The Blue Light Blues: Eye Health

We hear a lot about protecting our skin and eyes from the sun with risks of skin cancer on the rise, however, there are other factors that we do not consider when we step out of the sun.

Blue light exposure, the light from LEDs and electronic devices, has an impact on our sleep-wake cycles and could cause damage to the eyes. Your eyes process light through three types of cone receptors in your eye’s retina. Some cones are more sensitive to red, green or blue- your sense of color is produced from these receptors. We are exposed to blue light naturally, but the intensity of which we are exposed could be harmful.

Age-related macular degeneration indicates that overexposure to blue light could trigger this damage. Those at higher risk should consider protecting themselves from light exposure.

1) Protect Your Eyes: UV light rays emitted by the sun can contribute to eyelid cancers, cataracts and more. Blue-blocking glasses have mixed reviews as to their efficacy in reducing fatigue or harmful rays to the eyes, so make sure you’re taking frequent technology breaks.

2) Protect Your Sleep: Human eyes have receptors that contain melanopsin, a photopigment, that is sensitive to blue light. When exposed, the hormone melatonin is suppressed- the hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm- causing you to remain awake and alert. When exposed to blue light at night one could experience disruption in sleep-wake cycle due to this suppression.

3) Get Regular Checkups: Like your PCP or OB-GYN, you should be visiting your optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly. Discuss issues around sleep disruption with your PCP.

To learn more about finding a PCP or Ophthalmologist at The Christ Hospital Health Network click here

https://www.thechristhospital.com/physician