Blue Light: Good or Bad?

It’s common knowledge now that the screens which surround us constantly emit blue light and they’re harmful for our eyes. But do you know why? Computer glasses are recommended when working for long hours in front of computers/monitors. But can you actually avoid it? Or should you, for that matter? Here is some crucial information about blue light that answers all your questions.

What is Blue Light?

Sunlight is the combination of various coloured lights such as yellow, red, blue, green and orange, creating a visible light spectrum. Blue light (blue-violet light actually) is a portion of this visible light spectrum. Our eyes and bodies are accustomed to this light. No worries, right? Well moderation is key. Overexposure to blue light can be detrimental. Previously, our eyes would usually get the required break from this light after sundown but nowadays we are constantly exposed to it via our smartphones, tablets, computers and what have you. The fact that we use these devices all day, every day only worsens the situation.

But it’s not all bad. Visible blue light has both advantages and disadvantages.

Info about Blue Light You Should Know

The Blue in the Sky and Water

High energy visible light (HEV) rays in the blue-violet end of the light spectrum is behind the blue colour you see in water and the sky. These light rays scatter comparatively easily and upon striking water and air molecules, they disperse the light making it all look blue. When a cloudless sky looks very blue, it is due to a higher degree of blue light scattering.

It’s Omnipresent

The fact that the sun is the source of this light makes it universally ubiquitous. Flat-screen tellies, LED and fluorescent lighting are man-made sources of blue light. The most hazardous of them all is our display screens. Although they emit only a fraction of (HEV) blue light as compared to the sun, the amount of time we spend in front of them makes all the difference.

Over Exposure can Lead to Vision Loss

Blue light, unfortunately, reaches all the way to our retina, located at the back of our eyes. This direct and perpetual exposure can deteriorate the light-sensitive cells present in our retinas thus damaging our eyes. The alterations caused in the eyes due to this resemble that of macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision.

Incompetent Eyes

UV (UltraViolet) rays emitted from the sun are effectively blocked by the cornea and lens and prevent them from reaching the retina which is extremely light-sensitive. Exceptionally little amount of UV radiation from the sun reaches our retina. Whereas almost all the blue light reaches the retina, passing through the lens and the cornea. Our eyes do not block blue light well.

Some Blue Light is Good

Some amount of exposure to blue light is required for good health. It is known to help with memory and cognitive function, boost alertness and uplift mood. Blue light is also necessary for regulation of our body’s natural rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, known as circadian rhythm.

With all this information regarding blue light, make wiser decisions and take care of your eyes.