Blue Light: Damage It Causes And Preventive Measures For Eye Protection

Digitization has evolved over the past few decades and with the spread of the CoronaVirus pandemic, digitization has proved to be a boon for those working from home or doing online classes. But is it a boon for your eyes too? The fast advancement in digitization has led to more people end up wearing glasses. Digital screens expose your eyes to blue light that is known to be harmful to your eyes.

In this era of digitization and pandemic situations, people must carry out their work remotely, which exposes their eyes to enhanced emission of blue light. But one cannot stop working for that. Hence, in this article, we will cover the points that can be implemented to prevent eye damage. Keep reading!

Sunlight is a spectrum of seven different colors. Rays on the red end have longer wavelengths and lesser energy. Whereas, the rays on the blue end have shorter wavelengths and high energy. This high-energy blue light is severely injurious to our eyes that causes numerous eye disorders, and in worst cases may cause permanent damage.

Sunlight is the largest source of blue light, but there are other sources like fluorescent, CFL, and LED lights, and digital screens like a computer, laptop, mobile, tablet, etc. The amount of blue light emitted from the sun is much more than digital screens. But the time spent in close proximity of the screen is responsible enough to cause long-term and severe eye issues.

Prolonged exposure to digital screens affects our eyes severely. The blue light emitted from these screens penetrates deep inside causing various eye disorders. Here is a list of some of the outcomes of damaging effects of blue light.

1. Macular Degeneration: The central position of the retina consists of a macula that stores two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin that absorbs blue light and prevents it from passing to the retina. With age, the macula loses its ability to function properly, and the retina gets severely affected as blue light gets easy access to it.

2. Retinal damage: Retina is the sensitive part of the eye and can detect different colors and create images. But among various colors, blue light is the most dangerous one that induces a toxic chemical reaction in the cell due to its high intensity. Gradually this chemical reaction affects the tissues causing adverse effects on vision.

3. Cataract: Blue light is so harmful that it even damages the lens that prevents this light from entering the retina. The process of absorption of blue light by the lens causes the production of certain derivatives that turns the lens yellow opaque which is known as a cataract. One can be cured of this by surgery.

4. Digital eye strain: Also known as Dry Eye Syndrome, it is caused due to excessive exposure to high-intensity blue light. This causes eyes to itchy, red, and painful. Also cause neck, back, and forehead pain.

5. Insomnia: Melatonin is the sleep hormone that signals our body for sleep time. Prolonged exposure of blue light rays decreases the production of melatonin that deprive us of sleep causing disease like insomnia.

Now that you know how dangerous this blue light is. It is essential to take preventive measures before we face the hazards.

1. Use blue light glasses: Wearing blue light blocking glasses is highly recommendable for those who spend long hours in front of a digital screen. Applying an anti-blue light coating would be equally beneficial. Either of the options helps protect eyes by reflecting blue light into the air.

2. Reduce screen time: Prolong screen hours puts stress on your eyes. Apart from your work, try looking for alternatives to entertain yourself other than going for online options.

3. Intraocular lens: Cataract surgery removes the cloudy and opaque lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. This lens prevents harmful ultraviolet and blue light from entering. Thus protects eyes from further damage.

4. Keep eye hydrated: Ample amount of water intake keeps your eye hydrated and avoids eye discomfort and pain. Blink your eyes frequently to keep a steady flow of the lubricant in your eyes. Keep a humidifier handy to keep your eyes moist.

5. Maintain eye hygiene: Splash clean cold water to keep your eyes clean and free from dust. Never sleep with makeup, as it may create a breeding ground for germs. Try to avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily now and then with dirty hands.

6. Adjust your computer: Maintain adequate distance between you and the digital screen to avoid direct light. Adjust the computer in such a way that the center portion is two inches below your eye level. Adjust the computer light according to the lighting of your room and never keep it too dim or too bright.

A small food list for boosting your eye health:

Report this Page