Blue light is a growing presence in our modern world, especially with digital devices becoming a normal part of our daily living. Whether you are sitting at a computer for work or using your phone for personal activities, your eyes are being exposed to blue light.
Is this blue light exposure something you should be worried about? The more screen time increases, the more the public is becoming concerned about the potential damage to our eyes.
The truth is that blue light exposure can be fine, especially if you are proactive about taking breaks from the screens. In this article, we are going to separate the myths from scientific facts so you know the truth about blue light and your eyes.
Did you know that humans were exposed to blue lights even before digital devices were invented? Blue light doesn’t only come from screens… it is also naturally-occurring from sunlight. In fact, we have daily exposure to blue light even if we aren’t using any screens.
Not only is the sun the largest source of blue light, but these light rays also help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle (known as circadian rhythms). So, blue light is needed to help you manage a healthy sleep routine.
While you might experience a bit of discomfort when looking at screens too long, there isn’t any conclusive evidence that blue light causes permanent damage. The jury is still out on this topic.
Several studies suggest that high energy blue light may damage ocular health over time. But these studies were done with either mice or cells taken out of a body. At this point, we don’t have evidence on real human eyes yet.
The truth is that Digital Eye Strain (DES) is most likely the reason you are experiencing eye discomfort, and it is related to too much screen time (not blue light alone). The best way to minimize this discomfort and reduce the symptoms is by adjusting the brightness settings on the screens and taking breaks often to rest your eyes.
There’s a reason why it’s a good idea to stop looking at screens at night. If you are in bed and watching TV or scrolling on your phone, then it’s possible that the blue light is making it harder to sleep. For example, some researchers have suggested that blue light suppresses melatonin, which is a hormone that helps with sleep regulation.
So, if you are having a hard time sleeping at night, consider limiting screen time in the last hour or two before going to bed.
Do you have other questions about your vision and eyes? Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry for assistance. We are happy to schedule an appointment and provide personalized recommendations for your eye care: (951) 302 -1331.