March is Workplace Eye Wellness month – each workplace poses different hazards, but one of the most common is blue light.
Blue light rays have the shortest wavelengths (and highest energy). They are sometimes called blue-violet or violet light. This is why the invisible electromagnetic rays just beyond the visible light spectrum are called ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
🕶️ Sunlight is the main source of blue light, and being outdoors during daylight is where most of us get most of our exposure to it. But there are also many man-made, indoor sources of blue light, including fluorescent and LED lighting and flat-screen televisions, the display screens of computers, electronic notebooks, smartphones and other digital devices, which all emit significant amounts of blue light.
⚠️ What are the hazards? ⚠️
The eye is not very good at blocking blue light – it penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) and laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. This can lead to macular degeneration and permanent vision loss.
Blue light also contributes to digital eye strain, and can lead to other eye problems in the long term. What can you do to protect your eyes? Try to limit your screen time & get some blue light filters or protective eyewear!