Are you frequently looking at a bright screen after the sun goes down?
If yes, you are not the only one; the majority of us spend a lot of time staring at screens. This could be harmful for our eyes. Electronic devices’ blue light has been related to issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eyes, blurred vision, and eyestrain, and some people have trouble sleeping.
Blue light: What is it?
The visible light spectrum, which the human eye can see, includes blue light. It has the shortest wavelength and most energy and vibrates in the 380–500 nanometer range.
Where do you get blue-light exposure?
Blue light is thought to make up around one-third of all visible light. Sunlight is the chief source of blue light. There are other sources as well, including:
LED light
Fluorescent light
Flat-screen LED television
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
Smartphones, computer monitors, and tablet screens
The amount of blue light exposure you get from screens is less in comparison to what you get from the sun. Yet, due to the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent staring at them, there is worry about the long-term effects of screen exposure.
How risky is blue light exposure?
Although blue light is difficult for our eyes to filter, almost all of it enters through the cornea and lens of the eye and travels to the retina, where the cells transform it into images for the brain.
Over time, constant exposure to blue light may harm retinal cells and result in vision issues, including age-related macular degeneration. Children are higher at risk than adults because their eyes absorb more blue light from digital devices.
Does blue light cause digital eyestrain?
Digital eyestrain can result from prolonged or close-up use of digital devices.
People tend to blink less frequently when using computers, laptops, and other digital devices than usual. Less blinking may indicate less moisture.
When your eyes get tired from staring at a blue-light-generating screen, you might observe:
Tired eyes
Dry eyes
Headaches
Tender or irritated eyes
Facial muscles are tired from squinting
What effect does blue light have on sleep?
Blue light exposure before bedtime disturbs your sleep patterns as it affects when our bodies produce melatonin. Type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, sleep difficulties, and cognitive dysfunctions can all be caused by an interruption of the circadian rhythm.
How can you reduce your blue light exposure?
You can take the following steps to reduce digital eyestrain:
Follow the 20/20/20 strategy: Stop using screens every 20 minutes to focus on an object that is around 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Keep your eyes moist: To avoid your eyes becoming too dry and irritated while using blue-light-emitting devices, you can use eye drops, such as artificial tears, or room humidifiers if needed.
Eyeglasses with the right prescription should be used.
Adjust the blue light on your screen.
Start using blue-blocking glasses, as they are effective in reducing eyestrain.
The bottom line from Ojas – Eye Hospital
If you’re exposed to blue light, which is released by either your cellphones, computers, or bright lights, it can inhibit your sleep and cause a lot of eyestrain. We would recommend reducing your exposure to blue light if you have a history of sleeping problems or fatigued eyes. You are always welcome at Ojas – Eye Hospital in Mumbai to discuss more with our experienced eye specialists.
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