Sunshine is comprised of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet light. When integrated, it becomes the white light we see. Each of these has a different energy and wavelength. Rays on the red end have longer wavelengths and less energy. On the other end, blue rays have shorter wavelengths and more energy. Light that looks white can have a big blue part, which can expose the eye to a higher quantity of wavelength from the blue end of the spectrum.
Sources of Blue Light
The largest source of blue light is sunlight. In addition, there are lots of other sources:
- Fluorescent light
- CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs
- LED light
- Flat screen LED tvs
- Computer screens, smart phones, and tablet screens
Blue light direct exposure you receive from screens is little compared with the amount of exposure from the sun. But, there is issue over the long-lasting effects of screen direct exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time invested taking a look at them. According to a recent NEI-funded research study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens.
Benefits
Blue light is required for good health:
- It boosts awareness, helps memory and cognitive function and raises state of mind.
- It controls circadian rhythm — the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle. Direct exposure to blue light during daytime hours assists preserve a healthy circadian rhythm. Excessive exposure to blue light late in the evening (through mobile phones, tablets, and computers) can disrupt the wake and sleep cycle, leading to problems sleeping and daytime exhaustion.
- Not enough exposure to sunlight in children could affect the development and advancement of the eyes and vision. Early studies reveal a shortage in blue light exposure might add to the recent boost in myopia/nearsightedness.
Blue Light and Your Eyes
You should know that blue light can cause an eye damage. Practically all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. This light may impact vision and might too soon age the eyes. Early research study shows that excessive exposure to blue light could result in:
- Digital eyestrain: Blue light from computer screens and digital devices can decrease contrast resulting in digital eyestrain. Fatigue, dry eyes, bad lighting, or how you sit in front of the computer can cause eyestrain. Symptoms of eyestrain consist of sore or inflamed eyes and problem focusing.
- Retina damage: Studies suggest that ongoing exposure to blue light in time could cause harmed retinal cells. This can cause vision problems like age-related macular degeneration.
How to Protect Your Vision?
If consistent direct exposure to blue light from cellular phones, tablets, and computer screens is an issue, there are a few methods to reduce exposure to blue light:
- Screen time: Try to reduce the amount of time invested in front of these screens and/or take regular breaks to give your eyes a rest.
- Filters: Screen filters are available for cell phones, tablets, and computer screens. They reduce the amount of blue light given off from these devices that might reach the retina in our eyes.
- Computer glasses: Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses that obstruct blue light can assist relieve computer digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
- Anti-reflective lenses: Anti-reflective lenses decrease glare and boost contrast as well as obstruct blue light from the sun and digital devices.
- Intraocular lens (IOL): After cataract surgery, the cloudy lens will be replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The lens naturally protects the eye from practically all ultraviolet light and some blue light. There are types of IOL that can protect the eye and retina from blue light.
Speak with an eye care expert about options about methods to secure your family and your eyes from blue light.
