How many hours a day do you spend in front of a digital device?
In this day and age, almost all of us – young or old are using some sort of digital device on a daily basis. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer desktop, we all now spend a good chunk of our day staring at these screens. Studies suggest that 60% of people spend more than 6 hours exposed to digital devices. These devices emit harmful blue light, which can affect the health of your eyes.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a colour in the ‘visible light spectrum’ that can be seen by the human eye. Blue light has a very short wavelength and so produces a higher amount of energy.
Where does blue light come from?
- Blue light can actually be found all around us. Natural sources include the sun – when the blue wavelengths from the sun pass through the atmosphere, they collide with the air molecules and cause the sky to look blue.
- Our bodies also use natural blue light from the sun to regulate our sleep and wake cycles, also known as your circadian rhythm.
- It can also help to elevate your mood and boost energy levels.
- Artificial sources of blue light include: digital screens(TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets), electronic devices (mobile phones), fluorescent and LED lighting.
Why should you be concerned about blue light exposure?
- Blue light has a short wavelength and therefore creates a kind of flickering that causes glare on digital screens. This glare can cause: eyestrain; blurry vision; dry eyes; headaches; physical and mental fatigue.
- Prolonged exposure to blue light can eventually cause retinal damage and contribute to age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision.
What can you do to protect yourself and your children from blue light exposure and its harmful effects?
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes, and focus on an object at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.
- Lower the brightness level on your digital screen to reduce glare from blue light.
- Consider getting a blue light filter or app for your smartphone or tablet.
- If you wear glasses, we recommend that you get a blue shield coating on your lenses.
- Make sure that you get your eyes tested regularly so that the optician can spot any potential signs of damage to your eye as early as possible.
