Blue Light and Its Impact on Eye Health

The effects of blue light on our eyes have been gaining attention in recent years. As we spend more and more time in front of digital screens, smartphones, and tablets, we are exposed to increasingly high levels of blue light. But what exactly is blue light, and what effect does it have on our eyes?

Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light with a short wavelength and high frequency, it is a color in the visible light spectrum that human eyes can see. It is light with wavelengths in the 500nm to 381nm range. These wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm), and, in general, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Therefore, due to its short wavelength, blue light is more energetic. Blue light is present in natural light but is also emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computer displays.

Blue light is part of the visible spectrum, ranging from red to violet. However, blue light is shorter than other colors in the spectrum. The 400-490nm wavelengths can damage the retina, and the 415–455 nm spectral range may be the most damaging light. This short wavelength means that blue light has higher energy than other colors. As a result, blue light can penetrate the crystalline lens and cause damage to the eye, which makes it potentially harmful to our eyes.

Blue light exposure has been shown to affect our eyes over time negatively. Blue light can penetrate the cornea and reach the retina, the back of the eye. It contains the cells that respond to light and is the sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that has light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors. Our retina transmits visual signals to the brain, enabling us to see.

Exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain, a group of symptoms that can include dry eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, headaches, or neck and shoulder pain. Our sleep patterns can also be disrupted by blue light due to its suppression of the hormone melatonin, and the melatonin is responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle.

Exposure to blue light over time can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is a progressive eye disease that can cause irreversible damage to the retina. It is believed that blue light damages the retinal cells by causing oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration.

We can protect our eyes from blue light in several ways. One of the simplest is to limit our screen time or to take frequent breaks when using 3C devices. The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away.

Another way to reduce blue light exposure is to choose an All-in-One PC or monitor with less blue light or use blue light filters on electronic devices. The MSI All-in-One PCs, such as MSI PRO AP241Z  or MSI PRO 22XT, come with less blue light functions that can be easily toggled on and off based on your preference. In addition, the MSI Display Kit is software that can be downloaded to filter blue light on the MSI All-in-One PCs or monitors.