The blue light spectrum, characterized by wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, has a broad impact on human health, influencing numerous physiological processes in the human body. Although blue light is essential for regulating circadian rhythms, improving alertness, and supporting cognitive function, its widespread presence has raised worries about its possible effects on general well-being.
Prolonged exposure to blue light poses hazards to the well-being of the eye and may cause symptoms like dry eyes, weariness, and blurred vision. As our dependence on digital devices and artificial lighting increases, the complex pathways of the blue light spectrum that affect biological processes is crucial to understand. To reduce the hazards of blue light exposure, effective management strategies can be implemented, including limiting screen time before bed and using blue light filter.
The blue light spectrum is an essential part of the visible spectrum with wavelengths of about 400-480 nm.[1] Blue light is primarily generated by Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) lighting and digital screens, it has now become prevalent in the world around us.[2] LED lighting creates white light by combining blue light with other wavelengths, often with a yellow garnet phosphor.[2] Blue lights from digital screens, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, emit significant amounts of blue light, contributing to constant exposure throughout the day and night.[3]
Blue light has a significant impact on numerous physiological processes in human health.[3] The widespread use of blue light in modern technology brings up a concern about the potential consequences of excessive blue light exposure.[4] Such exposure has been associated with disruptions in ocular health, sleep patterns, and well-being.[4][5]
- ^ Algvere PV, Marshall J, Seregard S (February 2006). "Age-related maculopathy and the impact of blue light hazard". Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica. 84 (1): 4–15. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0420.2005.00627.x. PMID 16445433.
- ^ a b Hatori M, Gronfier C, Van Gelder RN, Bernstein PS, Carreras J, Panda S, et al. (2017-06-16). "Global rise of potential health hazards caused by blue light-induced circadian disruption in modern aging societies". npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease. 3 (1): 9. doi:10.1038/s41514-017-0010-2. PMC 5473809. PMID 28649427.
- ^ a b Tosini G, Ferguson I, Tsubota K (2016). "Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology". Molecular Vision. 22: 61–72. PMC 4734149. PMID 26900325.
- ^ a b Wong NA, Bahmani H (August 2022). "A review of the current state of research on artificial blue light safety as it applies to digital devices". Heliyon. 8 (8): e10282. Bibcode:2022Heliy...810282W. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10282. PMC 9420367. PMID 36042717.
- ^ Cougnard-Gregoire A, Merle BM, Aslam T, Seddon JM, Aknin I, Klaver CC, et al. (April 2023). "Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention-A Narrative Review". Ophthalmology and Therapy. 12 (2): 755–788. doi:10.1007/s40123-023-00675-3. PMC 9938358. PMID 36808601.