The Effects of Blue Light on Your Eyes

Are you aware of the effects that blue light causes to your eyes daily? For many, it seems little even though we surround ourselves with sources such as our phones, computers, or TVs. If you aren’t aware of the effects, you might want to keep reading to learn more.

What is Blue Light?

The light you see from the sun is a combination of the colors known as ROY G BIV that turns into the white light we see. Each color has a different energy and wavelength depending on where they are on the spectrum. For example, rays on the red end have longer wavelengths and less energy, while blue rays have a shorter wavelength and more energy. White light can have a huge component, meaning it can expose the eye to a higher wavelength from the blue end.

Where Are You Exposed to Blue Light?

The largest source of blue light is sunlight. But today, there are many other sources that we can expose ourselves to, including:

• Fluorescent light
• CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs
• LED light
• Flat-screen LED televisions
• Computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens

Compared to the amount you receive from the sun, exposure to blue light from screens is small. But there is still a concern for screen time’s long-term effects due to the close proximity and length we spend looking at them. It is no secret that the younger generation’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from the digital screen they use daily. As technology becomes more incorporated in every activity we do, the effects and exposure are growing.

What Are the Benefits of Blue Light?

We need blue light for good health:

• It boosts alertness & helps memory and cognitive function
• It elevates your mood
• It regulates your circadian rhythm- the cycle that allows you to wake up and sleep. Exposure during the day helps to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. But too much exposure late at night can disturb your cycle and cause sleeping problems and daytime tiredness.
• Not enough sunlight exposure can affect the growth and development of the eyes and vision for children.

How Does Blue Light Affect the Eyes?

Almost all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens to reach the retina. This light can affect vision and prematurely age the eyes. If there is too much exposure, it can lead to:

Digital eyestrain: Fatigue, dry eyes, bad lighting, or how you sit in front of the computer are all ways to cause eyestrain. The blue light from digital devices’ screens can lead to sore or irritated eyes and difficulty focusing.

Retina damage: Too much exposure to blue light over time could lead to damaged retinal cells as well.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light?

If you are constantly exposing yourself to blue light from your smartphone, computer, or tablet, consider these ways to decrease the harm it can cause to your eyes:

Recharge Anti Reflective Coating:

Recharge is a premium anti-reflective treatment with the added benefit of blue light filtration offered at SafeVision. Blue light is immitted by back-lit digital screens and is linked with eye fatigue.

Decrease screen time: Spend more time away from your devices or take more frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

At SafeVision, we provide the option for blue light protection as an option on our prescription safety eyewear. When you work with one of our specialists, we can create the best protection plan for your business. Contact us today about your program’s needs at https://safevision.com/corporate-programs/