How Blue Light Affects Our Eyes and Body
We live in a world full of screens. From our phones to our laptops, from our TVs to our tablets, we are constantly exposed to blue light emitted by these devices. But what is blue light, and how does it affect our eyes and body?
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of visible light with high energy waves that can come from the sun or digital screens. It has a wavelength of about 380 to 500 nanometers, which is close to the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Blue light is beneficial during daylight hours, as it helps us stay alert, attentive, and in a good mood. However, prolonged exposure, especially at night, to blue light can have negative effects on our health and well-being.
How does blue light affect our eyes?
Our eyes are not very good at blocking blue light. Unlike UV rays, which are mostly absorbed by the cornea and lens, blue light
can reach the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This can cause damage to the photoreceptor cells and increase the risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. Blue light can also cause digital eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue. This is because blue light reduces the contrast on the screen, making it harder for our eyes to focus.
How does blue light affect our body?
Blue light can also affect our body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that signals our brain that it is time to sleep. When we use our devices at night, we are sending a message to our brain that it is still daytime, and we should stay awake. This can disrupt our sleep quality and quantity, and lead to a range of health problems.
How can we protect ourselves from blue light?
The best way to protect ourselves from blue light is to limit our exposure to it, especially at night. Here are some tips to reduce blue light exposure and improve our eye and body health:
Use a blue light filter or screen protector on your devices: These products can block or reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes, without affecting the color or clarity of the screen. We’re proud to offer the world’s first medically rated blue light filter that can protect your eyes, skin, and sleep from harmful blue light emissions. It is available for various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, MacBook, laptop, monitor, and more.
Wear blue light blocking glasses: These glasses have special lenses that can filter out blue light and prevent it from entering your eyes. They can also help you avoid eye strain and headaches from staring at screens for long periods. At Ocushield, we offer a range of blue light blocking glasses for day and night use.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: This is a simple technique to prevent eye strain and fatigue from screen use. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help your eyes relax and refocus.
Avoid using your devices before bed: Ideally, you should stop using your devices at least an hour before your bedtime, to allow your brain and body to wind down and prepare for sleep. You can also create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book, listening to music, or meditating, to help you fall asleep faster and better.
Blue light is a part of our modern life, but it can also have harmful effects on our eyes and body. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from blue light and enjoy your screen time without compromising your health and well-being.
