You’re probably familiar with blue light because it’s the type of light that comes from screens like TVs, laptops, and phones. This kind of light is high-energy visible light or HEV light. And you might know that spending too much time looking at screens can cause eye strain.
While technology has many benefits, there is growing evidence suggesting blue light might harm your health. This article will discuss six reasons why blue light might be harmful for you.
Eye Strain
Eye strain is a common problem caused by blue light exposure. You’re likely familiar with eye strain if you work on a computer or phone all day. While many factors can contribute to eye strain, such as poor lighting and screen glare, blue light might contribute.
The human eye is not very good at filtering out blue light, so when you look at a screen for too long, the blue light can cause the muscles in your eyes to become tired. This can lead to headaches, eye pain, and difficulty concentrating. Eye strain can become more severe over time, causing long-term damage to your vision.
If you work on a computer, try using an anti-glare screen or filter. You can also take breaks every 20 minutes to give your eyes a break from the screen. When using your phone, try to hold it at least 14 inches away from your face.
Sleep Disruption
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It is during sleep that your body rests and repairs itself. Exposure to blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle and cause you to feel tired during the day.
Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin more than any other color of light. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycles, and its production is increased when it gets dark outside. Too much blue light exposure can disrupt your natural sleep patterns and lead to insomnia.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it might be worth investing in a pair of glasses that block out blue light. With Block Blue Light glasses, you can get the best sleep by filtering out the blue light from your screens and allowing your body to prepare for a restful night’s sleep. You can also minimize the effects of blue light on your sleep by avoiding screens for at least two to three hours before bedtime.
When your body’s natural sleep cycle is disrupted, it can lead to increased snacking and late-night eating, contributing to weight gain. It makes it harder to resist temptation and control portion sizes. If you’re trying to lose weight or eat a healthier diet, limiting your exposure to blue light in the evening may help you to see better results.
Blue Light Can Damage Your Retina
The retina is a sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye responsible for sending signals to your brain. Exposure to blue light can damage the cells in your retina and cause permanent vision loss.
Research indicates that exposure to blue light can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you should be especially careful about exposure to blue light. Macular degeneration usually affects people over 50, but it can develop earlier in life if exposed to high levels of blue light.
Risk Of Cancer
Long-term exposure to blue light has been linked to increased cancer risk. A recent study found that people exposed to high levels of blue light are more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The study found that blue light exposure can damage DNA and cause cancerous cells to grow.
In addition, blue light can increase the production of free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage cells and lead to cancer. While more research is needed to confirm the link between blue light and cancer, it is vital to take precautions to limit your exposure to blue light.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of blue light, consider wearing sunglasses or a hat outdoors and avoiding looking at electronic screens for long periods.
Nutrition is also crucial for protecting yourself from the harmful effects of blue light. Antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants include blueberries, kale, and tomatoes. You should also make sure to eat foods containing carotenoids, and pigments that can help protect your cells from damage caused by blue light.
Effects On Mood
Exposure to blue light has been linked to mood changes and increased anxiety levels. A study published on WebMD found that people exposed to high levels of blue light are more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
Blue light affects the brain by stimulating the production of certain hormones, including cortisol and serotonin. These hormones play a role in regulating mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns.
Blue Light Is Bad For Your Skin
Blue light can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in skin cells, leading to premature aging and decreased collagen production, a protein that helps keep your skin looking young and elastic.
This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Blue light can also cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In addition, blue light can increase the production of free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage cells and lead to wrinkles.
So how can you protect your skin from blue light? Some dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day, even if you’re indoors. You can also download a blue light filter for your computer or phone screen and try to limit your screen time overall.
While there is still more research on the effects of blue light, it is clear that it can be harmful to your health in various ways. If you are concerned about exposure to blue light, you can take a few simple steps to reduce your risk. Try to limit your exposure to blue light in the evening by avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Wear sunglasses or other protective eyewear when you are outdoors during the daytime.
And finally, consider investing in blue light filtering glasses to wear indoors. Taking these precautions can help minimize your exposure to harmful blue light.
