Blue Light Has A Dark Side – Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself

Blue light is the visible light that comes from technology like your cellphone, computer, and TV. While it’s great to be connected, blue light also emits radiation — one of several types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum (like microwaves). Here is how you can protect yourself from blue light.

What does ‘blue light’ mean?

Blue light refers to the part of the visible spectrum with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nanometers on the electromagnetic spectrum. It’s also known as high-energy visible (HEV) radiation and has been linked to many eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinopathy that can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. So it’s essential for people of all ages who use digital screens regularly to take steps toward protecting themselves — whether at work or play!

1. Blue light glasses

The best way to protect yourself from blue light is by wearing blue light glasses. These glasses are designed to filter out the part of the spectrum that emits radiation, so your eyes don’t need to work as hard to see or focus. They even go beyond filtering — they also include special lenses for visual comfort and ease. There have been noticeable health improvements with wearing blue light glasses. These glasses can be worn at night, or whenever you need to look at a digital screen — like when you’re working, watching TV, or checking your phone.

2. Blocking apps and software

Another way to reduce blue light exposure is by using filtering apps on your computer or smartphone. Some even work when you’re browsing the internet, and turn it on automatically. Other software will give you options to adjust your display by reducing blue light specifically (and often adjusting other parts of the colour spectrum at the same time). Try one that works for both your computer and phone — so if you have to text while working, or want to watch a movie from your laptop while out with friends, you can still protect yourself.

3. Dodging pollution exposure too

Blue light is everywhere — but it doesn’t have to be harmful to you! There are some steps you can take outside of protecting yourself while staring at screens: wear sunglasses when you’re outside (and not behind glass), avoid areas where air quality is low or high concentrations of ozone exist and protect your eyes from sun damage by wearing UV protection while driving and working outdoors — which means wearing UV protection every day.

4. Make sure your diet includes blue light-protecting foods

It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet that supports healthy eyesight, including food and drinks high in antioxidants like dark leafy greens, blueberries, cherries, and acai berries — all of which help the body remove toxins including free radicals that can cause damage when exposed to radiation or artificial light sources. So make your health a priority by eating right!

5. Practice eye exercises

Eye exercises are an easy way to give your eyes a break during the day — whether you’re at work or play! Look up, down, left, and right 20 times each, focusing on blinking as much as possible. This gives your eyes a rest by reducing exposure to harmful blue light while toning the muscles around your eyes for better vision. It’s also good for the prevention of computer-related conditions including dry-eye syndrome, headaches, and blurry vision. Plus, it feels great! So next time you have some downtime, take advantage of healthy eye exercises.

Why should you try to protect yourself from blue light?

There are many reasons to protect yourself from blue light. Blue light has been linked to eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinopathy that can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. Research shows that it can be harmful when exposed over long periods of time — so it’s vital for everyone to take steps towards protecting themselves when using digital screens, whether you’re working, playing games, or watching TV. And fortunately, there are simple ways to filter out the harmful wavelengths without compromising your eyesight.

Is everyone affected by blue light?

Yes — blue light is harmful to everyone and can cause permanent damage over time. Everyone should take steps towards protecting their eyes from the dangers of blue light exposure. This can be done in a variety of ways that we presented above. Eye health is just as important as your basic health, so you should always take care of your eyesight.

Now that you have some insight into the dangers of blue light, you can take positive steps towards protecting yourself! Not only does it benefit your health, but it also helps you save energy and ensures you’re getting the most out of your screen time