screens. In fact, OLED exposure actually shows better physiological function, including higher metabolism and higher production of melatonin when compared to LED exposure. We all love our devices, but there can come the point where we no longer have our devices, but they have us. Your device is not more important than your health. You can replace a screen or smartphone. You can buy a new computer. Your body and mind are much more precious — and irreplaceable. There are so many options out there to make your screen time safer and more enjoyable. Take some time to find the right one for you. Sources for this article include: Nature.com UCDavis.edu Stanford.edu NIH.gov AAO.org JustGetFlux.com To read the original article click here.

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6 Ways to Naturally Eliminate Migraines

AHA Publisher — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:00:45 +0000

Dr. Matthew Roe via NaturalHealth365 – Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache after tension headaches. And, just to be clear, a “primary” headache is a headache that is not caused by another disease or condition. Along with debilitating pain, migraines can generate blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Often without much warning, migraines can happen once a year, monthly, or several times a week. And, unfortunately, migraines can either occur with an aura – which is known as the classic migraine – or without an aura, which is called a common migraine. What can trigger a migraine? The possible migraine triggers not only vary from one individual to another, but encompass a whole range of common substances. This can include hormonal imbalances, synthetic fragrances, processed cereals (or other junk foods) and skipping meals. A simple drop in blood sugar can cause all kinds of health issues including head pain. The list of possible triggers is so long – it often appears impossible to eliminate the so-called causes. In the food category alone the list is extensive and includes ripened and aged cheese, poor-quality chocolate, citrus fruits, conventionally-raised (processed) meat with nitrites such as hot dogs, MSG, caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Food additive such as nitrites, sulfites, and aspartame can be the culprit behind a migraine. In fact, studies show a large percentage of migraine sufferers point to specific foods as the trigger. Non-food triggers include changes in the atmosphere such as drops in barometric pressure, high temperatures and bright, fluorescent lights. Many women get migraines monthly due to hormone fluctuations or the use of birth control pills. However, one of the most common migraine triggers seems to be chronic stress. It is a known fact that anxiety, worry, depression and moods changes can all release specific brain chemicals – which can trigger a migraine. Sadly, Western medicine promotes the use of analgesic migraine medications – including both prescription pain relievers and over-the-counter drugs – which produce “rebound” headaches. The point here is simple: no pill will ever solve the (underlying) problem associated with chronic head pain. A better way to achieve freedom from chronic headache pain Even with many drugs, lifestyle techniques, and surgical options available to treat and prevent the onset of a migraine – finding the right combination of therapies to manage migraines can be difficult. Fortunately, there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that natural means are just as effective as prescription medication and, many times, even more effective. #1 – Biofeedback: Most studies on biofeedback show that it can reduce the frequency and duration of headaches. The effects of biofeedback appear to be comparable to many drugs used for chronic headaches, and can be recommended as early treatment for recurrent migraines. #2 – Acupuncture: Albrecht Molsberger, MD, a medical acupuncture said it is at least as effective as blood pressure medication such as, beta-blockers – most often used for migraine prevention. The American Headache Society has recommended acupuncture for migraines. Acupuncture helps the natural energy flow and is thought to correct an energy disruption which leads to a migraine. #3 – Melatonin: Two-thirds of study participants who took melatonin before going to bed every night for 3 months said the number of migraines they experienced dropped by 50%. #4 – Magnesium: Studies have shown that migraine sufferers have low brain magnesium during migraine attacks and may also suffer from a magnesium deficiency. It is thought magnesium deficiency may play a particularly important role in menstrual migraine. #5 – Diet: It pays to avoid headache-inducing substances, including nitrites in processed meats, sugar, processed foods, chocolate, nuts aged cheese, aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in foods as a flavor enhancer. It’s also worth mentioning that dehydration is a major cause of headaches. Even though food may not be the underlying cause of a migraine, a poor diet does contribute to the problem by depleting vitamins and minerals – which are meant to help ward off an attack. #6 – Upper cervical chiropractic treatment: The most recent research is showing that the most plausible cause of migraine headaches resides in the autonomic nervous system. The swelling of the blood vessels in the brain and the drop in neurotransmitters are secondary and mainly occur in response to the changes in the autonomic nervous system. Emotional stress is a well known trigger for migraine. Japanese researchers have found