Blue Light and Your Eyesight

Studies show that blue light can help enhance memory and cognitive function, boost alertness and even elevate mood. Overexposure to blue light, however, can be harmful to your eyesight.

Downtown Eyes explains the dark side of blue light in today’s post.

Understanding Blue Light

The visible light spectrum consists of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet bands of light. These rays, when combined, create the white light we see. Each of the rays, however, has different energy and wavelength.

To better understand the visible light spectrum, your trusted eye doctor advises learning about the inverse relationship between a light ray’s wavelength and the amount of energy it carries. The longer the wavelength, the less energy the light ray has, and vice versa. Since blue light has a smaller wavelength, it contains more energy.

How Blue Light Affects Your Vision

From fluorescent light to computer monitors, tablet screens and smartphones, blue light is all around us. When blue light enters the eye, it passes through the cornea and lens until it reaches the retina. Over-exposure to blue light can affect your eyesight and even prematurely age your eyes. It can also damage retinal cells, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration.

To avoid eye problems related to blue light, visit your local eye doctor. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, they can recommend specially designed computer eyeglasses that can help filter blue light.

Downtown Eyes offers eye care products and services to help preserve your vision. Our eye doctor or optometrist can also help diagnose different eye conditions. Call us today at (612) 333-EYES (3937) or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Minneapolis, MN.