Column: Digital blue light and your eyes

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Commentary by Dr. Matthew Clark

What is “blue light?”

Blue light is just that, blue-colored light! Blue light emits higher energy than red-colored light, thereby causing potential damage to the retina in the back of the eye.

Blue light is everywhere, mostly from the sun. It cannot be avoided completely, and is in fact beneficial in nature. It helps your body to regulate its sleep cycle, energy and hormone levels and even elevates your mood.

Why are we worried about light?

Excessive artificial blue light from our phones and computers can interrupt our circadian rhythms, disturb sleep patterns and even influence your mood. Blue decreases contrast, causing eyestrain while on your devices. Over time, this high-energy light actually damages the retina, likely inclining toward macular degeneration. People who have had cataract surgery are especially susceptible, since the lens removed during surgery filters out most blue light.

What should I do?

We don’t yet know the long-term effects this digital age will have on our eyes, but let’s take some simple measures to protect ourselves and our families. Ideally, we would all cut the time we spend on our devices by at least half, but I’m probably not going to do that, you’re not going to do that, and your kids are certainly not going to do it. Most smartphones and tablets now have a blue-light filter in their settings, or “Night Shift” for you iPhone users. Set it to turn on in the evening to relax your eyes and help your brain turn off. Then, at your next annual exam talk with your eye doctor about lenses and coatings to filter out harmful blue light. There are many options out now to protect you and make you more comfortable while on your devices.


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