How devices' blue light affect your vision?

These days staring on your smartphone for hours is quite normal for a lot of people. An average person spends about 3-4 hours on their phone. These numbers are changing rapidly and so are the number of people with vision problems. The most common reason of a vision problem these days is the overly spend time on devices like your phone, tablet, PC and more. All these devices produce blue light which can negatively affect for eyesight and in some cases can even lead to blindness. So, What is blue light? Blue light is a natural short wavelength which is detectable by the human eye. It is a part of the light spectrum and provides basic light to the world. The reason probably you're hearing about this a lot since the last couple of years is because exposure to a very large amount of blue light can be dangerous for the health of your eyes.

How devices' blue light affect your vision? Blue light directly penetrates to the inner lining of the retina and can damage light sensitive cells. This could lead to severe eye diseases and can even make you go blind. Apart from that blue light negatively affects your sleep pattern which can prevent you from having a relaxing sleep.

Therefore, it is always recommended to follow the eye protection steps.

Is blue light only produced by your phone?

Many of us believe that blue light is only produced by the smartphones we own. However, this belief is not true. Smartphones are not the only object producing blue light. Even the Sun, CFL bulbs and LED lights produce it.

This is probably the reason why we usually don't stare at them.

How is blue light affecting your eyesight?

Whenever we use our phone, our computer or any other device, it produces blue light. Then, the blue light penetrates all the way to our retina which is the inner lining present at the backside of our eye. Scientific studies have showed that access exposure to blue light can damage the light-sensitive cells present in our retina. In some cases, this can cause you macular degeneration, which can even lead to permanent vision loss.

It is always better to reduce your screen time and follow the steps to protect our eye from blue light. Also, you should never look directly to the Sun and other blue light sources like the CFL and LED bulbs as they can also do the same thing.

What is an Eyestrain and how can it harm your eyes?

An eyestrain is a very common condition which happens when your eyes get tired by intense works, like staring at the computer screens for a long time or driving for a long time, say 5-6 hours. Symptoms of an eyestrain usually include-

• Headache

• Tired, burning, sore or itching eyes

• Blurred vision

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Concentration problems

• Getting a feeling like you cannot keep your eyes open anymore

The best way to feel better in this situation is to sleep for a while. If headache continues, you can use a balm. These symptoms are temporary and usually go away soon. If the situation get worse, consulting an ophthalmologist is recommended.

Is blue light responsible for Digital Eye Strain?

Blue light is not the cause for digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is usually based on how we use the digital devices. So, What is a Digital eye strain? Digital eye strain happens when we spend too much time on our smartphone. This usually happens because devices like smartphones force our eyes to work harder than usual as eyes tend to strain more on tiny words. The reason why we get this is because our eyes blink less when we are at the screen.

Can digital eye strain make you go blind?

Though getting a digital eye strain may not be a good thing. However, according to the American Academy Of Ophthalmology, most of the effects of digital eye strain are temporary and they do not tend to last longer. Still, it is always recommended to put yourself in control and to follow the steps to prevent digital eye strain and effects of blue light.

Do you really need blue light glasses to protect your eyes?

Now as you know that how devices' blue light affect your vision, you probably are wondering of getting yourself a pair of blue light glasses. Well, you can get yourself blue light glasses if you want. These glasses have been proven to be effective as they help improving your sleep, reduce digital eye strain and reduce the chance of getting an eye disease. However, devices like smartphones, tablets and computers unlike the sun do not emit that much blue light to completely damage your eyes. Following the eye protection steps can help you protect your eyes even without blue light glasses.

How to keep your eyes protected from digital eye strain and blue light?

Now as you know the effects of blue light, eye strain and digital eye strain, with the troubles they create for you, it is always best to follow all the eye protection practices to help prevent your vision from any damage. These days staying away from screen can be difficult because of the pandemic, this is why I would like you to follow these steps often you are on your devices. Here are the precautionary practices-

• Blink more often- Our eyes tend to blink less when we are at the screen. Blinking cleans and protects your eyes from dirt particles. Blinking also improves and brightens the image received at the retina.

• Use the 20-20-20 technique- Take breaks more often by using this technique. 20-20-20 means take a break after every 20 minutes, look at an object minimum 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Keep Distance from the screen- Maintain a distance between you and your screen. Sit straight, Stay at least 21 feet away usually about an arm's length from the screen.

• Adjust the brightness- A high brightness level can damage your eyes. Remember that your devices' brightness level should not be more than that of your room.

• Reduce glare- Do not use your device at a place where the screen causes a glare.

• Reduce usage at evenings- Do not use your phone or computer at evening or night time. This could affect your circadian rhythm (body's natural clock) and may not allow you to get a relaxing sleep. If using, remember to turn on the dark theme or night mode on your device.

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