that people living in fast-paced business centers in Tokyo tend to have an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system – specifically, an inhibition of the parasympathetic system that is active during relaxation, and an excitation of the sympathetic nervous system, which governs our response to stress. The major finding of a recent study is that migraine is a disorder of chronic sympathetic dysfunction. Many times the top vertebra in the spine known as the atlas can be jarred from its normal position. The atlas is the only vertebra in the entire spine not connected by discs to the vertebra below it and the atlas is the only vertebra that can induce increased pressure on the spinal cord. Right above the atlas sits the brain stem and a misalignment in the upper cervical spine can affect the functionality of the brain stem, which in turn can cause migraine headaches. The goal of the upper cervical treatment is to correct the misalignment consequently addressing the real cause of the migraine instead of just the symptoms. There are many case studies, which show a positive response using upper cervical chiropractic adjustments to treat migraines. About the author: Dr. Matthew Roe is a practicing upper cervical chiropractor and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. He has a Doctor of Chiropractic degree graduating Cum Laude from Life University College of Chiropractic. Having studied with the best Upper Cervical specific doctors in the world he understands true healing. His practice focus is to help people fine true health naturally. For more information about Dr. Roe – visit: WinterGardenChiropractors.com Sources for this article include: Healthline.com, Medscape.com, Holistichelp.net, Health.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Do Blue Light Glasses Work? Potential Benefits for Sleep & Eye Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:00:57 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Many experts tell us that when it comes to managing our health, including our body weights and moods, we should be careful not to underestimate the power of sleep. One reason why so many adults and children today are thought to be living in a sleep deprived state is because of high exposure to electronic devices that emit blue light. Because blue light is capable of disrupting our circadian rhythms, or “internal clocks,” blue light glasses are now recommended to improve sleep quality and other concerns. What are the benefits of blue light glasses? While more research on the topic is warranted, there’s some evidence that blue light blocking glasses can positively impact your metabolism, focus, appetite control and more. Read on to find out how to choose the best blue light blocking glasses for your needs, plus tips regarding when and how long to wear them. What Are Blue Light Glasses? Blue light glasses are a special type of eyewear that can block or filter blue light that is emitted from digital screens and electronics. If you regularly deal with issues like eye strain, blurry vision, headaches and trouble sleeping — which you believe may be tied to your use of electronics — then wearing blue light filtering glasses can be a worth a shot. What is blue light that glasses block? Blue light is a type of high-energy light that is bright and has a short wavelength. These are wavelengths of light between 420 and 480 nanometers on the visible light spectrum. While it mostly has a bad reputation, blue light also has some benefits, such as making us feel alert and awake. Most of our exposure comes from sunlight, but electronics also contribute to the amount of blue light that reaches our eyes on a daily basis. Electronics that give off blue light include televisions, smartphones, laptops, computer monitors and tablets, which many teens and adults now report spending multiple hours using every single day. How do blue light glasses work? These glasses are most often used at night to help block blue light emitted from LED devices from reaching the eyes. Studies have found that blue light exposure can suppress natural production of the hormone melatonin, which has sleep-inducing effects. Therefore it’s thought that too much exposure at night can keep you up and disturb your natural sleep-wake cycle. Wearing blue light filtering glasses is therefore a way to prevent sleep dysfunction and possibly to protect the eyes in other ways. Do They Work? Potential Benefits Do blue light glasses really work? Opinions regarding their effectiveness and findings from studies conducted thus far have been mixed overall. Research focused on the effects of blue light glasses is largely still underway. One reason it’s difficult to determine how well they work for the majority of people is because their use isn’t tightly regulated, since authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States do not consider these glasses to be medical devices. