Blue light glasses can protect eyes against dangerous rays emitted by digital devices. You should know that blue light can cause an eye damage. Children and teenagers, whose eyes do not fully filter blue light, are particularly sensitive to the harms of cold blue light, the French authority noted. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The best way to protect your eyes against eye strain from blue light in devices is to take regular breaks using the "20-20-20" rule: Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Although not as energetic as ultraviolet (UV) light, there is concern that high doses of blue light might cause more cellular damage than longer wavelengths of visible light (which you see as the colors red through green). 2011;37(4):225-32. doi:10.1097/ICL.0b013e31821fbd3e, Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Tosini G, Ferguson I, Tsubota K. Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology. Sunlight and incandescent light contain a broad range of wavelengths. Fatigue, dry eyes, bad lighting, or how you sit in front of the computer can cause eyestrain. Troy L. Bedinghaus, OD, board-certified optometric physician, owns Lakewood Family Eye Care in Florida. Each of these has a different energy and wavelength. The wavelengths of light detected as visible colors are: Infrared is invisible and is felt as heat. According to a recent NEI-funded research study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens. The sun produces blue light along with the other colors of the spectrum, and so we are exposed to it naturally. Increasing evidence suggests that blue light has a dark side. For example, if you wear orange or red lenses during the daytime you will impair the eye’s ability to use the rod and cone system correctly. If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. Mol Vis. Theoretically, commercially available blue light-filtering lenses reduce negative effects … Ultraviolet is invisible and has a wavelength of less than 400 nm. There is some evidence that obesity, nutritional factors, and alcohol use disorder may also raise the risks.. The main risk factors for AMD are a family history of the condition, age, and cigarette smoking. Practically all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. Here are, Computer screens, smart phones, and tablet screens. doi:10.1002/jbio.201900102. To address indoor blue light exposure, many companies market blue-blocking glasses that filter blue light. 2017;37(6):644-654. doi:10.1111/opo.12406, Ramsey DJ, Ramsey KM, Vavvas DG. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists does not think blue light from electronic devices is damaging to the eyes.. Practically all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. The organization says blue light from digital devices does not lead to eye disease and doesn’t even cause eyestrain. Blue light exposure may increase the risk of macular degeneration. Blue light and ultraviolet light place oxidative stress on the retinal pigments. When integrated, it becomes the white light we see. It controls circadian rhythm — the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle. blue-blocking glasses that filter blue light, Central role of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration: Evidence from a review of the molecular mechanisms and animal models, A review: role of ultraviolet radiation in age-related macular degeneration, The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: A systematic review of the literature, Genetic advances in ophthalmology: The role of melanopsin-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the circadian organization of the visual system, The inner clock-Blue light sets the human rhythm. For more than 20 years he has been studying methods to improve health using affordable and safe methods. This light may impact vision and might too soon age the eyes. But the light from electronic devices and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in lighting sources has a much narrower range of wavelengths. Blue light is the visible light at the blue end of the spectrum. In addition, there are lots of other sources: Blue light direct exposure you receive from screens is little compared with the amount of exposure from the sun. Central role of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration: Evidence from a review of the molecular mechanisms and animal models. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. The inner clock-Blue light sets the human rhythm. Early research study shows that excessive exposure to blue light could result in: If consistent direct exposure to blue light from cellular phones, tablets, and computer screens is an issue, there are a few methods to reduce exposure to blue light: Speak with an eye care expert about options about methods to secure your family and your eyes from blue light. The whole point of the blue light lens coating is to reduce the amount of blue light your eyes are exposed to from your digital screens. They define how we work, how we talk, and how we play. We also don't show you Personalized Ads. As well, some devices have a night mode with reduced amounts of blue light.. He works in private practice in New York City. The signals from these receptors are integrated in your brain to produce your sense of color. No, Blue Light From Your Smartphone Is Not Blinding You (Aug. 20, 2018) When you stare at a screen for hours at a time, whether it is a computer, TV, phone or tablet, you are exposed to blue light from the device. As well, exposure to blue light may have an impact on your sleep-wake cycle. Early research shows that too much exposure to blue light could lead to: parts of the eye. Is There a Diet for Macular Degeneration? Specialization is a vision correction by laser surgery, including LASIK. So, the best time to wear blue light glasses is when you’re exposed to blue light — i.e., while you’re watching TV, scrolling through your smartphone or tablet, or working on a computer. They can help protect eyes from eye strain caused by overexposure to blue light. 2020;2020:7901270. doi:10.1155/2020/7901270, Chalam KV, Khetpal V, Rusovici R, Balaiya S. A review: role of ultraviolet radiation in age-related macular degeneration. As a matter of fact the recently published AOA guidelines on infants and these devices was no use before the age of 2 … Some cones are more sensitive to red, some to green, and some to blue. Although there is no direct evidence that either UV or blue light causes macular degeneration, there is epidemiologic evidence that greater exposure to these types of light increases the risk of AMD. People with a higher risk for the disease might protect their eyes from UV and blue light exposure. Tips for getting a better night's sleep include switching off electronic screens before bedtime, keeping them out of the bedroom, and ensuring the sleep environment is kept dark. Exposure to blue light in the evening and at night might continue to suppress melatonin, resulting in a disruption of the wake-sleep cycle., Concerns are especially common for blue light exposure from electronic devices before or at bedtime. This increased blue light exposure from LED lights, cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers has raised concerns about the effects it may have on the sleep-wake cycle and possible damage to the eyes. Digital eyestrain: Blue light from computer screens and digital devices can decrease contrast leading to digital eyestrain. Blue light glasses can damage your eyes, but only if you filter and block light incorrectly. Updated August 24, 2017. Rays on the red end have longer wavelengths and less energy. Early research study shows that excessive exposure to … You can also use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Ask your eye doctor or optician about which type of vision correction and lens features best suit your needs for viewing your computer and other digital devices and protecting your eyes from blue light. American Academy of Ophthalmolgists. The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: A systematic review of the literature. With melatonin suppressed, you remain awake, alert, and able to go about your daily tasks and think clearly. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The fact that blue light penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) is important, because laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina.