The Effects of Blue Light on Eyes

We are spending more time every day staring at screens, like our Tv's, laptops, smartphones and electronic devices which exposes us to blue light.  The latest Nielsen polls show adults are spending approximately 11 hours per day in front of these devices.  

Blue light is a range of visible light spectrum defined as having a wavelength between 400-495 nm.  Making it one of the shortest, and  highest energy wavelengths. 

Blue light from the Sun is a natural source.  The Blue light from the sun naturally stimulates our brains so we feel awake and energetic.  And then at night we will feel sleepy.

Artificial sources of blue light are:  digital screens - tv's, laptops, and smartphones, fluorescent lights, led lights, and electronic devices.

Blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration.  The Blue light penetrates all the way to the retina.  Too much can damage the light sensitive cells in the retina.  

The best way to protect your eyes from blue light is to:

1. blink, blink and blink again

2. minimize glare 

3. takes breaks - 20 -20-20 rule - every 20 minutes shift your eyes to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds

4. adjust the brightness

5. tweak text size and contrast

6. keep your screen clean

7. hold your smartphone farther away.

Too much Blue light late at night can make it harder to get to sleep.  The Blue light affects the circadiam rhythmn- our natural wake and sleep cycle.  So make sure you limit your screen time 3 hours before bed and use your devices night time settings.

In natural occurrence blue light is everywhere.  Due to the high flicker rate of blue light wavelengths, they create a glare that deteriorates visual contrast, sharpness, and clarity. This is the reason why most people commonly feel an eye strain after using these devices for long hours. So adding more exposure in the form of electronic devices and fluorescent lights is only going to create more harmful effects.