Blue light is a wavelength of visible light that falls between violet and green. It is produced by computer screens, mobile phones, tablets, televisions and LED lamps. Although necessary for vision, excessive exposure to blue light has a great impact on the body and life, and it is important to understand its risks and how to deal with them.
Its risks
Blue light is known to have a negative impact on the regulation of the body's biological clock. Indeed, it stimulates the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and can disrupt sleep and wake cycles. This can lead to disturbances in sleep, energy and mood, as well as an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Blue light is also linked to eyesight risks. It can cause damage to the retina, lead to eye fatigue and headaches, and loss of near vision. It has a higher energy than other wavelengths of visible light. This means that it can cause oxidative damage to cells in the retina, thereby damaging the structure and function of the cells present there. This damage can lead to reduced sensitivity to light, decreased near vision, and loss of overall vision.
Scientific studies have also shown that excessive exposure to blue light can increase the risk of developing retinal diseases such as demelanopia (color vision disorder) and demelanoma (retinal cancer).
Importantly, these risks are of particular concern among children and adolescents, who are increasingly spending more time in front of screens.
How to reduce your exposure
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risks associated with blue light exposure. There are several ways to limit exposure to blue light, such as:
- Limit the use of screens before sleeping
- Use blue light filters for screens
- Wear special glasses that block blue light
- Increase environment brightness to compensate for screen brightness
It is also recommended to visit an ophthalmologist regularly to check the condition of the retina and to adopt healthy habits to protect eyesight, such as eating foods rich in nutrients such as fruits and vegetables.
In summary, excessive exposure to blue light can cause significant damage to the body. It can cause reduced sensitivity to light, decreased near vision, and loss of overall vision.
It is important to take steps to limit regular exposure to blue light.