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Why Does Blue Light Affect Eyesight?

Most people know that ultraviolet light can damage their eyes, which is why most sunglasses offer UV protection that shields sensitive eyes from harm. However, evidence is increasingly indicating that other types of light in different parts of the light spectrum can also cause damage to eyes.

  1. Blue Light

    • Unlike ultraviolet light, which the human eye cannot see, visible light waves are on visible wavelengths. Your eyes see these visible light waves as the colors of the rainbow. Among these are blue light. Blue light waves are those measuring approximately 470 nm to 400 nm in length, and appear adjacent to ultraviolet light in the visible light spectrum. Some research indicates that blue light may be a contributing factor in ensuring good psychological health.

    Blue Light Hazard

    • Some research shows that high levels of blue light can be toxic to human cellular structures. In a study performed at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, researchers found that chronic exposure to blue light will damage retina cells over time, and can contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, AMD affects more than 10 million Americans each year, at the time of publication, causing cell deterioration that results in progressive vision loss.

    Cataracts

    • The damaging effects of blue light are heightened in people who have had surgery to remove cataracts. In this type of surgery, the lens --- which helps to protect the eye by absorbing blue light --- yellows with age, and is removed and replaced with a clear lens. This winds up exposing the retina to even more blue light than before. Since the 1980s, yellow-tinted lenses have been an option; however, these lenses may reduce the patient's vision in low light, and may not be appropriate for everyone.

    Blue Light Therapy

    • Blue light has proven to be effective for treating acne. Blue photodynamic therapy, or blue light therapy, damages acne-producing bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deemed this type of therapy legal and safe; however, seriously consider the potential damaging effects of increased levels of blue light on eyesight when contemplating blue photodynamic therapy to treat acne or any other skin condition.

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