The crystalline lens and cornea are still largely transparent and overexposed to light, so too much exposure to blue light is not a good thing. Before age 10, children's eyes are not fully developed. According to a study by the Kaiser family Foundation, children and teenagers (ages 8-18) spend more than 7 hours a day consuming electronic media. Children today have more digital tools at their disposal than ever before – tablets, smart phones, e-readers, videogames are just among a few. Children are also at risk for eyestrain due to their growing use of digital devices. Digital eyestrain has overtaken carpal-tunnel syndrome as the number one computer-related complaint.ĭigital eyestrain does not just affect adults. Symptoms of digital eyestrain, or computer vision syndrome, include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, neck and back pain. Digital eyestrain is a new term used to describe the conditions resulting from the use of today's popular electronic gadgets.ĭigital eyestrain is a medical issue with serious symptoms that can affect learning and work productivity. Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours staring at digital screen, whether it's the computer at work, our personal cell phone, playing a video game, or just relaxing and watching TV. Prolonged exposure to blue light may cause retinal damage and contribute to age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision. Our eyes' natural filters do not provide sufficient protection against blue light rays from the sun, let alone the blue light emanating from these devices or from blue light emitted from fluorescent-light tubes. This flickering and glaring may be one of the reasons for eyestrain, headaches, physical and mental fatigue caused by many hours sitting in front of a computer screen or other electronic device. This kind of flickering creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast and affect sharpness and clarity. Because they are shorter, these 'Blue' or High Energy Visible (HEV) wavelengths flicker more easily than longer, weaker wavelengths. Why should we be concerned about blue light exposure?īlue light waves are the among the shortest, highest energy wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. Artificial sources of blue light include electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers, as well as energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs and LED lights.

Blue light also helps boost alertness, heighten reaction times, elevate moods, and increase the feeling of well being. In its natural form, your body uses blue light from the sun to regulate your natural sleep and wake cycles. The shorter, high energy blue wavelengths collide with the air molecules causing blue light to scatter everywhere. When outside, light from the sun travels through the atmosphere.

Natural blue light versus artificial blue lightīlue light is actually everywhere.

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