We continue to revisit the subject of harmful blue light because it happens to be, as our Cover Story this month underscores, one of the most talked about vision care topics in recent years, both within and outside of the optical industry.

It’s a tremendous issue as the patient population, patients of all ages, spend increasing hours a day using smartphones, tablets and computer screens with only a glimmer of awareness of how this heavy use can strain or compromise their vision.

The scenario puts eyecare professionals and optical retailers right at the center of important communications about the hazards of digital eye strain and potentially harmful effects of blue light on the eye, as well as its effect on sleep patterns, mood and overall wellness. As some ECPs start to position themselves strongly as blue light specialists, still others will see the blue light and digital device discussions with patients as a major jumping off point and a tremendous opportunity to ask about other lifestyle, work and hobby questions.

Yes, vision and eyecare are often, unfortunately, misunderstood among most people. But just as digital device usage has upended (and yes, enhanced) so many aspects of people’s work, entertainment and social lives, their ubiquity is just the kind of thing that propels more questions and an intensified awareness about eye health and vision issues.

There is a confluence of things that happen within the general discussions doctors and patients are having about digital eye strain that puts the ECP’s expertise in the center spotlight. That’s a position to leverage and one that can easily extend into questions and dialogues with patients about sports eye protection or work safety protection or sunwear usage, too.

maxelrad@jobson.com