Can electronics really damage your eyes? The answer is yes. New evidence shows that the blue light emitted from computer screens, tablets, TVs, smartphones, and modern lighting like CFL and LED bulbs can cause retinal cell death.
Over a lifetime of cumulative exposure, this damage can lead to macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
Blue-violet light has the shortest wavelength and highest energy of the visible light spectrum. Unlike UV light, which is mostly absorbed by the front of the eye, blue-violet light penetrates all the way to the retina. While UV light is more likely to cause cataracts, blue-violet light is more dangerous to the retina and can contribute to macular degeneration.
As we use more digital devices and LED lighting, our risk of vision loss is increasing. By 2020, 90% of our light sources were projected to be LEDs, and experts estimated this could lead to 500,000 new cases of blindness per year by 2030.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution. Special anti-reflective coatings with blue-reflective properties can be added to glasses. These clear coatings block the damaging blue-violet light while allowing the healthy blue-turquoise light through. They’re especially recommended for people at higher risk of macular degeneration, such as women over 50, Caucasians, those with blue eyes, smokers, overweight individuals, people with heart disease, or anyone with a family history of the condition.
Other simple steps to protect your eyes:
- Unplug from screens at least two hours before bedtime. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
- If you must use screens in the evening, wear blue-blocking glasses during those two hours.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors and make sure your kids do too.
- Turn off screens in favor of books and family time at night.
- Get regular eye exams to catch problems early.
You only have one pair of eyes. Protect them from the dangers of blue light and maintain healthy vision for life.
