Blue light is a buzz word at the moment with almost every second person having blue light blocking glasses in a workplace but what exactly is blue light?

Blue light is also referred to as blue wavelengths- which we are commonly exposed to through sunlight, the use of electronics, mobile phones, laptop computers, flat-screen televisions and energy efficient lighting such as LED lights. Throughout the day, exposure to blue lights is thought to have a positive impact on our levels of productivity, our mood and concentration.

What can overexposure of blue light do to your eyes?

While the front structures of the human eye – the cornea and lens do a remarkable job in blocking a high percentage of UV rays from reaching the light sensitive retina, in the case of blue light exposure, virtually all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina. Some studies are starting to show that too much exposure to blue light is can affect the light sensitive cells in the retina.

We’ve put together some insightful (see what we did there?!) to help you reduce your blue light exposure:

  • Use dim red lights for night lights – red light has the least impact on the circadian rhythm and the suppression of melatonin ( a hormone secreted by the pineal gland which can help to control your daily sleep-wake cycles)
  • Reduce screen time at least two – three hours before bed
  • Consider the use of blue-blocking glasses like Baxter Blue or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength at night
  • Try the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away
  • Remind yourself to consciously blink more, often we forget to blink as we stare at the computer screen or our mobile device, this can lead to our eyes drying out and becoming irritated and sore
  • Charge devices away from bedrooms and where you sleep at night
  • Use night time settings on your smart phone to minimise blue light exposure

References:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/09/staring-down-the-dangers-of-the-digital-workplace
Digital Eye Strain: The Vision Council. https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/content/digital-eye-strain (Accessed 23/02/2019)