We live in a digital age where the dependence on technology is extremely common. Ipads, cellphones and laptops are used by almost everyone these days. This increased use of digital devices makes our exposure to artificial blue light inevitable. With the amount of screen time we have, a common question I am asked by my patients is ‘Is the blue light harmful to my eyes?’.

The recent pandemic has increased screen time for everyone. People are working from home and Zoom calls are the new normal. Children are enrolled in online learning as a result of the COVID-19 related restrictions. Our exposure to blue light has increased.

Blue light is contained at 400-490nm in the visible light spectrum. Blue light is naturally found in sunlight and is known to have an affect on our sleep. I am often told by many of my patients who use digital devices that they experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, eye fatigue as just a few examples. I make recommendations to my patients on how to protect ourselves from the artificial blue light which we are exposed to from our digital devices. Here are a few tips:

Reduce screen time and exposure to digital devices
Remember to get enough exposure to sunlight as this can affect the growth and development of the eyes and vision
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.

The world as we now know it has changed. The recent health pandemic has changed learning for many, if not all, students. Previous classroom settings are now Zoom calls with the teacher and their classmates having their own screens but are nowhere to be seen. Prior to the pandemic, myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, was already on the rise. Some statistics had suggested that the global rate of myopia incidence would have increased to 50% of the population. This upwards trend will likely be affected by the increased screening time children are being exposed to.

With this increase in screen time as result of online school due to the pandemic, children are no longer spending as much time doing other things including being outdoors. Of course, there are genetic factors which are considered however there is a definite concern in regards to increasing myopia in children who must stay home as a result of the COVID-19 related lockdowns.

It is important for children to have a comprehensive eye exam. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends a child’s first eye exam to be at the age of 6 months. Then again at 2-3 years old, and every year there after. In Ontario, yearly eye exams for children are covered by OHIP until they turn 20 years old.

At SPINE we solve complex problems through intelligent engineering. Form follows function; aesthetics are dictated by technology and the solutions their relationship offers. Science takes centre stage.

Inspired by the interaction between vertebrae, SPINE solves age old hinge limitations. Unencumbered by traditional parts and manufacturing processes, we strive to out-think the competition.

There are no screws loose here – because there are no screws used in SPINE working mechanics. Accidental impacts are glanced off as SPINE moves in all directions, absorbing and dissipating shocks thus greatly reducing breakage.

Our pièce de résistance? Temples shut automatically.

Yes, they really do!

Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the world’s best known “Made in Italy” luxury brands. Salvatore Ferragamo was an innovator, a lover of shoes and was known as the “shoemaker to the stars”. The basic principles underlying Salvatore Ferragamo’s art of shoemaking, craftsmanship, creativity, and elegance are reflected in the entire product range inclusive of eyewear. His passion wasn’t only to make shoes that were part of the everyday, but to design a key element that defined ones style and personality.

Salvatore Ferragamo eyewear is playful, colorful, detailed with adornments, and quintessential of Ferragamo’s heritage. Salvatore Ferragamo Eyewear uses iconic elements from its DNA, such as, Gancino, Vara, and Prints.

“To me, luxury is freedom,” Creative Director Massimiliano Giornetti says, “It’s about being a free spirit who can express herself, and it’s about what is playful, colorful, and detailed more than minimal.” The use of iconic elements and innovative materials creates a balance between strong historical roots and new modern interpretations.

ROOTS is Canada’s leading lifestyle brand that was inspired by the great Canadian wilderness and its’ way of life. ROOTS eyewear mirrors the ROOTS’ corporate philosophy for the brand – it has to be casual, comfortable and fit great. ROOTS is committed to the Canadian way of life.

As with all their designs, including their eyewear, the company is solidly committed to the development of exciting styles that embody the values of tradition, quality and integrity of the Canadian way of life.

Nike has revolutionized athletic footwear and sportswear. Nike’s vast range of products includes specialized training gear, footwear, apparel, accessories, Nike Vision eyewear and sports equipment. Through innovative products, advertising, and sponsorship of teams and athletes, Nike has become a leader in the sportswear industry and one of the world’s largest brands.

Nike Vision eyewear brings the same inspiration and innovation to athletes with product that helps them See Sport Better ™. Product is developed for each category of sport within Nike, which are sport inspired and for the athlete in everyone, from lifestyle sunglasses to ophthalmic frames.

The LACOSTE legend was born in 1933, when Rene Lacoste revolutionized men’s fashion replacing the classical woven fabric, long sleeved and starched shirts on the courts, by what has now become the classic Lacoste polo shirt. The LACOSTE art of living expresses itself today through a large collection of apparel for men, women and children, footwear, fragrances, leather goods, eyewear, watches, belts and home textiles. More than 80 years after its creation, LACOSTE has become an urban lifestyle brand which exemplifies elegance and comfort.

• Inspired from chic, high performance sports
• Comfortable and innovative product to free the body and mind
• Combination of elegance and comfort
• Being at ease to embrace life’s movement and move forward

LACOSTE looks at life in an optimistic way by telling itself it is a beautiful sport: a sport in which you compete with elegance, show off your panache, and combine a quest for performance with an eye on elegance. LACOSTE gives self-confidence to those who want to win the match “en beaute”.

Known for her exquisite detail and modern, sophisticated approach to classic style, Vera Wang has once again designed an exceptionally beautiful and functional product with her eyewear collection.

She has translated her aesthetic into eyewear and created the ultimate accessory of subtle elegance and simple beauty to flatter any women’s face.

Elegant, Refined and Luxurious – Vera Wang.

Calvin Klein Collection eyewear represents a sleek modernity characterized by sophisticated designs. The men’s and women’s eyewear continues to feature no visible logo detailing on the outside of the frame. Enhancing the minimalistic look is the signature reverse hinge, which has been fully integrated throughout both the sun and optical collections.

Beaver Canoe is an authentic heritage brand incorporating a balance of style and purpose for the family and home inspired by the rich history of the Canadian landscape.

Beaver Canoe was conceived in Canada’s oldest provincial park through a partnership of outdoor enthusiasts including renowned canoeist Omer Stringer and Roots Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman. Beginning with fine crafted canoes, followed by apparel and accessories, Beaver Canoe is inspired by life on the trails and water of Algonquin Park. Beaver Canoe features the nostalgic trademark of the beaver, an industrious and noble animal.