The Effects of Blue Light

During the pandemic, schools transitioned to online learning, requiring students to spend over six hours on their computers daily. In addition to zoom classes, many students used their phones or other screens to find entertainment. Although most students have returned to in-person school, the average screen time for teenagers exceeds eight hours per day (Rosenberg and Szura). Constant exposure to blue light from these devices over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration and eye cancer. 

Children are also at more risk than adults because their eyes absorb more blue light from screens (Cultivating Health). According to a WebMD article, “Seeing Blue: How Blue Light Can Affect Your Health,” some of the symptoms of digital eye strain are dry, irritated eyes and blurry vision. Constant exposure to blue light can also cause damage to the retinas but a filter that cuts 94% of blue light can help (Helmer).

If you have noticed symptoms of digital eye strain, try:

• blue light glasses

• blue light filters for screens

• controlling lighting and glare on your screens

• setting up a good working distance and posture for screen viewing

• confirming that minor vision problems are properly corrected

The CDC recommends that teenagers ages 13 to 18 should be getting 8-10 hours of sleep every night but blue light from screens often disrupts sleep. Blue light signals your brain to wake up when it should be winding down. As little as 2 hours of exposure to blue light at night slowed or stopped release of the sleep hormone melatonin (Helmer). Irregular sleep patterns can affect the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions (Cultivating Health). 

If you suspect that screens are affecting your eye health or ability to sleep, inform a parent/guardian and seek the advice of a medical professional. 

Sources: Cultivating Health - UC Davis Health, Helmer (WebMD), Centers for Disease Control, Rosenberg, Szura, and The Conversation (Fortune)