5 Dangers of Blue Light from Digital Devices You Didn’t Know About

Humans have never been exposed to blue light the way we are today. Unlike our ancestors, who were only exposed to blue light emitted by the sun, digital devices expose us to blue light day and night.

Before you think we’re doomed, realize that blue light boosts our attention and mood during the day. However, too much exposure may have negative health effects. These are some the lesser-known dangers of exposure to blue light from digital devices.

1. SLEEP PROBLEMS

You might know that blue light makes it harder to fall asleep, but did you know that it can hurt your sleep quality, too? Research shows that blue-light-emitting devices mess up your circadian rhythm, cause sleeplessness and reduce alertness the next morning. 

Blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin more than any other type of light. Harvard researchers found that blue light suppressed melatonin twice as much as green light after 6.5 hours of exposure.

The good news is blue light-blocking glasses may help improve your melatonin levels.

2. HIGHER RISK OF DIABETES AND OBESITY

While there’s no direct link between blue light and these conditions, we know that blue light interferes with the circadian rhythm, which consequently increases the risk of lifestyle diseases. Researchers found that shifting the timing of the circadian rhythm raised blood sugar levels, which put study participants in a prediabetic state.

3. INCREASED THE RISK OF MACULAR DEGENERATION

Your eyes are not very good at blocking blue light. This means most of the blue light you’re exposed to passes through the cornea and lens to reach your retina. Researchers at the University of Toledo found that blue light damages light-sensitive cells in the retina, which causes changes similar to those of macular degeneration.

4. EYESTRAIN

Have you ever noticed that you blink less when using the computer screen? This ends up straining your eyes and causing tension. In fact, a 2015 report showed that 65 percent of American adults have symptoms of digital eyestrain.

If you look at screens all day, wear computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses.

5. INTERFERING WITH RECOVERY AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Since blue light causes damage to the retina, should wear glasses that filter blue light after cataract surgery to protect your eyes.

As you can see, it’s important to reduce your exposure to blue light. Other than the solutions I’ve suggested above, below are a few things you can do reduce your exposure to blue light.

• Wear wide hats when under the sun.
• Keep digital devices out of your bedroom.
• Eat foods which are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, to keep your eyes healthy.