"The Eye is the Lamp of the Body..." Matt 6:22
About Us
Galen Schmidt, OD
Dr. Galen Schmidt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Grand Coulee area. Originally from Cozad, Nebraska he served 4 years in the Army, then attended the University of Nebraska. He receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University.
Dr. Schmidt is actively licensed in the state of Washington for diagnostics, therapeutics, orals and epinephrine injections; serving three externships: Rantoul Air Force Base, Indianapolis Low Vision Center, and the Carle Clinic in Champaign Illinois. He also is licensed in Idaho and Nebraska. Dr. Schmidt is well versed in the treatment and management of eye diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eyes, and diabetic retinopathy.
Just out of 'School", he fell in love with the Pacific Northwest opening the Whitman Family Vision Center in Colfax. Dr. Schmidt sold his practice in 2000 working with other doctors in Puyallup, Airway Heights, Spokane and Spokane Valley.
After 30 years of private practice experience, Dr. Schmidt and his wife Pam, originally from Omak are enjoying the slower pace, and enhanced quality of life here in Grand Coulee.
How We Can Help You
We offer a comprehensive eye examination for adults and children of all ages.
For a more complete description press the EXAM button from the Home Screen.
See the Difference
Your Satisfaction is our Highest Priority!
We embrace the Scripture, "The Eye is the Lamp of the Body. If your Eyes are Healthy, Your Whole Body Will be Full of Light.
Matthew 6:22
Thank you for Trusting Us with Your Eye Care Needs
407 Burdin Blvd, Grand Coulee WA
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Effects of Blue Light
Nearly two decades into the 21st century, most of us have nightly rituals that include checking our smartphones before bed.
This might not be the healthiest way to end our days. Many eye doctors are concerned about the effects our screen time could have on our vision and our health, and the main cause of that concern is blue light.
What Is Blue Light?
You might remember from your high school science classes that the electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma waves. The colors and light we see make up a very small sliver of this spectrum. Waves of blue light scatter more easily than the others, which is what makes the sky and large bodies of water appear blue.
Blue Light And Our Brains
The main source of blue light is the sun, and our bodies are programmed to respond to that light. During the day, the blue light in sunlight boosts our attention, memory, energy levels, reaction times, and overall mood. It’s the signal to our brains that we should be up and about. Absence of blue light signals that we should be resting.
The problem in modern times is that we are surrounded by artificial sources of blue light that confuse these signals, particularly LED and fluorescent lights and the screens of our electronic devices. Blue light suppresses the release of melatonin in our brains, which leads to a lower quality of sleep, which in turn can contribute to a variety of negative health effects.
Blue Light And Our Eyes
The visible light with the highest intensity is blue light, and just above it on the spectrum is UV radiation. One concern is that, because blue light is so close to UV radiation in wavelength, it might be similarly harmful, particularly to our vision. The screens on our electronic devices may not emit light anywhere near as bright as sunlight (which contains both blue light and UV radiation), but the time we spend staring at our screens is time we spend exposing our eyes to blue light.
It’s not clear yet how much blue light exposure is enough to cause lasting harm to our vision, but it could be contributing to macular degeneration (loss of central vision), a condition normally associated with advancing age. To be on the safe side, we would be wise to limit our exposure.
Cutting Back On The Blue
To avoid blue light’s adverse effects on our sleep cycles, we should avoid looking at screens in the last hour or two before bed. If that sounds difficult, there are other options, all of which can also help with minimizing the effects of blue light on our vision.
- Use warmer lighting in your home by buying more yellow-tinted LED lightbulbs instead of the bright white ones.
- Wear orange tinted glasses that filter out blue light while working at your office computer, or use a screen protector that does the same without altering your entire field of vision.
- Use screen filters or apps on your devices that eliminate blue light. The colors will be very different, but the screen will be easier on your eyes in the late evening.
Get Started With An Eye Exam
If you’re concerned about the effect blue light may be having on your eyes, schedule an eye exam with your local Vision Source® member optometrist. They can determine whether there is any damage and help you come up with a plan to minimize harmful variables such as UV and blue light.
Your healthy vision is our top priority!
Services Provided
Acuity Test
The Acuity test determines your near or distance visual acuity. More detail under EXAM tab on the HOME page.
Designer Eyewear
We offer you fashion trends eyewear including 27 designer frames lines, youth or petite frames, 3 lines of saftey frames AND Youth Sport Frames!
In addition, we have a stylish selection of budget conscious frames for those of you who want a designer look without the designer price, and
"Pam's Package" deals to go with them.
Press the EYEWEAR button on the Home page to see what brands we carry.
Phoropter
This piece of equipment is used to test exactly what your eyeglass prescription should be.
See a more complete discription under the EXAM button on the Home Screen.