During the daytime, it’s important to get plenty of sunshine as the natural blue light increases our mood and performance. Sadly, what’s good for us in the daytime can be detrimental in the evening, particularly when it comes from unnatural sources.
Research suggests that on average, people spend 34 years of their lives watching screens, 3.9 of which are spent on phones. Such technology emits a blue light that, whilst invisible to us, can be detrimental to our health. It is for this reason that medical specialists say to avoid computers, televisions, tablets, laptops, and phones during the hour before bed. So… what is the issue with blue light, and how can we protect ourselves from it? Let’s find out now.
Gain Resources Online
Besides reading this article, it is advisable to do further research on the internet. According to a company called Block Blue Light, their online store is often accessed by people looking for science-backed solutions. People are looking for special protective glasses for the day or night time, including brands for children. Folk also seek household lamps designed to protect the occupants from the effects of the light. They also want to read informative blogs on the subject.
Understand Blue Light
The light is emitted from LED screens and is high frequency, high energy. That’s why it’s technically called HEV (High Energy Visible) light. It has the power to go deeply into our eyes.
This light tricks the brain into thinking it’s the daytime, even when it’s evening. This disrupts the production of melatonin in our system, which is our sleep hormone. As a result peoples’ body rhythms can become affected so that they struggle to fall asleep at bedtime.
When people are exposed to blue light in the evening it can result in sore, tired eyes and even retina damage. Even a person’s skin and the aging process can be adversely affected by it. Scientists are also concerned it may result in people experiencing macular degeneration later in life. Researchers have also connected such conditions as depression, obesity, cancer, and metabolic syndrome to blue light exposure.
Consider Protective Glasses
As we mentioned earlier, it is possible to purchase glasses with blue light filters built-in. They would be especially helpful for someone who has just had cataract surgery. The lenses have a slight yellow tint and reduce the amount of light that gets to the wearer.
They are designed to provide the benefits of rested eyes, undisturbed sleep, and fewer headaches. They frequently have additional features such as UV protection, anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-scratch.
Many people wear prescription glasses, so an optician must be consulted. This particularly applies to those with astigmatism (where the eyes focus on two different points) and short or long-sightedness. For those needing quick solutions, especially under bright conditions, consider urgent prescription sunglasses. Surveys have confirmed that people say they have better vision when viewing screens wearing such glasses. This is partly because the color contrast on digital screens is enhanced – something that is diminished when exposed to blue light.
Be Wise With Lighting
Fluorescent lights or lamps should be avoided during the evenings. Several products on the market can protect people from blue light. They include book lights, sleep lamps, and night lights which are all applicable for use during the later evenings.
One extreme solution is to either dim the lights or have no lighting in the home. Having said that, candles, red or orange reading lamps also provide no risk of blue light. This helps prevent a person’s sleep pattern from becoming disrupted during the crucial hour before bed.
Adapt Your Screens
It is possible to purchase flicker-free screens that contain LPS displays and built-in blue light filters. The software can also be purchased to create a similar result. Additionally, some software adjusts the screen brightness according to which time of the day it is. Even increasing the size of fonts in a Word document can have a beneficial effect on a person’s eyes.
Many of the issues with blue lighting come as a result of our lifestyles. Consider young people gaming for hours in dark rooms for example. They stay focused on digital screens with little breaks, and their natural blinking process reduces to about half the frequency. Headaches, dizziness, and tired eyes can result, and even nausea or vomiting. It’s not just young people, though. Think of the multitudes endlessly looking at social media from their phones.
It is wise to protect ourselves from blue light using special glasses and lighting, and also to discipline ourselves over our use of technology. Then we can enjoy the benefits of modern science, preserve our health and sleep well as a result.
