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As much as we're advancing in technology, we're paying the price of sight. More and more people are spending their working days in front of a desk, staring at a computer screen.
Whether we’re at home or on the bus, we're glued to our smartphones or tablets, staying connected to the world around us. What we don't realize is that the more time we spend looking at screens, the worse our vision becomes.
Staring at your smartphone, laptop, or tablet for too long can lead to tired, itchy, and dry eyes, eventually leading to blurred vision and headaches. There's actually a name for this; it's called Computer vision syndrome.
Computer vision syndrome is described as vision-related problems resulting from prolonged usage of digital devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, other vision-related problems stem from cataracts, prescription glasses or contact lenses, migraines, age, glaucoma, trauma, and more.
But with the help of light therapy, it looks like there's a solution to eye strain and declining eyesight. Researchers from the University College of London published their study in the Journals of Gerontology found that red light therapy may help improve eye function through mitochondria and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) interaction.
How do the mitochondria and ATP benefit from red light? The mitochondria produce most of the chemical energy needed for all biochemical reactions within the body. The energy produced is stored as ATP, which then converts into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). For the human body to stay healthy, ATP is essential for the cellular process.
Concerning the eyes, the retina ages faster than any other in the body, according to Glen Jeffrey, lead study author and neuroscience professor at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology. Glen adds that up to 70% of the ATP in the retinas will decline over a person's lifetime, which causes reduced eye function.
This is where red light therapy plays an important role in improving eye function and vision. It's believed that red light therapy increases ATP production in the mitochondria, improving and restoring cellular energy, keeping your eyes healthy and functioning optimally.
In the study, researchers tested the eye function and sensitivity of 21 participants between 28 and 72 without pre-existing eye diseases. The participants were given a small LED light, which they had to look directly into the light for three minutes a day over two weeks. The results were extremely interesting. For those under 40, they did not see any measurable differences. However, those over 40 experienced significant improvements in their ability to differentiate between colors and in sensitivity of up to 20%.
Glen explains that red light therapy "uses simple brief exposures to light wavelengths that re-charge the energy system that has declined in the retina cells, rather like re-charging a battery."
Though there are further studies that need to be done, this shines a light on the power of red light to restore eye function. Prior to the study above, other studies have been done in the past; however, this is the first on humans. Yet, previous studies also proved positive effects on retinal performance and damage reversal.
The future's looking bright for those who have eye issues and want non-invasive treatments. As Glen said, “the technology is simple and very safe.”
With Kayian Medical’s MDA-certified and FDA-approved red light therapy devices, you can provide clients with non-invasive and effective treatment to improve eye function.
