Expert Approval for Young Eyes

• Dhruvin Patel

  Optometrist

  Learn more

Dhruvin Patel



OPTOMETRIST AND FOUNDER OF OCUSHIELD

Dhruvin studied extensively the role blue light has in the eyes physiology and circadian rhythms whilst studying to become an optometrist. This allowed him to build the research backed Ocushield products we have today. Alongside this he spent many years working in clinical practice, from hospital practice to community settings where he further developed his clinical skills.

Comment on blue light:

Having learned about the dangers of blue light very early on in 2013 meant, I have been following blue light research closely over the years. The research/knowledge base has increased dramatically compared to what was available in previous years. Now we have epidemiological studies, clinical trials and peer reviewed papers all on how blue light affects our health.

It is now conclusive that blue light emitted from sources such as screens and ambient lighting, can affect three main aspects of our health. Firstly our eyes, by causing eye strain and headaches in the short term but also contributing towards Macular Degeneration in the long-term. Secondly, our sleep by suppressing the hormone melatonin which makes it possible for our bodies to fall asleep. Without the secretion of this hormone, we stay awake essentially. Finally, skin which has come from newer findings. We now know 30 hours of exposure to blue light from smartphone or laptop screens can increase the inflammation level in skin cells by 40%. This means more fine lines and early ageing.

In a digital age, we can’t get away from technology. But, we can be mindful of how we and our families use technology and adjust our environments so our bodies are being protected from overexposure to harmful blue light.

"Close (esc)"

• Dr Saliha Afridi

  Clinical psychologist

  Learn more

Dr Saliha Afridi



CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr Saliha Afridi Emirates is a USA/UAE Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Managing Director of The LightHouse Arabia. LightHouse Arabia provides psychological and psychiatric care to children, adults and families. Dr Saliha Grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and moved to Dubai in 2008 with a mission to have a positive impact on the mental health of the individuals in this region.

Comment on blue light:

I believe one of the “must have” products of the digital age is a blue light screen protector. Blue light is causing havoc to our sleep cycles, as it suppresses the release of an essential hormone called melatonin. The disturbance of sleep and the lack of quality sleep are not only linked to a host of mental health problems such as heightened anxiety and lower mood - but also decreased levels of motivation, productivity and concentration. As well as poor judgement and problem-solving. To me, it’s a no-brainer. You should add this screen protector to every device in your household, especially as technology becomes more and more interwoven in our lives and the lives of our children. What I really appreciate about the Ocushield blue light screen protector is that it does not change the appearance of my screen at all (unlike my phone’s “Night Mode” or other protectors). I have more energy/focus in my day and my eyes are noticeably less fatigued after hours of sitting in front of my laptop/mobile phone. I highly, highly recommend this product for professionals, parents, and their children

"Close (esc)"

• Dr Nikola Ragusa

  Ophthalmologist

  Learn more

Dr Nikola Ragusa



Ophthalmologist

Dr. Nikola Ragusa is a glaucoma and laser cataract surgeon. He has a special interest in preventative medicine and improving visual health. He works in the New York City metro area and sees patients in The Bronx. He has given lectures nationally and internationally on various eye care issues - as well as innovations in eye care.

Comment on blue light: 

We have seen a shift over the past year to working from home and increasing popularity of Zoom meetings/teleconference solutions. The need for protection and alleviation of digital eye related illnesses is becoming a must for a lot of patients.

Ocushield offers a way to increase comfort in a stylish and effective way. By offering blue light blocking technology - the user can work on their computer, tablet, and smartphone with less vision or ocular fatigue. For the Zoomer generation, this is a must. I recommend Ocushield’s products to all of my patients who work in front of screens regularly.

The best way to prevent eye strain from digital devices is through preventing their negative effects. Ocushield delivers on this, by helping their clients stay healthy and avoid digital eye strain before it begins.

"Close (esc)"

• Dr. Nikita Desai

  Optometrist

  Learn more

Dr. Nikita Desai



Optometrist

Dr. Nikita Desai is a therapeutic optometrist and has a special interest in ocular disease and low vision. She loves to care for her patients along with educating them about their ocular health.Dr. Desai was born in Toronto, Canada but raised in Savannah, Georgia. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas. She currently practices in Savannah, Georgia as a primary care and low vision optometrist. Apart from caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends - along with traveling. 

