That means, when you look at a brightly lit screen, these cells help set your internal clock for daytime-level alertness.īut these cells are sensitive to colors beyond blue because they also receive input from other retinal neurons that are sensitive to the entire color spectrum. Blue-light-sensitive cells, known as known as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, or ipRGCs, play a key role here, because they tell the brain’s master clock how light it is in the environment. Because of its wavelength, blue light does disrupt healthy sleep physiology. Just because blue light isn’t harming your retina doesn’t mean your electronic devices are harmless, or that blue light doesn’t affect your eyes.
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For example, wearing sunglasses slows down the development of cataracts, which cloud vision. That doesn’t mean you should throw away those sunglasses they provide benefits beyond protecting your eyes from the Sun’s blue light. These structures absorb blue light before it reaches the delicate retina. We have protective elements, such as macular pigments and the natural blue-blocking ability of the crystalline lens. Human eyes are different than rodent eyes. So, why the disconnect between blue light’s effects on rodent eyes and human eyes? A theoretical study recently reached the same conclusion. If being outside on a sunny afternoon likely doesn’t damage the human retina, then neither can your dim-by-comparison tablet. Yet, few human studies have found any link between sunlight exposure and the development of age-related macular degeneration, a retinal disease that leads to loss of central vision. On a sunny afternoon, it’s nearly 100,000 times brighter than your computer screen. One way to think about blue light and potential retinal damage is to consider the Sun. Sunlight has more blue light than your computer. They often ask about “blue-blocking” spectacle lenses that they see advertised on the internet.īut when it comes to protecting your vision and keeping your eyes healthy, blue light isn’t your biggest concern. Often, my patients want to know how they can keep their eyes healthy despite looking at a computer screen all day. I also see patients in the college’s teaching clinics. But, epidemiological studies on real people tell a different story.Īs an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, I teach and conduct vision research, including work with retinal eye cells. Laboratory studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high-intensity blue light damages retinal cells in mice. It can also pass through the eye to the retina, the collection of neurons that converts light into the signals that are the foundation of sight.
![brighter screen affect eyes brighter screen affect eyes](https://dailyhealthpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/digital_eye_strain.jpg)
Blue light has a short wavelength, which means that it is high-energy and can damage the delicate tissues of the eye. Personal electronic devices emit more blue light than any other color. Blue light has gotten a bad rap, getting blamed for loss of sleep and eye damage.