
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about blue light and vision health. Smoking may also increase the risk of vision problems, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. To avoid vision loss from diabetes, individuals can consider taking precautions to avoid developing diabetes, or managing diabetes if they already have the condition. People can also wear sunglasses when they are outside so that their eyes have some protection from the sun’s blue light.īesides blue light exposure, diabetes can also cause vision problems, as high blood sugar levels can lead to damaged blood vessels inside the eye or swelling in the lens. Individuals can consider speaking with an eye doctor for regular dilated eye exams to keep on top of their eye health. According to the CDC, there are several ways to maintain good eye health and help prevent vision loss.

People who use screens for long periods may wish to take measures to protect their eyes. In contrast, computers and digital devices provide low enough levels of blue light that they do not cause damage to the eyes. However, this reflects exposure to high levels of blue light in a laboratory setting.

The length of time that an individual spends using electronic devices can also affect their eye health.Ī 2020 review of multiple studies reveals that excessive exposure to blue light causes severe photochemical injury of the retina. Therefore, people may wish to avoid using screens before they sleep to minimize insomnia or waking up too early.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that blue light has the strongest effect on a person’s circadian rhythm. However, a 2018 study concluded that blue light could have harmful effects on the eyes, such as dry eye, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Research on whether blue light screen protectors benefit eye health is still ongoing.
