Blue light has a wave length between 380 and 500 nanometers (nm); making it one of the shortest, highest-energy wavelengths. All other light in the spectrum is absorbed by the cornea, but since the blue light wavelength is so short it penetrates all the way to the retina and can damage the retinal cells. The retina is especially important because it is a thin tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for vision.
BLUE LIGHT IS EVERYWHERE
Blue light is everywhere and is naturally emitted from the sun as part of the visible light spectrum. Our body uses blue light to regulate our natural sleep and wake cycles, known as the circadian rhythm. Natural blue light can be beneficial during the day because it can boost alertness and elevate your mood.
ARTIFICIAL BLUE LIGHT
It is exposure to artificial blue light emitted from modern digital screens that can be harmful. Reading emails, online shopping, scrolling thru social media, and watching videos are just some of the many things we enjoy on a daily basis. All that screen time and exposure to blue light can negatively impact our health.
DIGITAL EYE STRAIN
Exposure to digital screens and blue light leads to digital eye strain. Over 60 percent of Americans surveyed by The Vision Council say they experience digital eye strain and the symptoms include: red itchy dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck pain, and headaches. Parents should be especially cautious about exposing their children to blue light because their developing eyes are more sensitive.
SLEEP DISRUPTION
Your natural sleep pattern is regulated by the amount of light you are exposed to and since our eyes are constantly receiving blue light throughout the day, the body doesn't know when to get ready for sleep. Blue light suppresses the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can reduce both the quantity and quality of your sleep.
SKIN AGING
Blue light can do harm to your skin because it penetrates all the way to the dermis and can damage the collagen and elastin cells. Collagen gives skin strength while elastin enables skin to stretch and bounce back. The skin also does a lot of natural night time repair so if you are not getting enough sleep, it can lead to pre-mature skin aging.
