Why Is Blue Light Bad For Your Eyes And Other Eye Care Tips
Does blue light damage your eyes? Long-term exposure to blue light can result in age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, eye cancer, and more. Children are at higher risk because their eyes absorb more blue light than adults. Another risk factor is forgetting to blink while using digital screens.
Over two-thirds of Americans use digital devices for over two hours each day. 67% of them use two or more devices at the same time, and 59% of them suffer from blue light eye strain. The Vision Council reported that about 35% of Americans experience blurred vision, migraines, and shoulder pain after using digital devices.
What does blue light do to your eyes?
Blue light is a type of light that is emitted by digital screens like smartphones, computers, and televisions. Blue light emits high amounts of energy that can harm the human eye. While blue light is essential to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and mood, prolonged exposure can be harmful.
To protect your eyes from blue light exposure, limit screen time and take breaks to rest your eyes. Investing in blue light glasses can help limit the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. Good eye hygiene, blinking, and maintaining a comfortable distance from your screen, can help reduce eye strain.
Remember, Splash Tears can help you mitigate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome so you can stay on the go. Keep reading to learn about the four most common diseases that arise from overexposure to blue light.
#1 – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
This disease affects your center field of vision, meaning when you look straight ahead. The macula is the circular area at the center of your retina that lets you see what’s in front of you. It’s located at the very back of your eyeball.
When affected by this disease, older people begin seeing a blurred spot in the center of their vision. This blurred spot can expand and get dark over time, limiting your vision. It will likely not cause pure blindness but may leave you legally bling over time. Check this link to learn more about this dangerous disease.
#2 – Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition that occurs when the eye lens becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to blurry or dim vision. This happens when the proteins in the lens clump together, creating a cloudy area.
Cataracts develop over time, and the symptoms may not be noticeable at first. As the cataract grows, it may become more difficult to see, making activities like reading or driving challenging. Cataracts can also cause glare and sensitivity to bright lights.
While age is the most common cause of cataracts, other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and certain medical conditions. Some medications may also increase the risk of cataracts.
#3 – Sleep disturbances
Overexposure to blue light can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to sleep disturbances. The human body has a natural sleep-wake cycle regulated by melatonin. Melatonin is produced in response to darkness and is suppressed by light. Exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
Blue light also affects the timing of the body’s internal clock, which can result in a shift in the sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to symptoms of jet lag, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
In addition to affecting the production of melatonin and the timing of the sleep-wake cycle, exposure to blue light can also increase alertness and make it hard to feel drowsy. This is why using electronic devices before bedtime interferes with your ability to fall asleep and get a restful night’s sleep.
#4 – Eye strain
The human eye is not very effective at blocking blue light, meaning a significant amount can penetrate the eye and reach the retina. This makes the eye muscle responsible for focusing work harder than usual, leading to strain and fatigue.
Blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colors in the visible light spectrum, meaning it scatters easier in the eye. This can cause visual disturbances, such as glare and halos, especially in low-light conditions.
Hit the share button if you care about your friends’ eye health! Thank you for reading this week’s blog. We hope this information and tips help you take good care of your eyes. If you have any questions about dry eye syndrome or eye fatigue, send us a message on our social media channels. You can find Splash Tears on Facebook and Instagram. For more eye care content, check the rest of our blogs. Grab your bottle of Splash Tears today on Amazon and say bye to dry eye symptoms.
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