Blue Light: More Than Meets the Eye

We’ve all grown up learning about the harmful effects of UV light to our skin and, by now, instinctively know to apply sunscreen before soaking up some rays. Similarly, we know that UV exposure is harmful to the eyes and sunglasses with UV protection are essential to the preservation of our eye health. But what if I told you that this might not be enough?

HEV/Blue Light
According to recent research, long-term exposure to a specific wavelength of blue light called High Energy Visible Light (HEV) can contribute to permanent retinal damage and increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Considering there is a separation of mere nanometers between HEV and UV light, it’s not a complete surprise to discover that HEV is harmful to us as well.

In addition to being damaging to our eyes, excessive blue light exposure disrupts our normal circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin secretion. As a result, irregular sleep patterns may arise and contribute to the development of serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression.

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On another note, not all blue light is created equal. Lower energy blue light is beneficial to humans and actually promotes normal circadian rhythm, relieves seasonal depression, and improves contrast and color perception.

Blue light protection
We are naturally exposed to blue light throughout the day from the sun, but many everyday items such as computers, smartphones, and LED light bulbs also emit HEV and assault our eyes with an unnaturally large dose of blue light.

So what can we do to protect ourselves?

Block the light
One of the best ways to reduce HEV from reaching our eyes throughout the day and while using digital devices is to wear glasses treated with a blue-blocking coating. Having a full time pair of blue-blocking glasses is the best way to protect your eyes in any situation.

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Reduce output
Another way to limit exposure is to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your screen. Computer programs, such as f.lux, adjust the color of your computer screen according to the time of day so that there is more blue light during the day and less at night. Visit justgetflux.com for additional information and a free download of the program.

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Reduce exposure
Stop looking at your screen. I know it’s not easy to do, but that cat video posted on Facebook will still be there when you wake up. Try avoiding bright screens 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. You’ll sleep better and your eyes and body will be happier because of it.

Who benefits?
Blue light protection is a good idea for everyone, of all ages.

Children
Young children spend more time outdoors and also have access to handheld digital devices, exposing them to more blue light throughout the day. Children also have larger pupils, which allows more light in, and less developed eye structures that normally shield our retinas from harmful rays, so blue light protection is even more critical for them.

Adults
Between our smartphone, laptop, and tablet adults are constantly being exposed to blue light from digital devices. The average American last year spent 7.4 hours per day in front of a screen. Extrapolated over a year, that’s 112 days just looking at an LED screen! Limiting exposure over the course of our life is crucial in maintaining long-term eye health.
Seniors
Many eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration are associated with older age and the cumulative effects of harmful light on the eyes. Protecting our eyes in the golden years is more important than ever to help preserve eye health and prevent more damage from being done.

Blue light is all around us and is essential to the normal functioning of human beings. Unfortunately, even with all the great technology we have it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Taking measures in your everyday life to limit exposure and coming in for annual comprehensive eye exams will help ensure that your eyes stay healthy for years to come!

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