Myths and Facts about Blue Light

What is true and what isn’t?

In this blog we are going to cover myths and facts about blue light.

• Introduction
• Myths about Blue Light
• Facts about Blue Light
• Conclusion

 

Introduction

Have you ever heard about digital eye strain?

Everyday, more and more people are diagnosed with this medical condition all over the world.

You have probably heard that electronic devices such as smartphones, TVs and laptops emit a type of light that is harmful and causes a progressive deterioration of your eye health as well as disrupting your sleep cycles.

Well this is true and these harmful consequences are caused by blue light but, did you know that not all blue light is bad? Let’s dive into some myths and facts to help you have a better understanding of why and specifically when blue light is bad.

 

Myths about Blue Light

Myth nº 1: Blue Light Is Not Natural

The truth is that blue light exists in nature and it’s part of the natural cycle of sunlight. 

Natural blue light is emitted by the sun during daylight hours and it has the following effects:

• It boosts alertness
• Enhances mood and energy
• Kickstarts the circadian rhythm of the body
• And it has antibacterial effects.

As you can guess, being exposed to blue light in the daylight hours, especially in the morning, is actually pretty good. The problem is being exposed to this type of light late in the day. After noon, the sun gradually transitions into warmer colours leading to the sunset. 

Being exposed to blue light during these hours has negative effects on the body. In other words, it disrupts the circadian rhythm making the body think it’s still day time which results in a delay of melatonin production that causes sleep problems, and the overexposure also harms your eye health.

 

Myth nº 2: All Blue Light is Bad for You

As we have just seen, blue light is part of the natural spectrum of sunlight. For instance, there are actually several studies that highlight a few benefits of blue light during daytime.

People that suffer from SAD (or Seasonal Affective Disorder) , a type of depression, experience improved mood and better sleep patterns when they are exposed to blue light during the day. 

Blue light per se is not bad, what is bad is blue light exposure at the wrong time of the day.

 

Myth nº 3: Digital Eye Strain Can’t Be Avoided

It is very important to remember that our eyes are not designed to stare at a screen for most of the day. The retina is the organ of the body that degenerates the fastest and it is important to protect and delay the ageing process that happens naturally after the age of 40. 

Using blue light blockers in the afternoon and evening hours of the day will protect your eyes and brain against blue light overexposure.

 

Facts about Blue Light

Fact nº 1: Our Eyes Can’t Block Blue Light

Some types of light, like UVC light, are not able to penetrate the inner layers of the eyes. Blue light is not one of them.

Several studies show that blue light can actually penetrate and reach the retina.

 

 

It makes sense because as we have previously mentioned, blue light during the day is actually beneficial for the body, But what this means is that in the afternoon hours and especially during the night,  your eyes DO need the protection that blue light blockers provide because they are not able to naturally protect themselves from unwanted blue light exposure.

 

Fact nº 2: Blue Light Can Cause Digital Strain

The main cause of Digital Strain is staring at screened devices during extended periods of time.

Some symptoms of Digital Strain include:

• Dry or sore eyes.
• Red eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Headaches.
• Mood swings.

Wearing blue light glasses is the best way to prevent and reverse Digital Strain problems.

 

Fact nº 3: Blue Light Accelerates Retinal Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a problem that occurs in your retina.

It occurs when the macula, which is a part of the retina, is damaged

Macular degeneration happens naturally as we age but blue light exposure accelerates the problem creating blurred vision and loss of focus.

Once again, if you wear your blue light blocking glasses, your eyes and by extension your retina, will be protected from these premature degeneration.

NOTE. Combined with Red Light Therapy sessions, blue light blockers are a great treatment to prevent and even reverse macular degeneration.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, if you want to avoid premature eye health problems and want to protect your sleep cycles, you should definitely invest in a good pair of Blue Light Blockers that protect your eyes and brains from unwanted blue light exposure late in the day,

 

Take a look at our PREMIUM range of blue light eyewear here.