Friday Night Football is Back!

in East Stroudsburg on Friday, August 24, 2018.

High School teams all across the country are taking the field under the lights to compete in football competition. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of Friday night football!

I was on the sidelines this past Friday night to cover two local games. You can see more of the photos from these games here:
http://bobshankphotography.com/Recent%20Events.html

in Stroudsburg on Friday, August 24, 2018.

Blue Light Glasses in the Workplace: Essential Protection for the Modern Professional

As screen time becomes an integral part of the modern workplace, the demand for blue light glasses has surged among professionals. With remote work and digital tasks taking center stage, blue light glasses are quickly transitioning from a helpful accessory to an essential tool for those spending prolonged hours in front of screens. This article explores the importance of blue light glasses in the workplace, their impact on productivity and employee well-being, and how businesses can encourage their use to support staff health and performance.
The Rise of Screen Time in the Workplace

The shift to remote and hybrid work has fundamentally transformed how we engage with screens. Employees now rely on laptops, desktops, and mobile devices not only for work but also for meetings, collaboration, and communication. According to recent studies, the average office worker spends between 6 to 8 hours a day looking at screens, which is even higher for professionals in tech, finance, and digital sectors.

As screen exposure grows, so does the need to protect eyes from the harmful effects of blue light, the high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital screens. Blue light is known to cause eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to longer-term vision problems. For many professionals, blue light glasses have become a simple yet effective solution to mitigate these adverse effects and promote a healthier, more comfortable work experience.
Understanding the Impact of Blue Light on Productivity and Well-Being

Excessive blue light exposure is linked to several physical symptoms that can hinder productivity and overall well-being:

Digital Eye Strain: Long hours in front of screens can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Blue light glasses can reduce eye strain, helping employees feel more comfortable and less fatigued throughout the workday.

Headaches and Migraines: Blue light overexposure is also associated with headaches and migraines, especially for individuals sensitive to bright light. By filtering out a portion of blue light, these glasses can alleviate headaches, reducing the need for breaks and enhancing focus.

Sleep Disruption: Blue light exposure suppresses melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality, particularly in employees who work late or check screens close to bedtime. Blue light glasses help minimize this disruption, allowing employees to maintain a healthy sleep cycle, which translates into better energy and focus during work hours.

Mental Fatigue: Digital fatigue, often triggered by constant screen engagement, can impact mental well-being, causing burnout, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Blue light glasses reduce eye discomfort, helping employees stay sharp and alert, even during long workdays.

The Role of Blue Light Glasses in Enhancing Workplace Productivity

The benefits of blue light glasses extend beyond health, directly impacting productivity:

Improved Focus and Efficiency: When employees are not dealing with eye strain, headaches, or mental fatigue, they can focus on tasks with greater efficiency. This improvement can lead to higher quality work and increased output.

Reduced Absenteeism: Eye strain and related symptoms are common causes of workplace absenteeism, especially for professionals working with screens all day. By reducing these issues, blue light glasses can contribute to fewer sick days and improved employee attendance.

Enhanced Mental Clarity: Blue light glasses can minimize symptoms that distract from work, such as dry eyes or mild headaches, helping employees maintain mental clarity and perform their tasks with precision.

Long-Term Wellness Benefits: Supporting employees with tools like blue light glasses signals that their health and wellness matter. Over time, this investment in well-being can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Encouraging the Use of Blue Light Glasses Among Employees

Businesses can take proactive steps to encourage the use of blue light glasses, helping protect their teams from the adverse effects of prolonged screen time:

Provide Education on the Benefits: Start by educating employees on how blue light affects eye health, productivity, and overall well-being. Conduct informational sessions, webinars, or send out company-wide emails explaining the science behind blue light and the benefits of blue light glasses.

Offer Blue Light Glasses as a Workplace Perk: Some companies provide blue light glasses as part of their employee wellness perks. This could be in the form of reimbursing employees for the cost of glasses, offering a small stipend, or partnering with eyewear companies to offer discounts on blue light glasses.

