Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology has been developing rapidly and replacing incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs as an energy-saving light source. Computers, mobile phones and televisions all come with LED screens. However, this energy efficiency comes at a cost as a recent study has revealed that LED lighting can cause irreparable damage to our retinas.
Although light is essential for us to see, our eyes are not supposed to look at it directly. Extended period of time looking at LED screens can cause headaches, dizziness, sore eyes and blurred vision, which are collectively known as computer vision syndrome.
What aggravates the situation is that the electromagnetic spectrum of the LED light differs from that of the natural light as it features a much higher intensity of blue light. This short-wavelength high-energy blue light reaches deeper into the eyes and prolonged exposure will strain your eyes and cause cumulative damage to the retinas. Moreover, it may hinder the production of melatonin, which regulates our sleep cycles. Suppression of melatonin at night causes sleep disruption.
In order to maintain healthy vision, it is crucial to take regular breaks while your eyes are on LED screens. You should look away to the distance or close your eyes every half an hour. Remember not to get too close to the screen. Taking a diet rich in vitamin A will help protect the eyes from retinal damage. Last but not least, we should reduce blue light exposure by limiting the time we spend on LED screens, especially before bedtime.
| JPC Monthly Newsletter | |
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