Does Blue Light Damage Eyes of Every Office Worker?

In addition to our professional lives, technology has become increasingly prevalent in our personal lives as well. We are checking emails, posting to social media, viewing movie trailers, and doing research all impact the amount of blue light we are exposed to. It is the most likely culprit behind blue light damage to eyes, eye strain, and migraines, despite not being entirely harmful. More than we realize or would like to admit, blue light damage to eyes negatively impacts our health. To minimize the harmful effects of exposure to blue light, we must learn how to adapt to it healthily.

What is Blue Light? Which Product Emits the Highest Amount of Blue Light?

An example of visible light is blue light, which the human eye can see. An efficient source of energy, it has a short wavelength. Our eyes scan a lot of blue light in our world, resulting in blue light damage to eyes. Unless you've got screened technology, it's emitted by the sun.

Cell phones, tablets, fluorescent lights, and TVs all emit blue light. While the sun is the largest source of blue light, computers, smartphones, TVs, and tablets also emit some.

Research is concerned about the blue light from screens even though it is viewed closer and longer than the sun. This may cause some people to have a higher risk of developing cataracts, and that’s why blue lights are bad for eyes.

The risk of retina damage from prolonged exposure is very high in cases of digital eye strain. You need not be alarmed - all is not lost. As a result of blue light, your employees will stay alert during the day because they can regulate their natural sleep cycle.

What is the Negative Effect of Blue Light on the Eyes?

During daylight hours, the human body stays awake, and when night falls, it sleeps. Natural light also produces blue light, so our bodies have evolved to suppress the hormone melatonin (that causes sleepiness) when we're absorbing the blue light (from the sun).

So how does blue light damage your eyes? Artificial blue light exposure is known to negatively affect hormones in the body, though researchers aren't sure why. Repeated exposure to this light affects the immune system and natural sleep patterns by depleting melatonin levels in the body.

A person's exposure to blue light directly impacts the risks of the above health conditions. Several factors contribute to eyestrain caused by blue light exposure:

• Because blue light's wavelengths are shorter, it tends to flicker. This can lead to eye-damaging glare.
• Specifically, blue light penetrates the macular pigment in the eye, damaging the retina and increasing the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.
• The distance between the screen and your eyes can quickly lead to fatigue and strain. Taking a break from the TV was a great idea!

In addition to blurry vision, computer vision syndrome causes headaches, neck and back pain, dry and itchy eyes, and difficulty focusing. As the number one complaint related to computers, digital eye strain has surpassed carpal tunnel syndrome. Blue light affects everyone, regardless of their age. It can have long-term, negative effects if not checked, and this is why blue light is bad for your eyes.

Types of Activities That Could Lead to Eye Strain

All of the following digital devices can cause digital eye strain, whether it's a smartphone, computer, or other devices. Appropriate eye strain prevention techniques include:

No blue light control

Unlike white lights, blue light from digital screens penetrates deeper into the eye, which is why it is so harmful. Your circadian rhythm is distorted if you are exposed to light from digital devices. Your brain may be tricked into thinking it is too early for you to retire for the night when you use these devices at night.

Bad posture

You have to work harder for your eyes when you hunch over your computer screen or hold your portable digital device too close. This overstrains the focusing muscles or tissues in your eyes. Having a poor or incorrect ergonomic sitting position will not only negatively affect your vision but may also lead to back pain and other related issues.

Too close to screens

Your eyes can also work harder if you have harsh lighting or glare on your screen. Knowing how far monitor should be from the eyes is one way to resolve it. 

Existing vision or eye issues

Astigmatism, presbyopia, near-sightedness, farsightedness, or glaucoma - as well as diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts - may all increase digital eye strain.

Dry eyes

In addition, you may be more susceptible to developing digital eye strain if you have dry eye syndrome. Keeping artificial tears on hand is a good idea if you need them while using your computer or other digital devices.

Wearing contact lenses

Prolonged wear of contact lenses can cause your eyes to feel strained. It may be wise to wear glasses for some time if this happens.

How to Lessen the Effect of Blue Light on The Eyes

Vision problems caused by digital screens have a variety of solutions. Regular eye care, appropriate workstation lighting, and changing how you view screens can usually help you manage these problems. In addition to your daily glasses, you may be able to benefit from a prescription designed especially for computer use.

More movements

Moving around more often can be accomplished by taking more breaks. Take a walk, eat a long lunch, and stretch your arms or legs instead of staring at your computer or smartphone. Your productivity will increase if you practice this technique often.

Use the 20-20-20 rule

A 20-foot-away object should be viewed for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Giving their eyes a break will benefit them greatly. Ensure that you have the best desk lamp for eyes or a top-quality LED desk lamp. 

Protective gear

Screens and computer glasses filter blue light that reaches the eye. These options should be made known to your employees. Explore specific eye protection for chemical or mechanical hazards if you employ staff working in that area.