Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a type of light with short wavelengths emitting a higher energy. Blue light penetrates deep into the eye, so exposure may result in:
- Damage to the retina exposing the eye to hidden spikes in intensity
- Long-term vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts
- Suppressing the natural release of melatonin, disrupting sleep
Aside from sunlight, digital screens – like those of TVs, computer/laptops, smart phones and tablets – are the most common source of individuals' blue light exposure.
More than 80 percent of Americans report using digital devices in the hour before going to sleep, which has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns by increasing alertness to the brain.
