In today’s digital world, the average American spends an average of three hours and 48 minutes a day interacting with media on a screen. From work to school, digital devices have become our main method of learning and communication, but have you ever wondered how all that screen time might be affecting your eyes? Here’s a brief explanation of the negative effects of “blue light” and why it may have you running to visit your optometrist.

Understanding the Effects of Blue Light

What Is Blue Light?

While natural sunlight appears white, it actually has a very large blue component. Since blue light rays have shorter wavelengths than other colors on our visible spectrum, this makes them much more powerful —  which explains why it hurts to stare into the sun. Besides sunlight, other main sources of blue light your eyes can be exposed to include fluorescents, LEDs, flat screen televisions, smartphones, computer monitors, and tablet screens.

Why Is Too Much Blue Light Bad?

While the blue light delivered from screens is much less powerful than the concentration from the sun, there is still concern about the long-term effects of staring at digital devices. Early research warns that continued blue light exposure over long periods may damage the eye’s retinal cells, which can lead to premature macular degeneration. Additionally, optometrists also warn patients that over-exposure to blue light can also cause digital eyestrain, leaving them with dry, irritated eyes and trouble focusing.

How to Combat Blue Light Exposure

The best way to counteract the negative effects of too much blue light is to make a conscious effort to reduce your screen time by taking breaks throughout the day. You can also purchase screen filters for your devices, which will help filter the amount of blue light that can reach your retina. If you’re still experiencing eye soreness, talk to your optometrist about adding anti-reflective lenses to your prescription glasses to help block blue light waves. These small steps will make a huge difference in the way your eyes feel after a long work or school week.
 

If you’re worried that blue light is negatively impacting your eyes, Eye Care Locale in Ohio can help. Providing trusted optometrist services to residents throughout the western Cincinnati area since 2016, this comprehensive vision care center helps patients see clearer, improving their overall quality of life. From eye exams to prescription sunglasses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses, their friendly and caring staff will provide the right vision-correcting option for you. They can also help treat eye diseases and conditions like glaucoma, chronic dry eye, and macular degeneration. To schedule an appointment at Eye Care Locale, give them a call today at (513) 251-9464. You can also visit them online for information on their current special offers.