Incorporate Blue Light Glasses into Health and Wellness Initiatives: Companies with wellness programs can consider adding blue light glasses as a component of their health benefits, much like ergonomic chairs and standing desks. This reinforces the company’s commitment to employee well-being.

Encourage Regular Screen Breaks: Complement the use of blue light glasses with policies that encourage regular breaks to reduce digital eye strain. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), which, combined with blue light glasses, can significantly reduce strain.

Raise Awareness Through Testimonials and Success Stories: Employees are more likely to adopt blue light glasses if they hear positive feedback from their colleagues. Collect testimonials from employees who have experienced relief from eye strain and improved productivity with blue light glasses to encourage others.

Recommended Blue Light Glasses for the Workplace

Here are a few highly recommended brands and models that offer quality blue light protection tailored for workplace needs:

Felix Gray: Known for its high-quality blue light filtering without the yellow tint, Felix Gray offers both prescription and non-prescription options that are perfect for all-day wear.

Warby Parker: Warby Parker’s blue light glasses come with stylish frame options and a virtual try-on feature, making it easy for employees to find a pair that suits their style.

Gunnar Optiks: Gunnar Optiks has been a leader in blue light blocking glasses for years and offers glasses with adjustable intensity for different environments, making it ideal for those working long hours.

Pixel Eyewear: Pixel Eyewear focuses on reducing digital eye strain with lightweight, comfortable frames. Their options work well for both short and long screen sessions, providing affordable yet effective solutions.

EyeBuyDirect: With a wide range of frame styles and blue light filtering levels, EyeBuyDirect provides budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice quality.

Conclusion

Blue light glasses are more than just a trend—they’re a practical tool for protecting employee health and enhancing productivity in an increasingly screen-dependent workplace. By minimizing the symptoms of digital eye strain, reducing sleep disruption, and fostering a healthier work environment, these glasses can become a valuable asset for both remote and in-office employees.

For businesses, encouraging the use of blue light glasses sends a clear message that employee well-being is a priority. With the right education and incentives, companies can create a supportive environment that not only safeguards eye health but also boosts overall job satisfaction and performance. As screen time continues to dominate the workplace, investing in blue light protection may be one of the smartest steps companies can take for the health and happiness of their teams.

Friday Night Football

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Friday night football is back! I had the privilege to photograph the Friday night football atmosphere at Pleasant Valley High School as they hosted Easton last night for the opening game of the season. The excitement and enthusiasm of pre-game on Friday nights is hard to beat!

PV played a hard-fought battle against Easton and showed some definite signs of promise for this season. Yes, they have a new quarterback and a new head coach, but they will be okay.

The above photo ran in today’s Pocono Record. You can see the full gallery of my photos from Friday night’s game here.

There’s Nothing Quite Like Friday Night Football

Honesdale Hornets vs. Pleasant Valley Bears. Sounds like a typical Friday night high school football game. But this game was anything but typical!

PV up by 13, then a tie score 20-20 at halftime. Interesting. Hornets up by 3 early in the second half, then up by 10. PV bounces back and goes up by 3. Then Honesdale scores again. Then PV scores again. Final Hornets 37, Bears 40, with the winning touchdown coming with 41 seconds remaining in the game. Wow, what a great game and a great way to spend a Friday night!

Here are some of the photos I captured at tonight’s game. The repeated theme was Rob Getz taking a handoff up the field, twisting and turning, weaving through defenders, and gaining yard and after yard. Getz is elusive to would-be tacklers and knows how to run the ball. He is a special running back to be sure!

Photographing football is great on a number of levels. Being on the sidelines is a special privilege and trying to capture the story of the game with a camera is an honor. Working and talking with fellow photographers is an added bonus. I know I can get better at this and dream of some better equipment in the not-so-distant future, but the thrill I had last night was simply amazing!

Here are six photos from Friday night’s game. You can see the complete gallery here.

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