Comment on blue light:

Blue light is a type of visible light with a shorter wavelength, making it emit higher energy. Blue light is not only given off by the sun but also by computer screens, smartphones, flat-screen televisions, and anything that has fluorescent and/or LED backlighting (which includes regular light bulbs btw!).

It is important to understand the effects of blue light because it is not only damaging to the eyes short term,  but also long term. Short term blue light effects can make the eyes fatigued and dry. This can contribute to the symptoms of throbbing pain around the eyes - some even suffer from itchy/”burning” eyes. The long term blue light effects can decrease the pigment in the centre part of the vision known as the macula. This can increase the risk of development of macular degeneration - and even blindness.

The sun can actually radiate more blue light than screens. However, with the increasing amount of time in front of/staring directly at screens, we’re starting to see it affect a lot more eyes than the sun. Using blue light filter glasses or screen protectors can help to decrease the amount of blue light that enters the cornea, lens or retina. 

Ocushield has a lot to offer for their customers from screen protectors - from electronic devices to blue light blocking glasses. The variety of their products has allowed me to protect many of my own devices to help protect my eyes. This is why I feel so comfortable suggesting these products to my patients. Plus, with their beautiful range - I know they won’t have a hard time finding a product they like, to help protect their eyes!

"Close (esc)"

• Rachel Clarkson

  Dietician & Nutritionist

  Learn more

Rachel Clarkson



Specialist Dietician & Nutritionist

Rachel has worked as a Clinical Dietician in the NHS at Chelsea & Westminster hospital before setting up her own private practice on the famous London’s Harley Street. Rachel is a board certified dietician and a healthcare professional that can assess, diagnose and treat medical conditions, working with both healthy and sick people.

Comment on blue light:

Now more than ever, sleep is becoming a major factor in our health and wellness. Sleep is not only important to give our body rest but it also gives our brain a chance to flush out toxins that have accumulated throughout the day, which can only be done when we are asleep.   

We’ve all heard that phones and screens before bedtime are a big no! But do you know the science behind this? We have a helpful hormone in our body called melatonin, which is secreted in the dark, causing us to become tired and sleepy. In the morning as the sun rises and there is more light, melatonin stops being produced by our body which causes us to wake up! Our laptop or phone screens emit a particular type of light called “blue light”, which stops the production of melatonin. And without melatonin, our sleep quality is greatly compromised!

So how does this affect our body’s overall health? Recent research is showing us that sleep quality also plays a huge role in weight management. Studies are showing us that the less we sleep, the more hunger hormone (ghrelin) is produced and the less satiety hormone (leptin) is secreted. This causes us to eat much more after a night or two of bad sleep. Not only do we overeat because of this imbalance of hormones, but the research is showing we also don’t make the best food choices when our body is in this state! We are more likely to snack and eat energy dense, high carb and saturated fat foods. This can cause weight gain and also long term, can have other implications on our overall health.

"Close (esc)"

• Gemma Clare

  Holistic skin expert

  Learn more

Gemma Clare



Subtitle

Gemma is a visionary pioneer in her field with a specialised 360° approach to deliver personalised treatments. Integrating traditional holistic methods with evidence-based science, she merges eastern and western techniques, ‘clean’ medical skincare and cutting edge aesthetic technology to achieve naturally clear, radiant and youthful skin from the inside out.

Comment on blue light:

Blue light is a type of visible light with a shorter wavelength, making it emit higher energy. Blue light is not only given off by the sun but also by computer screens, smartphones, flat-screen televisions, and anything that has fluorescent and/or LED backlighting (which includes regular light bulbs btw!).

It is important to understand the effects of blue light because it is not only damaging to the eyes short term,  but also long term. Short term blue light effects can make the eyes fatigued and dry. This can contribute to the symptoms of throbbing pain around the eyes - some even suffer from itchy/”burning” eyes. The long term blue light effects can decrease the pigment in the centre part of the vision known as the macula. This can increase the risk of development of macular degeneration - and even blindness.

The sun can actually radiate more blue light than screens. However, with the increasing amount of time in front of/staring directly at screens, we’re starting to see it affect a lot more eyes than the sun. Using blue light filter glasses or screen protectors can help to decrease the amount of blue light that enters the cornea, lens or retina. 

Ocushield has a lot to offer for their customers from screen protectors - from electronic devices to blue light blocking glasses. The variety of their products has allowed me to protect many of my own devices to help protect my eyes. This is why I feel so comfortable suggesting these products to my patients. Plus, with their beautiful range - I know they won’t have a hard time finding a product they like, to help protect their eyes!

"Close (esc)"