Human beings are facing the challenge of surviving as
well as acclimatizing to the changes imposed due to COVID 19.The physical,
psychological and social impact of the disease has been profound. These dark
times have ostensibly reset everyone’s priorities. The prospect of enhancing
one’s skills through learning platforms as well as improving health by
alternative means has fascinated everyone. Immunity boosting agents, health
supplements and protective gears’ demand is at an all time high.
As online classes, virtual meetings and entertainment via
screen boomed, the need to keep eyes safe is being felt like never before. So
much has been talked about blue light filters since this pandemic happened. Social
media is flooded with pages describing advantages of these protective eye wear
to the extent of means to immortalize eyes. Advertisers are recommending these
blue light blocking spectacles for your kid on gadget. Despite being an
ophthalmologist, the pearls and perils of digital learning have intrigued me.
And the mother in me is constantly trying to find the balance. This article is
an attempt to provide evidence based facts and disabuse you of the conflicting
information available on your fingertips.
So let us first
understand the physics, chemistry and biology behind this confusion. What is
blue light? Do gadgets emit blue light? How is it harmful? How does blue light
contribute to digital eye strain? Do we really need blue light filters? How to
protect our eyes from digital eye strain?
Blue light is the portion of the
visible light spectrum with the shortest wavelengths and highest energy ranging
from 380 to 500nm.Blue light is emitted by various electronic sources as well
as sunlight. Blue light exposure from screens is much less than the amount
of exposure from the sun. The amount of blue light from electronic devices,
including smart phones, tablets, LCD TVs, LEDs and laptop computers, is not
harmful to the retina or any other part of the eye, with respect to
short-term exposure.
Blue
light affects the body’s circadian rhythm, our natural wake and sleep cycle. Blue light whether from the sun or
from the screens we use—wakes us up and stimulates us. Excessive blue light
exposure late at night from phones, tablets or computer screens can disrupt our
ability to fall asleep. Hence, limiting screen time one to two hours before bed
and using night mode on electronic devices is advisable for minimizing blue
light exposure affecting our ability to fall asleep.
Certain amount of blue light can promote refractive
development, and prevent the occurrence and development of myopia.
Risk of macular
degeneration or blindness by exposure to typical levels of blue light from routine
use of consumer electronics is negligible.
The symptoms of digital eye
strain (DES) are linked to how we use our digital devices, not the blue light
coming out of them. It has been
proved in various studies that symptoms of DES do not improve by the use of a
BB filter.
Hence, there is currently insufficient
evidence to generally recommend blue light filters in prescription spectacle
lenses, whether it is for reducing eye fatigue, enhancing sleep, or preserving
macular function in the general population. While there is no reason to think
blue light filters in spectacle lenses have a negative effect while being worn,
the balance of probabilities based on current research points to them not
having a beneficial effect either. The American Academy of Ophthalmology
(AAO) does not recommend blue light glasses — or any other special
eyewear for screen use. It states that "many eye symptoms caused by
computer use are only temporary and will lessen after you stop using the
computer."
If you're suffering from persistent eye
strain or soreness, it may be a sign of a more severe condition and you should
seek medical advice. Screening for visual acuity and alignment in children and
basic eye examination after forty by an ophthalmologist is essential for eye
care.
Means to reduce
digital eye strain-