The term “blue light”, which we have heard frequently in recent years, has entered our lives more and more, especially with the widespread use of technological devices. So, is blue light really harmful to our eyes? Let’s examine this issue in detail.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a component of sunlight, but also a type of light emitted by computers, tablets, phones and other devices with LED screens. Blue light, which is in the high-energy part of the visible light spectrum, has a shorter wavelength than other colors.
Why Is Blue Light Controversial?
Although various studies have been conducted on the effects of blue light on eye health, definitive and clear results have not been reached yet. However, some experts state that long-term exposure to blue light can cause the following problems:
- Eye fatigue: Blue light can tire the eye muscles, causing blurred vision, headaches and dry eyes.
- Sleep disorders: Blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia by inhibiting the secretion of the melatonin hormone.
- Risk of macular degeneration: Some research suggests that blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration in the long term. Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that causes central vision loss.
How can we protect ourselves from blue light?
You can take the following precautions to protect yourself from the potential harms of blue light:
- Reduce screen time: Try to limit your computer, tablet and phone use.
- Lower the screen brightness: Set the screen brightness to the lowest level.
- Use glasses with a blue light filter: These glasses protect your eyes by blocking harmful blue rays from reaching them.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at a spot 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
- Sleep in a dark environment: Avoid using electronic devices before sleep and keep your room dark.
Research on blue light continues. However, considering the possibility that long-term blue light exposure may have negative effects on eye health, it would be beneficial to take the precautions mentioned above. If you experience any problems with your eye health, it is important to see an ophthalmologist.