How Harmful is Blue Light For Your Eyes?
Most people are aware that the sun has visible light rays as well as invisible UV rays that can darken and even burn the skin. What many do not know is that the visible light emitted by the sun comprises a series of different colored light rays with different amounts of energy. Stepping into direct sunlight, or turning on a computer, phone, or other digital device exposes your eyes to visible (and invisible) light rays that can have a variety of effects.
How your eye reacts when you use a smartphone and computer every day?
When we talk about mobile phones, tablets, computer monitors, and televisions, the influence of blue light emitted by these devices is most often mentioned. Blue light penetrates into the deeper layers of your eye and into the retina, and long-term exposure to such light can have negative consequences for vision.
Blue light is part of the visible part of the light spectrum that your eyes perceive, and has short wavelengths from 380 to 500 nanometers and high energy. Sunlight is the strongest natural source of blue light, which is necessary for the normal circadian rhythm of an individual (i.e. the biological rhythm of sleep and wakefulness) and is important for psychological functions.
Long-term exposure leads to eye fatigue, whose symptoms may be digital eyestrain or dry eyes1. Artificial blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm, because retinal cells secrete melanopsin when exposed to it, which suppresses the secretion of the melatonin responsible for sleep.
Which light is the most pleasing to the eye?
Natural light is the most pleasant for your eyes. Exposure to daylight for about 30 minutes leads to the production of serotonin and vitamin D, which are sufficient for the normal functioning of the body and long-term health. It has been proven that exposure to daylight for at least an hour a day reduces the onset and progression of myopia in children2. In the times we live in, we are increasingly exposed to artificial blue light, and there is no ideal solution to replace natural light.
When we talk about blue light, in addition to the brightness measured in lumens, the so-called K mark can also be applied to light sources, which indicates the color temperature of the light source. We have light sources ranging from 1800 K (“warm” light) to 6500 K (“cool” lights). The higher the K number, the more blue light the light source contains. Thus, depending on our needs, we will choose a light source with a higher K (3000 K to 6500 K; i.e. cold light) for daytime activities, workplace or school lighting when we need greater concentration, and warm light (up to 3000 K), for example, to read before bed. In recent times, smart lighting (smart bulbs) has also been produced, which adapts to the current needs in the space and can be changed from warm to cold light using applications.
Eyes do not block blue light
The eye does not block blue light; such light reaches the retina, and there is a risk of damage to numerous light-sensitive cells. Blue light is found all around you and is most present in sunlight, but there are also artificial sources of blue light such as LED lights, computer screens, and smartphones. The cornea and lens have the ability to effectively block UV rays from reaching the retina, but blue light is different, because the entire spectrum passes through the lens and cornea.
The blue light emitted by digital screens causes computer vision syndrome (CVS)3, which has become common today. Research shows4 that it has been recorded in as many as 50% to 90% of people who use computers for their work. It is characterized by blurred vision, eye strain, and dry, irritated, and tired eyes, in combination with headaches and pain in the neck and shoulders.
What should you pay attention to?
Natural sunlight is essential for normal functioning, and adults should be exposed to it for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Normal eye growth in children requires one to three hours of daylight. Adults, but especially children, are sensitive to excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays, so protection (polarization) is needed on existing glasses or sunglasses with UV filters. Never look directly at the sun.
The skin around the eyes and face should be protected with cream with UV protection factors, and the head should also be protected. We are exposed to blue light through monitors, mobile phones, televisions, and laptops, the brightness of which should be regulated, and a blue light filter should be switched on.
To maintain a normal sleep rhythm, it is recommended, especially for children, not to be exposed to blue light sources for at least one or two hours before going to sleep5. When working on a computer or mobile phone, it is important to take a break and look into the distance for a few minutes every 20 minutes to rest your eyes.
Blue light blocking glasses
If you regularly use a computer and have noticed some eye problems, you've probably thought about blue light glasses. A computer glasses filter limits high-energy visible light that can cause computer vision syndrome. By limiting blue light, cumulative exposure is reduced, thereby reducing the visual stress and eye fatigue that causes headaches.
We offer the best computer glasses for both men and women. For computer glasses to be effective, they need to block at least 50% of blue light.
All our Prospek blue light glasses can be used as computer screen glasses that will protect you from the blue light radiation your computer or device emits. They are also UV-protection glasses, as they block 100% of UVA and UVB.
Final thoughts
If these glasses seem like a great idea and something you need, we offer high-quality and third-party laboratory-tested glasses. Whether you are working from home or love to read online, wearing computer glasses that block blue light will have many health benefits. Find a great selection of computer glasses that have everything you need and at the same time perfectly adapt to the shape of your face for a better look and comfort. Enjoying your digital device without annoying tingling, redness, and other symptoms will make you look at the world through different eyes.
1. Tavares Fde P, Fernandes RS, Bernardes TF, Bonfioli AA, Soares EJ. Dry eye disease. Semin Ophthalmol. 2010 May;25(3):84-93. doi: 10.3109/08820538.2010.488568. PMID: 20590418.
2. MD Aparna R. Sunlight exposure reduces myopia in children. American Academy of Ophtamology. Aug 20, 2018
3. American Optometric Association (AOA). Computer vision syndrome.
4. Ranasinghe P, Wathurapatha WS, Perera YS, Lamabadusuriya DA, Kulatunga S, Jayawardana N, Katulanda P. Computer vision syndrome among computer office workers in a developing country: an evaluation of prevalence and risk factors. BMC Res Notes. 2016 Mar 9;9:150. doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-1962-1. PMID: 26956624; PMCID: PMC4784392.
5. Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: a systematic review of the literature. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2017 Nov;37(6):644-654. doi: 10.1111/opo.12406. PMID: 29044670.