Lately, there is a lot of talk about wavelenghts, blue light and protecting vision with blue light eyewear. According to clinical studies, there is a high risk of danger posed to the retinas from violet blue light, and it’s linked to age-related blindness, like macular degeneration. But not all blue light rays are harmful to our health.
Why blue light is harmful?
Approximately 25% of visible white light is blue. Light blue-purple or blue-violet light has shorter wavelengths, and therefore, it has more energy. This blue-violet visible light or high-energy light can cause fatigue and visual stress, as well as the early onset of macular degeneration, which is one of the leading causes of blindness. Thus one of the reasons blue light eyewear has gained popularity.
Blue-violet light adversely affects the cells found in the macula, the light-sensitive tissues located in the retina. It is important to know that the cells that make up the macula do not have the capacity to regenerate.
The blue-turquoise light , however, has significant health benefits . It is responsible for setting our biological clock, which regulates sleep / wakefulness, body temperature and also our cognitive and memory processes. When our biological clock does not work as it should, the body presents different problems like chronic fatigue, disorientation, mood swings, and even gastric disturbances. Turquoise blue light are also important for the correct perception of colors and encourages good visual acuity.
Emitting Harmful Blue Light
Eye exposure to blue-violet light has increased incredibly in recent years, mainly due to two primary causes:
We use artificial light sources from various devices like LED screens, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, etc.
The use of LED lights and electronic devices has increased in recent years. According to a study by the Telefonica Foundation, consumers use blue light devices on average, about 150 times a day. Our eyes go from the computer screen, to our smartphones, then on to a television, and it starts all over again. Additionally, these devices are typically close to the eyes, increasing the degree of exposure. And what’s worse, the constant use of all these blue light devices are speeding up the onset of macular degeneration.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is a degenerative disease of the central area of the retina, where the macula cells gradually degenerate. These cells cannot regenerate, and the consequence is blurred vision and blindness.
It is important to limit exposure to blue-violet light from artificial light sources. One of the best ways to protect the eyes and vision is with eyewear that blocks harmful blue light and protects cell death.
