Effects of Blue Light and How to Protect Your Eyes
We live in a world where screens are no longer just a way to relax and unwind — they have become a necessity for many people's careers. While technology keeps us connected, entertained and productive, it also means our eyes work overtime. Although we may be unaware of the negative effects of the light emitted from our screens, the harsh truth is that this light has a dark side.
Understanding how blue light affects our eyes can empower us to take proactive steps to protect them. We're here to help you understand what blue light is, how it impacts your health and what you can do to keep your eyes safe — all without giving up screens entirely.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light within the visible spectrum, which means it can be seen by the human eye. Its high energy enables it to penetrate the eye more deeply than other colors. While some exposure to blue light is natural and beneficial, excessive exposure — particularly from artificial sources — can cause discomfort and raise potential health concerns.
Where Does Blue Light Come From?
Blue light comes from various sources, both natural and artificial. Examples include:
- Natural sources: The biggest source of blue light is the sun. Natural blue light helps us regulate our circadian rhythm, allowing us to stay alert and awake throughout the day.
- Artificial sources: Phones, laptops, televisions and other screens emit blue light. Unlike sunlight, artificial blue light exposure doesn't follow natural cycles. Late-night screen time tricks our brains into thinking it's still daytime, disrupting sleep and straining our eyes.
How Does Blue Light Affect Our Eyes?
Blue light affects our eyes in various ways, such as:
- Digital eye strain: Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is a group of vision-related problems and eye issues caused by screens. Have you ever rubbed your eyes after scrolling or working long hours behind your computer? That's the effect of blue light at work. Symptoms include dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, difficulty focusing and headaches.
- Sleep disruptions: In nature, sunlight halts production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, in our bodies. Once the sun rises, it tells our bodies to wake up and start the day. Artificial blue light mimics this. If you've ever struggled to fall asleep after binge-watching a show or scrolling social media before bed, blue light is likely the culprit. Over time, poor sleep can affect overall health, leading to fatigue and mood swings.
Risks From Prolonged Exposure to Blue Light
Long-term exposure to blue light can take its toll on our health. Here's how:
- Eyestrain: In the United States of America, the average adult spends an average of seven hours and three minutes exposed to screens — laptops, smartphones, tablets, televisions and even LED lighting. This exposure can lead to computer vision syndrome, which causes discomfort.
- Long-term risks: While research is still ongoing, studies suggest that long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of macular degeneration — a leading cause of vision loss. While the evidence is inconclusive, it's enough to make us reconsider how much unprotected screen time we're getting.
Can Blue Light Glasses Help?
Blue light glasses filter out harmful blue light, reducing strain and making screen time more comfortable. Many users report fewer headaches, less eye fatigue and better sleep quality after switching to blue light-blocking lenses. However, it's important to note that these lenses are specifically designed to filter out blue light emitted from screens and artificial lighting — the blue light glasses do not inherently block UV rays.
How Lensabl Can Help With Blue Light Lenses for Glasses
Your eyes deserve a break, and Lensabl can help. We offer many blue-light-blocking lenses that can be added to any prescription or non-prescription frames:
- Customizable blue light-blocking lenses: You can order blue light prescription lenses and non-prescription options.
- Stylish frames with protection: Keeping your eyes safe doesn’t mean compromising on style. We have many styles and frame shapes to complement your aesthetic while protecting your eyes. We offer blue light glasses with a clear lens option.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
You only get one set of eyes, so it's time to take care of them! You don't need to ditch your devices — just be smart about protecting your eyes. Consider reducing screen time before bed, using screen filters and investing in blue light-blocking glasses to keep your eyes comfortable and vision sharp.
Ready to protect your eyes? Explore our blue light-blocking options today. Contact us with any queries — we're here to give your eyes the care they deserve.
