Blue Light May Penetrate the Eye and Reach the Retina, Posing a Potential Health Threat
In our daily lives, sunlight is omnipresent, but it carries hidden risks. The solar spectrum is divided into three main parts: ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared. Visible light, which our eyes can detect, ranges from 380 to 780 nm and is split into seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. With the widespread use of LED technology, exposure to blue light has increased significantly. Devices such as televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets all emit substantial amounts of blue light. Unlike ultraviolet light, which is usually blocked by the cornea and lens and thus rarely reaches the retina, blue light behaves differently. Blue light is defined as visible light with wavelengths between 380 and 500 nm, and it is sometimes further divided into blue-violet light (approximately 380 to 450 nm) and blue-green light (approximately 450 to 500 nm). This type of light has shorter wavelengths and higher energy, making it capable of penetrating the cornea and lens, reaching the retina, and potentially harming eye health.
The Longer the Exposure, the Greater the Eye Strain
The impact of blue light on the eyes depends primarily on the duration and frequency of exposure. Prolonged exposure, especially during evening hours, can affect sleep quality and overall health. While the blue light intensity from electronic devices is generally low, continuous long-term use can gradually increase the strain on the eyes.
Frequent exposure to bright screens at night may lead to eye fatigue, blurred vision, and disrupted sleep patterns, as blue light can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep onset. Reducing screen brightness or using night mode can help mitigate these effects.
The Closer the Distance, the Higher the Risk of Blue Light Damage
Proximity to blue light sources is also a key factor in determining risk. The closer you are to a light-emitting device, the higher the intensity of light that reaches your eyes. Devices like phones, tablets, and computers are often used at a distance of only 30 to 50 centimeters from the eyes. Even though the blue light intensity may not be extremely high, prolonged use at such close distances can cause eye fatigue, dryness, and even impact vision. Keeping a reasonable distance from these screens helps to reduce blue light exposure, as light intensity diminishes with distance. For larger screens like televisions, maintaining a proper viewing distance can further minimize the effects of blue light on the eyes.