As clich as it sounds, we only have one pair of eyes, and it’s in our best interest to keep them healthy and safe. While our parents always told us not to stare at the sun and most of us get regular eye exams, there’s another facet to eye health that we should all be considering – the unhealthy effects of blue light. A part of the visible light spectrum, this wavelength can bring about some positive benefits including a boost in mood and the ability to perk up your brain, but there are also some concerns to keep in mind. While it’s not overly dangerous, it can lead to some less than desirable health issues over time. Let’s explore some of the effects to watch out for and ways to safeguard your eyesight.How Can Light Hurt?When we think about the light that comes from a lightbulb or even the sun, it seems so benign, but the specific wavelength we’re talking about actually comes from digital devices. Blue light is emitted from your computer, smartphone, television, and even the digital reading on your alarm clock, so it’s easy to be around it all the time and not even give it a second thought.
However, the blue part of the light spectrum can bring about some unhealthy effects, the least of which involves eye fatigue and eye strain. Those who work on a computer for long periods of time might have experienced a headache, dry eyes, or even back pain and wondered what the problem could be – in many cases, it’s because of what’s coming out of your screen.Even more concerning are the lasting issues that overexposure can bring, including macular degeneration and potentially total blindness. Spending too much time on digital devices can also lead to sleep issues, as it encourages our bodies to stop producing melatonin, the chemical that helps us to regulate our sleep/wake cycle.Protecting YourselfThankfully there is a range of ways that you can safeguard your eyes from blue light and ensure that they, and the rest of your body, stay as healthy as can be. What you eat always matters, and experts recommend that foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin will enable your body to fight off any negative exposure to this wavelength of light. Consider adding kale, spinach, or eggs to your diet on a regular basis.Limiting the use of your devices is another smart and easy way to keep your eyes safe, and it’s particularly helpful to put your screens away at least an hour before bedtime, as too much of this troublesome wavelength can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you must be on a computer or tablet until the wee hours, make sure to turn on the night mode that’s likely built-in. This casts a yellow tint across the screen and reduces the amount of blue light that’s emitted. Turning down the brightness of your device can also help.
One of the more popular ways to minimize the unhealthy effects of blue light is to use a pair of glasses designed to do just that. In particular, Blue Armor lenses work to block up to 99% of this damaging wavelength, allowing you to use your computer or tablet for hours without worry. Computer glasses come in a range of fashionable styles and just might become your new favorite work accessory.When it comes to blue light, the average person shouldn’t necessarily be afraid, but instead should keep in mind that as useful as technology can be, it also can include its downsides. Think about combining several of the above tips to help safeguard your eyesight and keep yourself protected against the wavelength of light that many people don’t know about.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind