Are We Next? The Ama Says We May Be in Danger!

A few of the unintended consequences are discussed on The Today Show regarding the cooler, bluer, day-like light emitted by new LED lights hitting the streets in LA and New York.  It stands to reason Chicago would be next, and according to the Illinois Center for Transportation, the multi-phase study is already under way and up to 30% of the street lighting will be replaced by 2025.  This bright-as-day LED lighting can change the visibility from a warm, soft tone, to a more true daytime glow as seen below:

We may see more of the pavement with the 4,000 Kelvin LED lighting, but at what cost?   Some of the unexpected consequences are the same as the blue light emitted by our cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other LED screens but the glare can be unbearable if you are sensitive to that type of light.  We are bombarded with blue light which the AMA says can cause sleep disorders like insomnia, obesity, diabetes and even cancer.  In Optometry, the jury is back on blue light, and the news isn’t good there either:  LED at night = dangerous glare, increased risk of eye disease, and suppression of melatonin: the body’s way of naturally maintaining our sleep/wake cycle through specialized photoreceptors in the retina.   Have you ever been temporarily “blinded by the light” of oncoming headlights?  These distracting lights will soon be lining our streets.

Be prepared: build up your eyes’ natural defenses called Macular Pigments.  Have your eyes tested for glare, contrast, and our natural defense against blue light.  Measuring the macular pigment at your optometrist’s office indicates protection factor from eye disease and visual performance through glare.  A low macular pigment score means greater risk of eye disease.  Poor glare performance or symptoms means that Eyefoods and/or supplements chosen specifically for you can alleviate these symptoms and improve your eyes’ natural defenses.  At 4Sight iCare, this testing (glare, contrast, dietary & supplement consultation, and macular pigment testing) is available as a stand-alone MVP (Maximum Vision Protection/Performance) test, and the results will prepare you to drive safely at night.