Understanding Blue Light And Its Effects On Your Vision
There's been a lot of media coverage in recent years about the effects of blue light exposure. The shortest of the light rays, blue light does have its benefits. Despite those benefits, it can also be harmful to your vision. Here's a look at some of the basics that you should know about blue light and how it can affect your vision.
Your Eyes Cannot Block Blue Light
The human eye is designed to block ultraviolet rays from reaching your light-sensitive retina. Unfortunately, it doesn't block the rays of blue light. Instead, most all of the blue light rays will pass directly through your eye lens and cornea, reaching the retina.
It Can Increase Your Risk Of Certain Vision Problems
Because of the fact that blue light can penetrate your eye all the way to the retina, you can suffer vision damage. This is particularly problematic because the retina is comprised of cells that are highly sensitive to light. Unfortunately, this kind of cellular damage can result in deterioration that may lead to permanent loss of vision. In fact, excessive blue light exposure can even increase your risk of developing macular degeneration as you get older.
It Can Increase The Risk Of Eye Strain
Blue light waves are shorter than other light, making their energy more highly concentrated and more likely to scatter. As a result, blue light is more difficult for the eye to focus on. When you spend a lot of time working on your computer or watching television, you are exposing your eyes to that energy and those scattered light rays. This creates a lot of visual noise that will strain your eyes. Luckily, this can be minimized if you wear computer glasses that are fitted with lenses that will block a large portion of the blue light from reaching your eyes.
Your Eyes Are At Greater Risk After Cataract Surgery
As you age, your eye lens is designed to gradually start blocking some of the blue light rays, though not a lot. If you're having cataract surgery, your surgeon is going to replace the cloudy lens with a new intraocular lens to clear up your vision. Since these new lenses can vary in style and composition, you may be at greater risk of blue light damage after this surgery. Prevent this by asking the surgeon what type of lens will be used and requesting one with some inherent blue light protection. In addition, make a point to wear computer glasses when you're in front of a screen.
Understanding the hazards of blue light will help you to adequately protect your vision. If you're looking for more information or you're worried about the condition of your retina, talk with your optometrist right away. For more information, contact companies like Coastal Eye Group, PC.
