Blue Light Blue light is a component of the visible radiation spectrum with the shortest wavelength and also the highest energy.It can reach the cornea and lens directly through the lens.
Sunlight is the main source of blue light, and the maximum amount of blue light a person can be exposed to outdoors. Laptops, flat screen televisions, tablets and smartphones are also artificial sources of blue light.
The blue light from the screen is low compared to solar radiation. However, the risk of blue light damage from screens is higher due to the proximity of the screens and the time spent on them.
What harmful effects does blue light have on the eyes?
The direct penetration of the crystals into the retina leads to irreversible damage to the retina. Wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm can penetrate the cornea and be absorbed by the iris (colored disc in the eye) or pupil (black center in the iris).
High-energy blue light with a short wavelength between 415 and 455 nm is the most harmful light. As people gradually become aware of the harmful effects of blue light, eye discomfort from blue light is becoming a growing problem.
Continued exposure to blue light can:
Myopia (Myopia): Due to the short wavelength of blue light, the focus is not in the center of the retina but on the front of the retina, so prolonged exposure to blue light increases eye fatigue and myopia. Symptoms such as diplopia and poor concentration can affect a person's learning and work performance.
Cataracts: The lens contains structural proteins that absorb short-wave light and prevent possible retinal damage from blue light. However, by protecting the retina, the lens reduces transparency and leads to the formation of cataracts. Eye fatigue - Blue light on computer screens and digital devices can cause eye fatigue. Fatigue, dry eyes, low light, or sitting in front of a computer can cause eye strain.
Symptoms of eye fatigue include eye pain or burning sensation and difficulty concentrating. Retinal Damage: Continued exposure to blue light can damage retinal cells. This can lead to vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration.
What are the benefits of blue light? Blue light also has many advantages:
• Raise awareness, improve memory and cognitive function, and improve mood.
• Regulates the body's circadian rhythm, the wake-up cycle and normal sleep.
Blue light can regulate the circadian clock by stimulating melatonin secretion in the pineal gland.
Paradoxically, not exposing children to sunlight can affect the development of their eyes and vision.
However, no artificial light can keep up with solar radiation. Failure to expose yourself to blue sunlight can contribute to an increase in myopia / myopia.
How can blue light eye damage be prevented?
Avoiding and controlling damage from blue light is becoming increasingly important, and blue light products are constantly emerging. The wavelength of blue, useful during the day, is very annoying at night. The prolonged exposure to blue light from smartphones, tablets and computer screens can be greatly reduced
• Limit screen usage time.
• Use page filters.
• Use yellow computer glasses.
• Use the tools in night mode.
• If you are using a laptop, keep the brightness at 50%.
• Use of anti-reflective lenses (but not 100% effective).