How Blue Light Damages the Eyes

Blue light is visible, high-energy light that increases memory, cognitive function, and alertness. By regulating the natural circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness cycles, blue light helps control the mood, memory, and hormonal balance of an individual.

Threats of Increasing Blue Light

About 30 percent of all visible light is high-energy visible (HEV) or "blue" light. While the primary source of blue light is the sun, experts in optometry express concerns about the rapid increase of manufactured blue light. Fluorescent and LED lights transmit significant levels of blue light, as do the screens of TVs, computers, smartphones, electronic notebooks, and other digital devices. In today's modern workforce, approximately 60 percent of people spend more than six hours a day in front of a digital device, which significantly increases exposure to blue light.

Dangers of Blue Light

Staring at screens all day and night creates unfocused visible "noise" that reduces contrast and leads to digital eye strain. Also, excess reading on a tablet computer at bedtime can disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to daytime fatigue. As a result, the cumulative effect of rising exposure to blue light indoors can damage the retina's light-sensitive cells, causing cataracts, and increasing the risks of macular degeneration. In fact, 70 percent of adults who regularly use media devices have reported symptoms of digital eye strain.

Schedule an appointment with an optometrist to discuss the type of filters or glasses best suited for protecting eyes against the threats and dangers of blue light.