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Accessibility & Technology

Blue Light From Digital Screens Does Not Cause Vision Loss

Aug 23, 2024

Blue Light From Digital Screens Does Not Cause Vision Loss

There is no evidence the light emitting from digital displays is causing damage to our eyes. No proof, the small amount of blue light coming off electronic screens is connected to the development of macular degeneration, corneal disease or cataracts. And no evidence that blue light filtering glasses offer any benefit other than a false sense of protection against harm.  

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO.org) states clearly, “It is true that overexposure to blue light and UV light rays from the sun can raise the risk of eye disease, but the small amount of blue light coming from computer screens has never been shown to harm your eyes.” The Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School have published corroborating perspectives

Close up of eyes wearing glasses viewing computer screen

What You Should Know About Blue Light & Vision Loss

The blue light that impairs eye health is coming from the sun, not from the screen. In the shade, sunlight is 20x more powerful than the light from a computer screen, and in direct sunlight, at least 100x more powerful.  Limit your exposure to damaging sunlight, whether the sun is bright, direct, overcast or shady, with sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. A hat with a brim is also highly recommended.

Concerns about the summer sun are a thing of the past. Ultraviolet rays are dangerous year round and they are not confined to the bright sunny days — they sneak through the clouds and the haze too. Protecting your eyes is a full-time job, 365 days a year.  Do not be negligent, follow these tips to protect your precious sight

One thing light from screens may effect is circadian rhythms. To prevent interference with your sleep cycle, setting screens to night mode significantly reduces the light causing issue. Putting screens to sleep 2 hours before you hit the pillow will also help promote a restful night’s sleep. 

In addition to UV exposure,  primary risks to healthy vision  include: smoking, poor diet, lack of physical exercise, cardiovascular disease, and being overweight. 

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About the Author: Dorrie Rush

Dorrie Rush is the Chief Content Officer and Visual Accessibility Expert at Ophthalmic Edge Patients (OE Patients), an online resource, presented by the Association for Macular Diseases, providing practical information and empowering advice for living a full and successful life with vision loss.

She is the former Director of the Grunwald Technology Center and Information Resource Service at Lighthouse International 2001 to 2016. Dorrie is known to have an eccentric view, which is particularly useful in compensating for her central vision loss from Stargardt Disease.

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