Blue light

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is all around us. It exists naturally from the sun as well as artificial light sources, including digital screens like your smartphone, tablet or computer. Recent studies have shown that over exposure to blue light from digital screens may have detrimental effects on our health such as digital eye strain, sleeping disorders and increase the risk of macular degeneration.

Blue light, in moderation can be beneficial to us. It exists naturally in our environment from the sun, regulating our circadian rhythm, telling our body when to wake up and go to sleep. Our eyes have been designed to handle the energy levels of the sun, however prolonged exposure to the artificial blue violet light can cause digital eye strain.

Digital Eye Strain

Do your eyes hurt from staring at a computer all day? Are they dry and itchy? Do you suffer from loss of focus, blurry vision or fatigue? Headaches or neck pain? All these things are symptoms of digital eye strain.

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours staring at digital screens, whether it's the computer at work, mobile phone, iPad, PlayStation… or just relaxing the old fashioned way in front of TV. All this screen time can be hard on your eyes and can lead to eye strain.

Another reason you are tired

Blue light can also lead to other forms of fatigue beyond eyestrain. Blue light during the day is beneficial because it boosts attention, reaction times and mood. However at night, artificial blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm that causes the natural release of melatonin that helps us sleep. Because the blue light tricks our brain into believing it’s still daytime, falling asleep can be more difficult and we don’t sleep as deeply. Circadian disruption can also lead to other more serious side effects, including an increase in obesity and depression.