Blue Light—Bad News for Your Eyes or Nothing to Worry About?

If you’re among the 83% of Americans who use a cell phone, laptop or PC at least two hours per day, you may have become a tad worried about the effect of all that screen time on your eyes.

Some recent studies seem to indicate a possible link between the blue light emitted by digital devices and deteriorating eyesight. Could you go blind?  

Let’s take a look at the facts.

What is blue light?

Blue light occurs naturally in the visible light spectrum as rays of short, high-energy wavelengths. Every time the sun’s out, it emits blue light, as well as red, orange, yellow, green, indigo and violet. The colors combine to create white light, or what we call sunlight.

The sun also emits nonvisible light, such as UV (ultraviolet) light, which can cause suntans, sunburn and eye damage following high exposure. Blue light is located very closely to UV light on the color spectrum, and that proximity has some medical researchers and ophthalmologists worried.   

Does the blue light from digital devices harm your eyes?

Digital devices emit significant amounts of blue light. Certain laboratory studies of animal cells suggest that blue light could cause eye or vision disorders, such as damage to the cornea, the development of cataracts and even macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss.

But according to the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), there is no conclusive evidence that blue light causes damage to the human retina or age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, the amount of blue light emitted by the sun is greater than what any digital device emits, so staying out of the sun, rather than away from your phone, will decrease your exposure. When you do head outdoors, wear quality, UV-A and UV-B blocking sunglasses.

Now, you may have noticed eye strain or eye discomfort after you’ve stared at your screen for a long time, such as blurred vision, gritty eyes or dry eyes. Or you may have a headache and neck and shoulder pains. That’s most likely because you didn’t blink as frequently as you should have or you sat in a slouched, cramped position. Too much screen time tends to have that effect.

So all’s is well?

Keep an eye on your eyes. Healthy eyes matter to your overall health. If you are experiencing vision issues, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can determine if you suffer from digital eye strain or dry eyes or if you need glasses.

If you are looking for an eye care provider or vision insurance, we can help. Check out our affordable vision care with DeltaVision. Plans are available for groups and individuals and families.