Blue light has the shortest wavelengths and the highest energy. It is both beneficial and dangerous.
1. Blue Light is Everywhere
Sunlight is the main source of blue light. There are many man-made sources of blue light that include fluorescent and LED lighting and flat-screen televisions.
2. HEV Light Rays Make the Sky Look Blue
The short-wavelength, high-energy light rays on the blue end of the visible light spectrum scatter more easily than other visible light rays when they strike air and water molecules in the atmosphere.
3. The Eye is not very Good at Blocking Blue Light
Virtually all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina.
4. Blue Light Exposure may Increase the Risk of Macular Degeneration
The fact that blue light penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) is important, because laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. This damage resembles the changes of
macular degeneration.5. Blue Light Contributes to Digital Eyestrain
Shorter wavelength and higher energy light scatters more easily than visible light so it is not as easily focused. The eye strains to see clearly.
6. Not All Blue Light is Bad
Blue light is very important in regulating circadian rhythm – the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle. Exposure to blue light during daytime hours helps maintain a healthful circadian rhythm. On the flipside, too much blue light, especially late at night can contribute to insomnia.
If you wear glasses routinely while reading and using a computer there are special non-glare coatings that also block the blue light.
