The eyes are the windows to the soul and they help up perceive the world around us. But you could be damaging your eyesight and not even know it. In this digital age, we are exposed to a lot of blue light. This blue light comes in the form of artificial light from our phone screens, laptops and other devices which we stare at all day.
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What is blue light?
Not all colours of light have the same effect. Blue light is beneficial during daylight hours because it boosts attention, reaction times and mood. But it seems to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown.
The outer structures of the adult human eye are very effective at blocking UV rays from reaching the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eyeball. In fact, less than one per cent of UV radiation from the sun reaches the retina, if you aren’t wearing glasses.
On the other hand, virtually all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina.
The fact that blue light penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) is important because laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina.
This causes changes that resemble those of macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
How can you save your eyesight?
Many eye care providers are concerned that the added blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices might increase a person’s risk of macular degeneration later in life.
Because short-wavelength, high energy blue light scatters more easily than other visible light, it is not as easily focused. When you’re looking at computer screens and other digital devices that emit significant amounts of blue light, this unfocused visual “noise” reduces contrast and can contribute to digital eye strain.
Research has shown that lenses that block blue light with wavelengths less than 450 nm (blue-violet light) increase contrast significantly.
Therefore, computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses may increase comfort when you’re viewing digital devices for extended periods of time.
You could save your eyesight by limiting the amount to time you spend staring at electrical lights and screens. Some devices now come with a ‘night light’ option that filters out blue light.
You might also benefit from eyeglasses that have lenses with a special blue light filter. This is especially necessary if you need to spend long hours working in front of a computer screen or other digital devices.
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