What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a name used to describe the visible light spectrum between 420 to 480 nm. It is a short wavelength that is very near on the light spectrum to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Due to its location on the light spectrum near UV rays, it is a very high-intensity light that can be both damaging and beneficial.  

It is pretty common for people to talk about the blue light that is produced by your phone or laptop screens, however, did you know that the biggest producer of blue light is the sun? The UV rays from the sun generate much more blue light than any other light source. Yet, screens are still a big issue. We hold them so close to our eyes for long periods of time which causes our eyes to absorb blue light at a high intensity.

Why is it Important to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light?

The more blue light that you absorb, the less your body will produce melatonin. Melatonin is the body’s natural hormone that causes you to become sleepy at night. This becomes troublesome when it is time to go to bed. In a study by Single Care, it was found that a shocking 88% of adults lose sleep due to binge-watching television. Additionally, 62% of adults say that “they do not sleep as well as they would like.” The National Sleep Foundation suggests putting the screens to bed at least 30 minutes before you go to bed for higher quality sleep.

In addition to having a higher quality of sleep, protecting your eyes from blue light will also help with the following:

• Headaches
• Eye fatigue 
• Dry eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Blurred vision

How to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light

To protect your eyes from an overload of blue light and the damaging side effects, you must take the correct precautions. Here are some of the easiest ways to limit your exposure to blue light in your daily life:

• When you are not working, try to limit your screen time. In this digital world, it is almost impossible to avoid looking at a screen while at work. However, you can limit your screen time when you’re not working! Try to develop hobbies that do not require you to use a screen, your eyes will thank you!

• Download a blue light filter app for your devices. If you must use your devices at night, try downloading an app that will filter out the blue light for you! If you use an iPhone, set up “night shift” to automatically start each night and end each morning.

• Use sunglasses when you are outdoors. Remember, while our screens produce blue light, the sun produces even more! Always wear sunglasses whenever it is possible when you are outside. A high-quality lens can block 99-100% of all UV radiation.

Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. There is no better way to ensure you are keeping your vision healthy than by attending regular eye exams. Schedule one today!