The time we spend in front of our laptop and mobile screens have increased over the past few years. It grew at an even more rapid rate after the CoViD-19 hit us and our modes of socialisation got limited to through screens. At present, an adult spends an average of 6+ hours a day in front of a screen, working, scrolling through social media, binge-watching, etc. These screens emit blue light whose overexposure can impact the health of our eyes. In the present scenario, nothing much can be done to reduce the exposure because the world is becoming more and more digital. We can take steps to protect our eyes from blue light by wearing blue light filter glasses. But before we get into how these computer glasses are helpful, let’s understand
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is one of the colours on the colour spectrum and one of the colours emitted by the sun. Each of these 7 colours (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red) has different energy levels. As we move from one end of the spectrum to the other, the wavelengths and energy emitted by each colour change. For instance, the red colour has the least energy and longest wavelengths, whereas the violet has the most energy and shortest wavelengths. Blue light is one of the colours with more energy and short wavelengths. Before the digital world, our only exposure to blue light was through the sun which we could reduce by staying indoors. Currently, most of our exposure to blue light is through the screens and it is slowly becoming impossible to avoid screens.
How Does Blue Light Affect Eye Health?
Causes Lack of Sleep
On the colour spectrum, blue leans towards shorter wavelengths and more energy. The same blue light is emitted by the sun and it keeps the mind alert. Our body starts producing a sleep-inducing hormone after dusk called melatonin. Its release is triggered by the lack of blue light. Using mobile and laptop after dusk delays the release of melatonin. As a result, when the body is unable to release enough melatonin on time, you feel tired but can’t sleep.
Puts Strain on Eyes
Blue light also puts strain on your eyes and muscles. Although you can make height adjustments to reduce the strain on muscles, the same cannot be done for the eyes. Since the blue light keeps the mind on alert, your eyes are directed by the brain to focus. Continuous alertness for long hours makes it stressful for the eyes, and it becomes difficult to concentrate after a point. Doing this regularly can make it immensely difficult to focus on other things, as well.
Increase the Risk of Eye Diseases
Blue light has the power to penetrate the retina and even develop macular degeneration. Macular degeneration, or the degeneration of eye muscles, can increase one’s risk of cataracts and blindness.
How does the blue light filter help?
As its name suggests, blue light blocking glasses prevent the blue light from entering your eyes. Whether you are watching TV, working on a laptop, or scrolling through social media, computer lenses protect your eyes from harmful blue light and prevent overexposure.