Blue Light

Blue light illuminates our lives more than ever as socializing is happening through screen time and all those zoom meetings(that could have been an email) keep us at our desks. Since the dawn of artificial light our own sleep and wake cycles are no longer tethered to the hours the sun stays in the sky. As a latest frontier of socializing and working we have to adapt to this world we improvised and overcome our shortsighted plans. Limiting our time spent on tech is a first step but when we can’t do that blue light filters for screens or glasses are viable options to minimize the effect our tech has on our lives.

Blue light is a type of light that has a short wavelength and high energy. It is found in natural sunlight, as well as in artificial sources such as digital screens, fluorescent and LED lights. While blue light has many beneficial effects on human health, it can also have negative impacts on our vision, eye health, sleep patterns, and even our thirst mechanism.

Impact on Vision and Eye Health

One of the most significant impacts of blue light is on our vision and eye health. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain, which is a condition that affects the eyes due to excessive use of digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Symptoms of digital eye strain can include headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.

Furthermore, blue light exposure can also contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a condition that affects the retina and can lead to vision loss. Research has shown that blue light can cause damage to the retinal cells that are responsible for our central vision. This damage can be cumulative over time and can increase the risk of developing AMD.

Impact on Sleep

Another significant impact of blue light is on our sleep patterns. Blue light can disrupt our body's natural circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to blue light in the evening can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for regulating our sleep.

This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up feeling rested. Furthermore, research has shown that individuals who use digital devices before bedtime have a more difficult time falling asleep and have a lower quality of sleep compared to those who do not use digital devices before bed.

Impact on Thirst Mechanism

Recent studies have suggested that blue light may also impact our thirst mechanism. The thirst mechanism is responsible for regulating our body's hydration levels. Research has shown that blue light exposure can decrease our sense of thirst, leading to dehydration.

Furthermore, blue light exposure has been shown to affect the release of hormones that are responsible for regulating our body's water balance. These hormones, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), play a crucial role in maintaining our body's fluid balance. Blue light exposure can disrupt the release of these hormones, leading to an imbalance in our body's water levels.

Reducing the Impact of Blue Light

There are several ways to reduce the impact of blue light on our vision, eye health, sleep, and thirst mechanism. One of the most effective ways is to limit our exposure to digital devices and artificial light sources, especially in the evening. This can be done by taking breaks from digital devices, avoiding screen time before bedtime, and using dimmer lights in the evening.

Another effective way to reduce the impact of blue light is to use blue light blocking glasses. These glasses are designed to block or filter out blue light from digital devices and artificial light sources. By reducing our exposure to blue light, blue light blocking glasses can help to alleviate the symptoms of digital eye strain, improve sleep quality, and maintain our body's hydration levels.

In conclusion, blue light can have significant impacts on our vision, eye health, sleep patterns, and thirst mechanism. While blue light has many beneficial effects on human health, excessive exposure can lead to digital eye strain, contribute to the development of AMD, disrupt our sleep-wake cycle, and lead to dehydration. By limiting our exposure to digital devices and artificial light sources and using blue light blocking glasses, we can reduce the impact of blue light and maintain our overall health and wellbeing.