We all know that light can be both harmful and beneficial for our vision as well as our overall health. Scientists have tested the impact of different wavelengths of light upon our health. The results are somewhat shocking!
Our eyes can detect only a tiny fraction of electromagnetic radiation called visible light. The colours of the spectrum of white light are violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR). Of these, blue - violet light or blue light in general has a shorter wave length and produces a higher amount of energy and has the greatest impact on our health.
Blue light is actually everywhere and the main source being sun. Other sources include digital screens such as TVs, computers, laptops and smart phones and fluorescent and LED lightings. The widespread use of these equipments makes us being exposed to more and more sources of blue light and for longer periods of time.
Over time, over exposure to blue light could cause serious damage to your eyes and your overall health. Health risks include macular degeneration, cardio vascular diseases and even cancer. Night time exposure to blue light could disrupt our circadian rhythm or in other words reset our biological clock by suppressing the production of melatonin, a sleep hormone.
The funny thing is our eyes are not very good at blocking blue light. Our eyes’ natural filters blocks most of harmful ultra violet rays from reaching the retina. But it allows virtually all of visible blue light to pass through the cornea resulting in damage to the eyes.
Most of us spend more and more time staring at a digital screen. When you’re looking at digital screens that emit significant amount of high energy blue light, it could contribute to digital eyestrain. Digital eyestrain is relatively a new term used to describe conditions resulting from use of electronic gadgets. It’s a medical issue that can affect your overall productivity. Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, neck and back pain etc.
Solutions to blue light hazard include use of protective eyewear and reduction in the exposure to blue light, especially at night. Digital device users are advised to blink more often to keep the eyes maintain sufficient lubrication. Certain eye exercises like “20-20-20” rule also helps. People who use smart phones and tablets are recommended to install blue light filter apps in their gadgets and customize it to their sleeping schedules so that it won’t disrupt their circadian rhythm.
In this digital era, a complete abstinence from blue light exposure is more or less impossible. But some of the recommended solutions helps you maintain a good eye health and could manage your circadian rhythm.
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