New York Blue Light Symposium

　It is my great pleasure to announce that New York Blue Light
Symposium will be held in New York from Friday, June 26 to Saturday, June 27, 2015.

　With the advent of efficient LED lighting, electronic devices, a nd an increase in late-night working hours, humans are now exposed to more artificial light than they have ever been before. There is thus an
increasing need to discuss and address issues surrounding the effects of artificial lights (particularly LEDs) on the human body.

　Studies have shown that exposure to blue light emitted from LED devices at night have an adverse effect on melatonin levels and disrupt the circadian rhythm and metabolism. Disruption of the circadian rhythm can lead to diab etes and cancer. As an
ophthalmologist, this has made me rethink my understanding of t he eye, which I now consider to function not only as the body’ s camera but also as its clock.

　Ophthalmologists, sleep specialists, and researchers are expec ted to attend. The symposium aims to act as a venue to discuss the latest studies on the effe cts of blue light and exchange information surrounding this field of research. It's an excellen t opportunity for scientists, clinicians and other professionals to discuss and learn about t he many aspects of blue light and its effect on the human body.

　I look forward to seeing you in New York.

Kazuo Tsubota
Chair, New York Blue Light Symposium
President, International Blue Light Society
Professor, Dept. Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medic ine