Blue light – what’s it all about?
Blue light is a potentially harmful, high energy visible light (between 380-500nm) that naturally comes from the sun but is also emitted in low doses from digital devices.
“Good” blue light peaks at 480nm. This good blue light sets our sleep cycle – the presence of blue light in the morning stops the secretion of melatonin and wakes us up, the absence of blue light in the evening starts the secretion of melatonin and makes us sleepy.
” Bad” blue light (415 nm-455 nm) causes the formation of free radicals in the eye which can have a detrimental effect on vision, may lead to premature eye ageing including AMD.
Computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital screens all emit blue light but this is only a fraction of that emitted by the sun. However the amount of time people spend using these devices and the proximity of these screens to the eyes has caused some concern about potential long-term effects of blue light on eye health.
With our increasing reliance on digital devices, our exposure to blue light has never been higher.
We check our phones about 58 times a day!
We spend up to 12 hours a day in front of our computers/TV
Blue light could increase headaches
Trouble sleeping? Blue light could cause that!
Blue light may cause eye strain and tired eyes
Blue light blocking glasses block or filter out the blue light given off from digital screens and so protect your eyes from glare and can help reduce potential damage to your retina from prolonged exposure to blue light.
Blue light blocking glasses and be purchased without prescription (€59) or this blue block coating can be included with your prescription.
