By Destiny Uko
The integration of digital technology into our daily lives means that we are constantly interacting with our smartphones and televisions. A fallout of this is that we’re also exposed to a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light known as blue light. If not regulated, blue light can be harmful to our eyes.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light with a wavelength of around 400-450 nanometers. It’s typìcally emitted from our smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions, fluorescent and LED lighting.
The Dangers of Blue Light
Opthamologists have linked excessive exposure to blue light to such eye health risks as:
Eye Strain: Blue light can cause eye fatigue, dryness, and irritation.
Disrupted sleep: According to a 2015 research, exposure to blue light later in the day can affect the production of melatonin, the hormone in charge of our sleep-wake cycles, leading to difficulty in falling asleep as well as disrupted sleep patterns.
Vision Loss: Some studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light may increase the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a condition that is chiefly responsible for vision loss in 15% of older American adults.
Cataract: Blue light may also contribute to the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye that can impair vision.
How to Control Blue Light Exposure
– Use Glasses or Screen Protectors: There are glasses and screen protectors designed to block blue light, reducing the amount of HEV light that enters your eyes.
– Adjust the light settings: Most devices have built-in settings that allow you to adjust the brightness of your screen. Explore this feature always.
– Limit Screen Time: Take periodic breaks from your phone or television screen. Limit the hours you commit to sitting in front of your screens to tamp down the effects of blue light on your vision.
– Use Blue Light filtering Apps: You can reduce exposure by using apps, such as f.lux, that filter blue light from your screens.
Conclusion
The one thing we love to do most is most times associated with the screen! Viz: seeing a movie, playing video games, chatting with friends etc. To many of us, these are our obsessions therefore asking you to refrain or regulate your exposure to these things is more like asking you to refrain from food.
One thing you should put into consideration is that your eyes come before these things and you essentially need your eyes to do these things. Caring for your eyes is a direct way to express your love for your most cherished screen activities. With a lot of discipline, determination and focus, you can achieve this!
The widespread use of digital devices exposes individuals to blue light, a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light with wavelengths between 400-450 nanometers. While integral to daily activities, excessive blue light exposure poses risks to eye health, including eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and potentially contributing to conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Measures to mitigate these risks include using glasses or screen protectors designed to block blue light, adjusting device light settings, limiting screen time, and utilizing blue light filtering apps. Dr. Lisa M. Nijm emphasizes reducing exposure, especially in children, by integrating outdoor activities and managing screen time. Prioritizing eye health is crucial for sustaining the enjoyment of screen-based activities.
