Blue light, which is found for example in smartphones and computer screens, but also in artificial lights such as LED lights or xenon lights, can seriously damage eye structures. For TASR, the head of the eye clinic of the St. Cyril and Methodius in Bratislava Petr Kolář.
“This light has a low wavelength, but high energy. For this reason, frequent and prolonged exposure to the human eye can cause damage to eye structures, from inflammation of the conjunctiva and painful inflammation of the cornea, through the possible acceleration of the formation of cataracts to damage to the retina – macular degeneration,” explained Kolář.
He explained that macular degeneration is caused by the action and deposition of pathological intraocular metabolites in the retina, which arise due to excessive exposure to blue light. It is manifested by a deterioration of vision, which cannot be corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. According to the expert, the damaged retina needs protective substances that the body cannot create on its own. They are found in colorful vegetables and fruits, or they can also be supplemented in the form of pills that can be bought at the pharmacy, Kolář added.
According to him, macular degeneration is more at risk for people with light-colored eyes, such as blue or green eyes. “Light-colored irises contain less pigment that captures some of the blue light,” said the chief.
He does not recommend using cell phones before bed, as the pupils dilate in the dark, increasing the amount of blue light that penetrates the retina. He clarified that blue light also reduces the production of the hormone melatonin, which is important for the proper regulation of the sleep and wake cycle.
“Eyeglass lenses with a blue light filter are used to prevent the pathological effects of blue light. It is also recommended to avoid blue light from artificial lamps before going to bed and to use yellow lights instead,” said Kolář. He added that when working with a computer, it is advisable to move the monitor to at least arm’s length, reduce the brightness of the screen, or use a blue light filter, which is usually built into newer computer operating systems.
