Kids between the ages of 8 to 18 spend a total of 7.5 hours each day in front of a screen for entertainment purposes alone, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That equates to 114 full days per year. For adults, “screen time” also applies to working on a computer, tablet or smartphone, in addition to watching television. All of this screen viewing has increased the risks of a known side effect – blue light exposure.

What is blue light exposure?

Blue light is the highest wavelength of visible light that can penetrate the eye’s natural filters, piercing deeper than any other color. Electronic devices emit varying amounts of blue light, especially at night. Prolonged exposure to blue light can result in:

• Suppression of the natural release of melatonin, leading to sleep disruption
• Retinal damage
• Long-term vision problems, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts

With May designated as Healthy Vision Month, spring and summer are good times of year to evaluate your blue light intake and learn how your health benefits can work to help reduce the effects of blue light exposure.

Christopher Cordero is a doctor of optometry at Davis Vision, which provides vision benefit management services to members with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota vision plans.

“Blue light is a high-energy light,” says Dr. Cordero. “While prolonged exposure has been linked to a range of issues, many filtering devices are available. While these devices can help reduce blue light exposure, they should not be considered a complete solution."

How can you manage exposure to blue light?

More than 68 percent of Americans report that they have not discussed their screentime usage with their eye doctor. Blue Cross has recently expanded its vision coverage offerings to include blue light protection, making it easy to mitigate effects without drastic lifestyle changes. Members can utilize their benefits to ask an in-network optometrist about:

• Special coatings – Kodak Total Blue lenses provide 100% UV protection and filter up to 80% of blue light
• Sunglasses – Transitions Signature® offers adaptive lenses that help to keep eyes safe
• Protection for kids – Eyezen® lenses filter blue light and are uniquely designed for children ages 6 to 12, accounting for their growing facial features, shorter object distance and upper gaze direction

Marisa Becker, ancillary project manager at Blue Cross, notes, “Our collaboration with Davis Vision provides members with an expansive network that offers the care and tools needed for the best vision possible. This aligns to Blue Cross’ core mission of helping everyone achieve their healthiest lives.”

Dr. Cordero also recommends following the “20/20/20” rule—take a break from looking at a screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And, of course, scheduling your annual eye exam. Your eye doctor will be able to guide you through the new developments in blue light lenses and how a pair of ‘computer glasses’ can complement your existing reading glasses or everyday pair.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota has partnered with Davis Vision to offer a variety of standalone vision plans with benefit levels to meet everyone’s needs.  Blue Cross vision plans use the Davis Vision network, a national network of private practices and retail locations.

Learn more

Members with a standalone vision plan through Blue Cross can check their benefits by visiting bluecrossmn.com. Employers interested in offering a vision plan through Blue Cross can visit bluecrossmn.com /shop-plans/blue-cross-vision-plans.