Effect of blue light on the eyes

Blue light emitted by LED screens, fluorescent bulbs, and even natural sunlight has taken an important place in our daily lives. We are constantly exposed to this light, whether working at 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 overall health. In this article, we'll 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 that part of light that our eyes perceive coming mainly from the LED screens that we use on a daily basis: smartphones, computers, tablets... But it is not the only source. Modern LED lighting and even the sun are also providers of this light. If daylight also contains blue radiation, 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 don't pay attention to it. Several studies have looked into this question.

Effects on eyes and health

Eye fatigue

When we spend long hours in front of screens, our eyes tend to tire quickly. This may manifest as a feeling of dry eyes, tingling, or blurred vision. This eye strain is often referred to as “computer vision syndrome.”

Sleeping troubles

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 for 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, this membrane located at the back of our eye, 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 vision in the long term. In fact, several studies suggest that excessive exposure to this light could be linked to certain degenerative retinal diseases.

How to protect yourself?

The good news is that you can take steps to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light. 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 that you can wear them all day long.

Reduce screen use before bed

To promote quality sleep, limit your screen use at least one hour before going to 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 the eye muscles and reduces the harmful effects of blue light. Keep in mind that our eye is not designed to stare at screens for long periods of time. Carving out moments of visual rest is therefore crucial to maintaining optimal vision.

In conclusion, blue light is everywhere around us, and its effects on health can no longer be neglected. Fortunately, with the right protection 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.