We live in a digital world. Today, people spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes in front of a screen. Along with eye strain, excessive screen time also increases our exposure to blue light.
Should you be worried? Are the claims of blue light vision problems true? Let’s dive deeper into blue light and how it affects your eyes.
What is Blue Light and Where Does it Come From?
Blue light is a part of our visible light spectrum. It has the highest energy and shortest wavelength, vibrating at 400-500 nanometers.
Sunlight is the primary source of blue light, but we’re also exposed to it from artificial light sources, like LED TVs, fluorescent lights, smartphones and monitor screens.
Does Blue Light Affect Eye Health?
Not particularly. Although very high-intensity blue light (such as from lasers or industrial light sources) can cause retina damage, there is no strong evidence to suggest that the amount of blue light emitted by phones, tablets or computer screens causes any significant eye damage.
In fact, a recent article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology stated, “the evidence shows no meaningful link between blue light and damage to human retinas or age-related macular degeneration.”
The bigger vision risk posed by our use of these devices is in the form of digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome. Factors such as poor lighting, screen glare and viewing screens at poor angles or the wrong distance, among other things, can contribute to the condition. This can result in blurred vision, double vision, dry eye, eye fatigue or discomfort, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and more.
Blue Light and Sleep Disruption
The real concern when it comes to blue light is with sleep disruption.
Blue light helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (i.e., your natural sleep and wake cycle). While all types of light can affect your circadian rhythm, blue light has the largest impact. It suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, an important hormone that helps us feel drowsy.
Further, when you’re exposed to blue light just before bed, it tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, disrupting your body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. Instead of feeling tired and ready for bed, you feel awake and alert.
According to the Sleep Foundation, chronic misalignment of your circadian rhythm can lead to other health issues, like depression and metabolic disorders.
So while blue light in and of itself may not be harmful for eye health, there are valid reasons to be intentional with your blue light exposure, and to modify the way we use screens, as that can absolutely affect your vision and overall eye comfort. Monitor symptoms, take regular breaks, and have your eyes checked regularly, especially if you’re experiencing discomfort or changes in your vision.
At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we help patients stay ahead of screen-related eye strain and other vision concerns with comprehensive eye exams and personalized care. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.