Blue Light Protection From Digital Screens

Research shows that all organisms on Earth have been exposed to natural blue light from sunlight for millennia. You get about 20 to 30 percent blue light from the sun. As the day goes on, the level of blue light decreases. This happens as a natural signal that tells your body to prepare for sleep. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that artificial blue light is harmful. You get 35 percent blue light when you use your computer devices. This is detrimental to your health. If you want to understand the importance of blue light protection from digital screens, here’s what you should know.

 

Prevents Mood Issues

According to experts, light and circadian rhythm influence your mood. Any irregularities or imbalances can result in a collection of mood disorders. Excessive exposure to blue light disrupts your internal clock. Inadequate sleep leads to anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and even PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Promotes Eye Health

Studies show that your retinal cells experience photochemical stress. This type of stress can be damaging your vision. Your retina contains photoreceptors that receive light and images. The information it gets is delivered to your brain via your optic nerve. Your RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) enables the formation of your very own biological sunglasses. These organic eye shields help absorb the natural blue light around you. If you are exposed to elevated levels of blue light, your eyes’ ability to absorb blue light is reduced. Your heavy blue light exposure also inhibits your eyes’ ability to repair any damage.

Lowers Risk for Diabetes and Cancer

There was a study that using non-blue light-emitting LED lights each night can reduce your internal clock’s disruption. It also keeps you from having insulin resistance and hunger pangs in the middle of the night. This lowers your risk of developing diabetes. Another study back in 2017 revealed that inadequate sleep diminishes your body’s ability to repair DNA. This heightens your risk of developing cancer due to your DNA’s oxidative damage. If you regularly stay awake late at night, your risk for cancer occurring in various areas of your body increases.

Encourages Continuous Sleep

Your circadian rhythm reacts to the natural light around you. When the sun rises, natural blue light inhibits the production of melatonin to wake you up. At sunset, blue light disappears. This activates the release of your melatonin, telling your body to sleep. Because you stay indoors most of the time now, you bathe in artificial lighting. You then surround yourself with high levels of synthetic blue light. Such elevated levels prevent the proper release of melatonin and trigger sleep problems.
 

With frequent use of electronic gadgets, you increase your exposure to blue light. With blue light protection eyewear, you reduce the percentage of blue light that you get at night. This then helps you to get good quality sleep. At Dobbins–Letourneau Eyecare, we know how important blue light protection is for your health. Please visit our clinic in Lawrence, Kansas, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 785-843-5665 for appointment scheduling or inquiries about our collection of blue light protective eyewear.

References:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/blue-light-digital-eye-strain

https://www.bollesafety.com.au/page/8-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-digital-screens-and-blue-light