"Silent Epidemic!" - Top Eye Doc Warns of Blue Light Lies & 'Cowboy' Doctors - Joseph Allen (Video)

In this 13 January 2026 published video. host Julian Dorey talks with Dr. Joseph Allen, O.D., FAAO, ABO, a highly respected practicing optometrist and the founder of the massively successful “Doctor Eye Health” YouTube channel, where he serves as “Your Optometrist on YouTube.”

Blue light from screens can cause digital eye strain (dryness, headaches, fatigue) and disrupt sleep by affecting melatonin, but strong evidence for long-term retinal damage from devices is lacking, though it’s a research concern. While the sun is the biggest source, using blue-light filtering glasses, taking breaks (20-20-20 rule), reducing evening screen time, and adjusting settings can help manage strain and sleep issues.  

Red light therapy is used for eye health to address issues such as dry eye syndrome, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles, and is being studied for age-related vision decline and certain eye conditions. 

 While red light is generally considered safe for the eyes, it is essential to choose devices that are FDA-cleared or have other regulatory approvals (like the CE marking in Europe). Cheap devices may not meet these safety standards.

https://youtu.be/yWbPnOp5HYs

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 – Intro
• 1:32 – Content inspirations, childhood tech limits, optometry vs ophthalmology, years of training
• 10:15 – Cataract surgery, oxidation, signs, Charles Kelman, 15-minute procedure
• 22:46 – “Cowboy” Doctors, ICL implants, Joe’s procedure
• 35:31 – ICL risks, contact lenses, retina = brain extension, eye anatomy
• 46:12 – Cataracts & amblyopia, vision therapy, eye health basics
• 54:56 – Brain injuries, prisms, lazy eye causes
• 01:04:25 – Myopia rise, indoor living, FDA glasses, red-light studies
• 01:14:12 – Screen fatigue, blink loss, red light benefits & risks
• 01:24:31 – Eye health habits, diet, fish vs supplements
• 01:35:16 – Gut microbiome, inflammation, eye connection
• 01:46:34 – Fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, supplement limits
• 01:56:41 – AI in medicine, fasting & vision, blood sugar
• 02:03:28 – Blue light myths & Lies, sleep, orange glasses
• 02:16:18 – Kids & screens, neck-eye link, 20/20/20 rule
• 02:26:01 – Blink rates, iPad kids, nervous system overload
• 02:35:16 – Outdoors, discomfort, AI & youth, not a doomer