Is blue light bad for eyes?

Your eyes are constantly adjusting to different types of light that comes from all ends of the color spectrum. Exposure to things like computers, television sets, and smartphones have greatly increased the amount of blue light exposure to the eyes. With so much focus on digital devices these days, you may wonder if blue light is bad for your eyes.

Blue Light and Your Eyes

The sensitive parts of your eyes such as the retina need to be protected from potentially damaging light like UV rays that come from the sun. Thanks to new developments in sunglasses and other forms of eye protection, sun-related damage to the eyes is not as prevalent as it once was. On the other hand, our modern world requires us to expose ourselves to more blue light than ever before. This light passes through the cornea and lens and directly reaches the retina, which can result in some serious vision and eye health issues.

The Dangers of Blue Light Exposure

There has been quite a bit of research pertaining to blue light and its effects on your eyes. Some damages to your eyes are irreversible and can cause a range of serious problems later in life. One common side effect of blue light exposure is early-onset age-related macular degeneration. This condition causes deteriorated vision which makes it difficult to see clearly. Blue light can also cause cataracts in some people, particularly those who are exposed to it for long periods of time.

Eye Strain

Blue light is high energy light with a short wavelength. This means the light scatters more easily than other forms of light, making it more difficult to focus. Whenever you look at your computer or other screens, the blue light creates a sort of visual disruption that leads to eye strain. Some symptoms of eye strain include headaches and poor or blurry vision. One good way to minimize eye strain is to look away from the screen for about 30 seconds every 20 minutes to regain your focus and keep your eyes from straining for too long at one time.

Blue Light and Sleep

When you look at your digital devices at night, the blue light can even disrupt your sleeping pattern. Blue light interferes with the body's normal release of melatonin, also referred to as the sleep hormone. Once your body can no longer regulate sleep properly, it can result in serious stress and fatigue. In order to combat this, try to limit your use of digital devices before bedtime and allow your eyes to rest.

At Goggles n More, we offer a range of prescription goggles and glasses, many of them with blue light control lenses. By minimizing your exposure to screens, you can reduce the effects of blue light on your eyes for better sleep and healthier vision. Contact us online or give us a call at 844-249-8359, and we are happy to answer all of your questions and give you advice on the best options to keep your vision safe and protected.