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of Optometrists in the U.K currently don’t recommendthe use of blue light glasses for the general public, although they haven’t stated that they are dangerous or should be avoided. Their stance is that there isn’t enough high-quality research showing that they work, plus that symptoms like eye strain and headaches may actually be due to issues like squinting while using electronics and poor posture, not blue light exposure. That said, some experts and many people do report experiencing benefits from blue light blocking glasses. Potential benefits may include: Reduced eyes strain, dry eyes and blurriness Reduced headaches Improved sleep habits and decreased insomnia, especially having an easier time falling asleep Enhanced vision (including less blur) Possibly increased protection against development of certain eye diseases, although this is still being studied — it’s currently thought that blue light from devices do NOT damage the retinas or contribute to long-term vision loss, macular degeneration or glaucoma If blue light filter glasses are capable of helping you sleep better, then there’s reason to believe that their benefits can be far-reaching. Sleep deprivation can make it more likely that you’ll develop a range of serious health issues, such as obesity, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and others. Therefore getting more sleep can be highly protective and important for improving overall quality of life. What to Look for in Blue Light Blocking Glasses What is the best brand of blue light blocking glasses? It really depends on the filter strength that you require and how severe your symptoms are. In terms of where to buy blue light glasses, you can purchase either prescription or non-prescription blue light glasses from your optometrist, in drug stores, in stores that sell glasses/eyewear or online. If you’re dealing with vision-related problems, such as cataracts, or you’ve recently had eye surgery, it’s best to speak with your optometrist about his/her recommendations, since it may be possible you actually require contacts or glasses in addition to filtering glasses. Filters that block blue light can be added to prescription glasses at a relatively low cost, typically under $100. You can purchase non-prescription blue light glasses for around $30 to $100 as well, although more expensive brands are also available. If you’re concerned about also blocking UV light, look for glasses that have a filter providing 100% protection from UV light. When to Wear Them How do you know if you need blue light glasses? If you regularly use electronic LED devices at night, particularly once the sun is down, you may benefit from trying them. However, if you don’t want to invest in these glasses and are skeptical about their effects, experts suggest simply decreasing your evening screen time and/or setting all of your devices to “night mode,” which helps automatically result in less blue light exposure. Is it OK to wear blue light blocking glasses all the time? This may not be necessary, but it shouldn’t be harmful either. Some people find that wearing the glasses while they work helps their eyes feel better and allows them to work longer more comfortably. If you spent a couple of hours on electronics daily, especially during the daytime when you’d be getting blue light exposure anyway from the sun if you were outdoors, it’s probably not a problem to skip the glasses. Some blue light exposure during the day, particularly from natural sunlight, is even beneficial for regulating your circadian rhythm, so don’t be worried about a normal level of exposure. Overall, the best time to wear blue light glasses is at night, during the hours leading up to bedtime when your body is producing more melatonin. But if your eyes feel less strained when you wear them during the day too, then experts say this is fine to continue doing. Risks and Side Effects Blue light glasses may be capable of taking stress off of your eyes and helping you sleep better at night, but they aren’t the only way to take care of your vision of circadian rhythm. Here are other steps to take if you wish to sleep better and avoid eye strain, headaches and other issues: Get sunlight exposure during the day by going outdoors. Just be careful about too much UV-A and UV-B light reaching your eyes, which may be damaging — therefore consider wearing sunglasses if you spend lots of time in the sun. Avoid alcohol and nicotine, especially close to bedtime. Exercise regularly, which can improve sleep quality. Develop a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you cope with stress and unwind. Ideally this routine shouldn’t involve electronics — instead try reading a book, stretching or taking a warm bath. If you do use electronics at night, switch them to night mode. Keep the temperature in your room low, and wear clothes that don’t make you too hot. Limit the amount of hours you spend on electronics if possible. Invest in a good ergonomic chair to support your posture, and make sure your screens are at the right height so you’re avoiding forward head posture. Ideally have your eyes be about 25 inches from the screen and looking just slightly down. When working on a computer or device, take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Conclusion What is the benefit of blue light blocking glasses? They help filter/block bright blue light that is emitted from electronic devices. Too much blue light can contribute to issues like sleep dysfunction and possibly eye strain and headaches. What are the best blue light glasses? It depends on why you’re wearing them. If you have severe symptoms or are recovering from eye surgery, you may need a prescription and should speak with a doctor. Otherwise you can purchase them at drug stores or online. Research focused on the effects blue light filtering glasses is overall lacking, and opinions differ about whether or not they are necessary. However, some people find they reduce symptoms like eye strain, dry eyes, blurriness, tension headaches and trouble falling asleep — especially among people using electronics for many hours daily and at night. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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