What Is Blue Light and How Does It Harm the Eyes?

You are most likely reading this on a digital device, which means you are no stranger to blue light. Most people spend a lot of time working behind computers and digital devices these days.

You need to know about the blue light that you encounter. If you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your vision, it may be due to the blue light. You can find out what blue light is and how it can harm the eyes.

What Is Blue Light

Electromagnetic energy travels in waves all around. The waves vary in length, with some being longer than others. Most of the electromagnetic waves are not visible. Visible lights also vary in length, but the human eye can detect them.

The longer waves transmit less energy than the shorter ones. Blue light has high-energy waves that are very short. Blue light is less powerful and slightly longer than UV rays, but it is also harmful.

Exposure to Blue Light

There is blue light all around emitted by the sun and incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. People are exposed to blue light everywhere due to the widespread use of technology devices. Computers, laptops, TVs, cell phones, and tablets use light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

Exposure to blue light from the sun is high, but the long-term effects of digital exposure are worrying. The LED technology uses high blue-light amounts. Children’s eyes absorb more blue light from digital devices than adults.

Effect of Blue Light on Eyes

The eyes have structures that help protect them from some types of light. The lens and cornea protect the retina from damaging UV. However, they do not offer much protection from blue light. The retina is the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye that is vital for good vision.

Exposure to the blue light from digital devices is especially harmful because of the proximity. The devices are used at close range and for prolonged periods, making them harmful.

Risks of Blue Light Exposure

Digital eyestrain is becoming increasingly common, especially among kids. Using computers and other devices for prolonged periods causes eyestrain. People tend to blink less often when using digital devices, which means that the eyes get less moisture.

Digital eyestrain is related to the eyes' focusing system. When people strain their eyes, they experience dry eyes, irritated or sore eyes, headaches, and tired facial muscles from squinting. The eyes may find it difficult to focus when exposed to blue light, causing strain.

Limiting Blue Light Exposure

There are several ways to limit exposure to blue light, protecting the eyes. You can prevent digital eyestrain by practicing the 20-20-20 technique when using the devices. This means pausing every 20 minutes and focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Other ways include keeping the eyes moist using artificial tears and using glasses with the correct prescription. You can also adjust your digital screen’s blue light. Some studies suggest that blue light can affect your sleep. Arguments still abound on how effective blue-light blocking glasses are.

For more on blue light and how it harms the eyes, call Lifetime Vision and Eye Care at (305) 902-3320 to reach our office in Miami Gardens, Florida.