FEATURE
BLUE LIGHT: FRIEND OR FOE?
Clair Weston, Head of Marketing at uvex, discusses how employers can manage the risks associated with exposure to blue light.
Blue light, a high-energy visible (HEV) light with wavelengths between 380 and 500 nanometers, is a natural component of sunlight but it is also increasingly present in artificial forms. Our modern lifestyles and workplaces mean our exposure to artificial sources such as LED lighting, computer screens, and other digital devices have increased our exposure to blue light. While natural blue light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms and enhancing alertness during the day, there are increasing questions over the impact of excessive exposure on our health, especially from artificial sources.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE Prolonged exposure to blue light has been associated with several health issues:
Digital eye strain: Extended periods of concentrating, especially in front of screens can lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. This condition, often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome, is due to the scattering nature of the blue light, which reduces contrast and makes focusing more challenging. When concentrating on screens our blink rate drops leading to dry eyes due to the reduced lubrication from fewer blinks. Blinking helps spread the tear film across the surface of the eyes, keeping them moist and healthy. When our eyes are relaxed, we blink more frequently, which helps maintain better lubrication and overall eye health.
Sleep disruption: Exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can disrupt melatonin production, a hormone
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that regulates sleep. This can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and maintaining restful sleep. Produced in the pineal gland, melatonin is light-sensitive and regulated by light and dark cycles. Disruptions to these cycles can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm which can significantly impact our health, performance and alertness.
“OUR MODERN LIFESTYLES AND WORKPLACES MEAN OUR EXPOSURE TO ARTIFICIAL SOURCES SUCH AS LED LIGHTING, COMPUTER SCREENS, AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES HAVE INCREASED OUR EXPOSURE TO BLUE LIGHT.”
Long-term eye health: There is ongoing research into the long-term effects of blue light on eye health. Some studies suggest a potential link between prolonged blue light exposure as it can cause photochemical damage to the retina and an increased risk of eye diseases such as cataract, dry eye, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)*, a condition that can lead to vision loss. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of this risk. Genetics, diet, smoking, exercise, hydration, tiredness, medication and environmental factors can also contribute.
BENEFITS OF BLUE LIGHT Despite the potential risks, blue light has beneficial effects:
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