Last Updated on August 23, 2021 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A lot of eye wear manufacturers sell Blue Cut Lenses (glasses that block blue light). The logic is based on a very popular yet debated claim on many health site is – Blue Light from Electronic gadgets are causing deteriorating eye health and eventually leads to blindness. We fact-checked and found that the claim is Half True.
While there is some research supoorting the effect of blue light on our health, most people miss the context of these researches.
The Claim
This claim is found in health blogs to marketing collaterals. Some such claims can be seen here and here. A snapshot is also given below.
Fact Check
What is Blue Light? Why is Blue Light special?
White light is composed of seven different wavelenghts. (VIBGYOR = Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red). The colour blue in this composition has shorter wavelengths and higher energy than other colors. It is mixed in potentially all forms of lights including natural sunlight.
Are we exposed to Blue Light only from mobile screen?
No. We are exposed to blue light majorly from sun rays. Other than that, household items like fluorescent lights, CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, LED lights, Flat-screen LED televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens, etc. also contribute to the amount of blue light our eyes are exposed to.
According to research, the blue light exposure to eyes from household items is much lesser compared to blue light exposure from the sun. Yet, due to the proximity of the blue light from household items (computers and mobile screen included), they remain to be a matter of concern.
Does Blue Light from mobile phones hurt eyes?
Yes. If exposed to a certain wavelength (emission peak below 450 nm) of blue light for a longer duration, blue light may affect eyes. Many researches have shown that “blue light can also produce different degree of damage to corneal, crystal lens and retina.”
However, there are few missing context in the generalised statement – “Bluelight hurts eyes.” For starters, researchers say that for short time exposure to digital displays “it is unscientific to equate all blue light as directly causing eye injury and unilaterally..”
Not all blue lights will hurt eyes. Only, at a certain wavelength (emission peak below 450 nm) it may hurt eyes. As per an extensive study done on this matter, researchers conclude, “Although we are convinced that exposure to blue light from LEDs in the range 470–480 nm for a short to medium period (days to a few weeks) should not significantly increase the risk of development of ocular pathologies, this conclusion cannot be generalized to a long-term exposure (months to years).”
Also, most studies do not take into account the modern day innovation in lighting or gadgets technology. In Harvard Health Blog, Dr. David Ramsey writes, “consumer electronics are not harmful to the retina because of the amount of light emitted. For example, recent iPhones have a maximum brightness of around 625 candelas per square meter (cd/m2)….many retail stores have an ambient illumination twice as great.”
Most experts believe, it is infrequent blinking while staring at screens that causes the eye strain and not the blue light from the device.
The American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO) clearly mentions on their website, “there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the blue light that electronic devices emit may cause harm to the eye.”
Are there any benefits of Blue Light?
Yes. Blue light has a few advantages too. Researches have shown that blue light boosts alertness, elevates mood and regulates the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle). Further still, Early studies show a deficiency in blue light exposure could contribute to the recent increase in myopia/nearsightedness.
Are blue light blocking lenses worth investing in?
Though some researchers suggest, “it is necessary to take appropriate protective measures when using blue light-related products, especially at night,” most experts are not convinced about the effectiveness of blue light blocking lenses or blue cut lenses.
Eye Surgeon Dr. Aftab Alam, MBBS, DO (Ophthalmology) says, “Blue lights from most modern day gadgets do not harm eyes. So, blue cut lenses don’t provide any extra benefits. However, continuous exposure to blue lights may disturb our sleep cycle. From that perspective, using blue cut lenses may help you stay protected or sleep better.”
Research also supports Dr. Aftab’s advice. A research done on 13 teenagers, show that people who have excess exposure to bluelight at night may benefit from blue cut lenses to help their sleeping.
But the experts at American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO) advices caution.”taking preventive measures against blue light even though there is no evidence of damage could be more harmful than the blue light itself,” notes the AAO website.
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