Today, the world is digital. Everything we do involves something digital. Living without constantly being on a digital device is probably ideal, but it is not what happens. Most jobs require that you sit in front of a computer. 

Going digital has numerous benefits in the speed and convenience of much of what we do. However, it also comes with several cons that require your attention. One of the significant impacts of spending much time using digital screens is exposure to excessive amounts of blue light. Blue light is the primary light wavelength that all LED displays emit. 

What Is Blue Light?

The world comprises three main parts: the things we can see and touch, the things we can see and not feel, and the things we can neither see nor touch. The first is the matter that forms all our visible world. The second comprises electromagnetic waves that we can see and sometimes use. The third are electromagnetic waves that we cannot see and may not even use. 

Visible light is part of the middle category that we can see but not touch. In visible light, there exist different wavelengths, among them blue light. Blue light is one of the shortest wavelengths in visible light and is close to UV light. Short wavelengths of light are high energy and usually affect our biology.

Sources of Blue Light

Blue light is present in almost all forms of visible light, including the sun. Blue light from the sun is the reason the sky is blue. It bounces off the oxygen and nitrogen particles in the air, giving the sky its blue color.

We can also get blue light from other forms of artificial light like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. As mentioned, it is the primary wavelength of light that comes from digital screens.

Impact of Blue Light

Since the sun also produces blue light, we are constantly exposed to it when outside. In many ways, it is safe to assume that blue light is not all bad for us. In particular, blue light plays a significant role in helping our bodies operate correctly. But as with anything else, too much exposure to it is another matter altogether. So, what are the adverse effects of blue light exposure on our health?

Blue Light and Your Eyes

While blue light is in plenty outside, excessive exposure can lead to some issues. Blue light’s high energy allows it to penetrate right to the retina. According to some studies, this exposure of retinal cells to excessive blue light may predispose you to age-related macular degeneration.

Blue Light and Sleep

To sleep, your body usually produces a hormone called melatonin. The presence of blue light from the sun regulates this hormone. However, exposure to blue light from LED screens can delay the release or even limit it. As such, using your digital device before bedtime may lead to poor sleep habits.

For more on the effects of blue light exposure, visit Wear Eyewear at our office in Chicago or Orlando Park, Illinois. Call (312) 626-0036 or (708) 349-9327 to book an appointment today.