Blue light is produced naturally by the sun and generated by computer monitors, smartphone screens and other digital devices. Although the light has some beneficial effects, exposure can increase your eyestrain risk.
What Is Blue Light?
The rays of the sun may appear to be colorless, but they’re actually made up of red, blue, orange, yellow, green and violet hues. Red and orange are located at one end of the visible light spectrum, while blue and violet are at the other. Red rays have long wavelengths, but produce less energy. At the other end of the spectrum, the wavelengths are shorter, but the energy is stronger. Because blue rays emit higher amounts of energy, they’re more likely to affect your eyes.
Most of your exposure to blue light comes from the sun, but you can’t avoid exposure simply by staying indoors. In addition to computer monitors and smartphones, blue light is produced by tablets, LED and fluorescent lights, LED light from TVs and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Although blue light plays an important role in maintaining the sleep/wake cycle, regulating your mood and keeping your memory sharp, it may harm your eyes.
Blue Light Exposure Can Cause Eyestrain
Have you ever experienced blurred vision, headaches or burning, itching eyes after spending hours in front of a digital screen? Long exposure to blue light may have been responsible for your symptoms. Blue light lowers the contrast on screens, causing the condition. Other factors that can contribute to eyestrain include poor lighting, failing to take regular breaks, less frequent blinking and dry air.
Protecting Your Eyes from Blue Light
Following these tips can help protect your eyes from AMD:
- Buy a Filter. Adding a blue light filter to your screens can improve contrast and lower the amount of blue light that your eyes absorb.
- Take Breaks: Taking frequent breaks from your computer, tablet or smartphone helps lower your blue light exposure and also gives your eyes a chance to rest. Breaks don’t have to be long. If your day is hectic, simply looking away from your computer for a minute or two every 20 minutes can be helpful. When you take a longer break, avoid screens completely. Checking your smartphone after working on your computer doesn’t count as a break.
- Try New Glasses. If you spend much of your day working on a computer, you may want to consider buying a pair of prescription computer glasses. The glasses block blue light, improve contrast and help reduce eyestrain.
- Consider Blue Light-Blocking Lenses After Cataract Surgery. Special lenses that reduce blue light transmission can be used in place of clear lenses after your cataract surgery.
Are you concerned about the effect of blue light on your eyes? Regular eye examinations and glasses that offer blue light protection can help you protect your eyes. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
Sources:
AllAboutVision: Blue Light: It’s Both Bad and Good for You, 2/17
http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm
PubMed: Archives of Ophthalmology: The Long-Term Effects of Visible Light on the Eye, 1/92
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1731731
National Eye Institute: Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts
Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery is Associated with a Higher Rate of Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 2/07
Prevent Blindness: Blue Light and Your Eyes
http://www.preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes
Review of Optometry: The Lowdown on Blue Light: Good vs. Bad, and Its Connection to AMD, 2/14
