Blue light emitted by LED screens, fluorescent bulbs, and even Natural sunlight has become an important part of our daily lives. We are constantly exposed to this light, whether it is while working on a computer, using our smartphone, or simply going outside. However, few of us realize the effects that blue light can have on our eyes and our overall health. In this article, we will explore the impacts of blue light on our eyes, the potential risks it poses, and how you can protect yourself.
Blue light: What are we talking about?
Blue light is the part of light that our eyes perceive, mainly coming from the LED screens that we use every day: smartphones, computers, tablets, etc. But it is not the only source. Modern LED lighting and even the sun are also providers of this light. While daylight also contains blue rays, excessive exposure to screens considerably increases the risks of this light on our eyes.
Screens: main sources of blue light
In our hyper-connected society, few people escape the lure of screens. Whether for work, leisure or communication, our eyes are constantly exposed to this blue light. This omnipresent screen in our lives can be a real risk for our eyes if we do not pay attention to it. Several studies have looked into the issue.
Effects on eyes and health
Eye fatigue
When we spend long hours in front of screens, our eyes tend to tire quickly. This can manifest itself as a feeling of dry eyes, stinging, or blurred vision. This eye fatigue is often referred to as "computer vision syndrome".
Sleep disorders
Exposure to blue light in the evening, especially before bed, can disrupt our sleep cycle. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, which can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Risks to the retina
Studies suggest that blue light, particularly high-energy visible (HEV) blue light, can damage cells in the retina. This could increase the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Impact on vision
Prolonged exposure to blue light can impair vision in the long term. It is essential to understand the potential risks to our eyes and take steps to minimize them.
The retina: first affected by blue light
The retina, the membrane at the back of our eyes, is particularly sensitive to blue light. It plays a crucial role in our vision by transforming light into nerve signals sent to the brain. Every time we stare at a screen, whether it's a computer, tablet or smartphone, our eyes are flooded with blue light. This overload can cause damage to the retina, compromising our eyesight in the long term. In fact, several studies suggest that excessive exposure to this light could be linked to certain degenerative diseases of the retina.
How to protect yourself?
The good news is that you can take steps to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light, such as by sunglasses . Here are some helpful tips:
Glasses with blue light filter
Wearing glasses with a blue light filter can reduce exposure to blue rays. These glasses filter out some of the blue light emitted by screens and bulbs, providing protection for your eyes. Ki ET LA offers a range of glasses specially designed to protect your eyes from this exposure. These innovative lenses block the majority of harmful blue light. In addition to their effectiveness, they combine style and comfort so you can wear them all day long.
Reduce screen use before bed
To promote quality sleep, limit your screen time at least one hour before bed. If necessary, use apps or device settings that reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
Take breaks
When working on a screen, take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Follow the "20-20-20" rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax your eye muscles and reduce the harmful effects of blue light. Keep in mind that our eyes are not designed to stare at screens for long periods of time, so taking time to rest your eyes is crucial to maintaining optimal vision.
In conclusion, Blue light is everywhere around us, and its effects on health are no longer to be neglected. Fortunately, with the right protections and a few precautions, it is possible to enjoy our screens without endangering our well-being. At Ki ET LA, we take care of your eyes, because we know how precious they are.
