July 10, 2024

Blue Light is Hard on the Eyes

Blue Light is Hard on the Eyes

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Blue light is something you may have heard talked about in the news and even all over social media. But just what do we know about this new phenomenon? I wanted to tackle this topic because there’s so much information about this topic and not all of it is backed by science.

To start with the blue light we will be talking about in this blog is artificial light. We will not be talking about natural blue light that the sun gives off. Artificial blue light is the type of light that is given off by electronics such as smart phones, laptops, tablets and even certain TVs. So what can result from overexposure to blue light? One complication that can occur when you are overexposed to blue light is eye strain. Eye strain can present with symptoms such as dry eyes. When you have eye strain your eyes may be watery and teary. You may have blurry vision. In addition to feeling tired your eyes may feel irritated and even sore. You may even start too experience headaches. (1)

Blue light is also thought to be associated with other eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. However studies haven’t found convincing evidence for this and more research is needed. (1)

In addition to affecting our eyes blue light can cause a shift in nighttime melatonin secretion. In fact while light exposure of any type at night can affect melatonin it appears that blue light is the strongest inhibitor of nighttime melatonin secretion. This can cause an imbalance in our circadian rhythm or in other words it can cause us to have difficulty with sleep. (2)

In addition to affecting our sleep being exposed to blue light at night appears to have the same side effects as “night shiftwork”. While it is not proven it does appear that night exposure to light of any type may affect chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and even obesity. (2)

I know what your thinking – but Dr. Claire I read on the Internet that blue light is making everyone go blind! Should I toss out my tablet? Smash my phone? Well according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology there’s no need to be so drastic! Right now there’s no evidence that blue light from electronic is causing eye damage. (3)

What can you do to help protect yourself from blue light? Well one way is to rest your eyes frequently when using electronics. It can also be useful to sit or stand further away or as Grandma used to say “don’t sit so close to the TV!” It can also be helpful to limit glare by adjusting screen contrast on your electronics. It is also important to keep your eyes well lubricated. Lastly you can see your optometrist for information glasses that can help with eye strain.

But what vitamins can help keep our eyes healthy so blue light doesn’t affect us?

Macula Advanced is an amazing formula! Please see my blog on Macula Advanced.
Vitamin C has been found to be associated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy. (4) Please see Invite’s extensive line of Vitamin C products as well as our Immunity Hx, Veins Hx and Macula Advanced.
Vitamin E has also been found to be associated with a reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy. (4) Please see Invite’s Tocotrienols with Pine Bark and our Macula Hx!
Omega 3s have been found in studies to help with dry eye. (5, 6) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!
Bilberry, when combined with omega 3 has been found to reduce the signs of dry eye in just 3 months! (6) For more information see my product highlight on Bilberry! Please see Invite’s Bilberry extract as well as our Macula Advanced!
Lutein Plus is another amazing eye formula! Please check out my product highlight on Lutein Plus

I hope you found this topic to be interesting. While I will be moving on from this topic I just wanted to remind everyone that Invite nutritionists are always available to help with any questions you may have that were not covered throughout this series.

Sources: