The increasing use of smartphones, tablets and
e-readers continues to be cause for concern among scientific experts. In 2014,
the Pew Research center found 90% of Americans own a cellphone, 58% own a
smartphone, 42% own an a tablet computer and 32% own an e-reader.

It may not seem like it, but by using mobile
technology in the night, (and long hours during the day) enough blue light is
emitted to suppress the sleep hormone melatonin. This throws off the body’s
circadian rhythm, which is the body’s mechanism responsible for sleep.

“The physiological effects of light at
night and sleep disruption have been ‘proven’ in the sense that there is
general acceptance in the scientific community of its truth….What has not
been ‘proven’ is that electric light at night causally increases risk of
cancer, obesity, diabetes, and/or depression.” says Richard Stevens, an
epidemiologist at the University of Connecticut Health Center and his co-author
of a recent research paper.

Optical companies are aware of this public
health concern and have designed lenses to block harmful parts of the blue
light spectrum. These lenses effectively reduce blue light and can
make a significant contribution to eye health (and sleep) for those that
regularly use screens, as well as limit the symptoms of digital eye strain.
These include dry, itchy eyes; neck, shoulder, and/or backaches, and blurred
vision.