In a poll I took on my Instagram, 71% of people knew what blue light was which is pretty shocking seeing as most jobs require us to look at some type of screen during the day. All over the internet I see everyone talking about blue light and how it is so terrible for our eyes. But do we actually know what is happening to our eyes because of the blue light?? No. So let’s talk about it on this week’s #ScienceSunday!!
This high energy light is emitted from the sun (natural) and from electronic devices like TVs and cellphones (man made). For centuries before electronics were even invented, people lived their lives based around the light given off from the sun. Our circadian rhythms were adjusted to being awake when there is light and asleep when it is dark. Since the invention of electronics which emit light, our circadian rhythms are thrown off due to the fact that there is light surrounding us constantly.
Blue light is a high energy low wavelength part of the visible spectrum. It is emitted from the sun and is beneficial in giving us more attention and can boost our mood. By using electronics at night, the amount of melatonin our bodies produce decreases. Melatonin is important because it helps us fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Our eyes cannot block blue light from reaching our retinas and damaging them. With over exposure to blue light becoming more apparent, there is the possibility that the muscles in our eyes can slowly degrade and eventually lead to permanent blindness.
It is possible that working on a computer or looking at your phone for long periods of time can cause digital eye strain. This causes your eyes to ache and can lead to other symptoms like headaches. There has been an increase in the development of blue light protective glasses that can be worn when working with electronics for a prolonged period of time. You can find them on Amazon for $20 and they are pretty cute!! I have glasses so wearing them wouldn’t be possible. You can also find yellow tinted glasses that are helpful in blocking the blue light also.
If you have an iPhone you can turn night shift on which blocks the blue light from emitting on your screen. I have it on all day long and I have noticed a huge decrease in the number of headaches I get. I am in the process of seeing if my work computer can have a blue light blocking mode or screen installed to prevent my eyes from straining there.
Obviously blue light is something that we need but it is best to get it from natural sources like the sun. I commit the crime of using my phone in bed even with my night shift on and it doesn’t help me falling asleep. I even fall asleep with the TV on which is a huge no no. So I am promising myself that I will try to slowly build the habit of cutting out my phone from being in bed with me and falling asleep with the TV on. Hopefully I can put less strain on my eyes and keep my circadian rhythm in check.
The things I learn with these #ScienceSundays are so cool. Definitely a favorite part of my week!!
Have a fab week!! The weather is getting slightly warmer this week!!
Xoxo,
Z
