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Ansleigh Reid

Mr. Taylor

Honors English II

28 May 2019

Blue Light and the effects it has on Eyes

Studies suggest that more that 60% of adults that use electronics complain of symptoms

relating to eye strain. The reason this is happening could be, in fact, a side effect of blue light eye

strain, which can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Possible ways to prevent said eye

damage are to limit the use of certain technological devices to a shorter time frame and wear a

pair of blue light blocking glasses.

Blue light is one of the leading cause of eye strain and eye pain in America. Blue light

damage can be caused by overuse of devices and use of a device right before bed time. This

problem is more severe for those who are older because their eyes are not as strong as the eyes of

those who are younger. Even in young people, eye strain is caused by looking at screens for too

long, especially at night. “Many studies suggest that blue light in the evening disrupts your

brain's natural sleep-wake cycles, which are crucial for optimal health” ("How Blocking Blue

Light at Night Helps You Sleep - Healthline”). Because the blue light and its associated glare

interrupts sleep patterns, people should limit screen time in the evenings to reduce the impact

that blue light may have on sleep quality and normality.

Some major reasons that blue light is so harmful are because it can cause migraines,

trouble sleeping, and permanent eye damage. The blue light rays have a shorter wavelength,

which causes inconsistency and glare, that puts more strain on the eyes, often causing migraines.
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Another issue that can arise is macular degeneration, which is when exposure to blue light over

time leads to damaged retinal cells ("Blue Light and Your Eyes | Prevent Blindness"). While

there are some benefits to blue light, Harvard researchers have found that “exposure to blue light

at night to several types of cancer (breast, prostate) diabetes, heart disease, obesity and an

increased risk for depression ("Blue Light Exposed”). There seem to be links to blue light and

melatonin levels, though more research is being done. Obviously, being up all night looking at

your phone prevents you from getting a good night sleep, so that is an additional side effect to be

considered.

The most effective solution is to wear blue light blocking glasses, because the blue light

blocking glasses can filter out most of the harmful rays that cause permanent damage and strain.

Red light waves (like the ones we get from the sun) have longer wavelengths, which is why they

are less harmful than blu-rays, who exist in shorter wavelengths and thus possess more energy.

The glare caused from the shorter wavelengths is harmful, which is why blue light causes eye

strain; the specialty glasses that can filter out the blue-rays help to protect your eyes and block

the harmful rays. Some would claim that the glasses that filter the blue rays are expensive and

bulky, and most people don't want to wear glasses. However, bluelight glasses are usually

covered with most insurance, and customization options are nearly limitless. These glasses are

not difficult to obtain as you do not need to have a prescription to get them, and they can be

relatively inexpensive.

In conclusion, blue light glasses can save your future vision by protecting them from the

harmful rays that will make your vision worse with age. This will help prevent other problems

associated with eye strain as well. Overall blue light is harmful because there are many
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dangerous effects that may stem from these rays. Protective glasses are a safe, affordable, and

noninvasive way to solve this problem.

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Works Cited

"Blue Light and Your Eyes | Prevent Blindness."

https://www.preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes. Accessed 19 May. 2019.

"Blue light has a dark side - Harvard Health." 13 Aug. 2018,

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side. Accessed 19

May. 2019.

"Blue Light Exposed." http://www.bluelightexposed.com/. Accessed 19 May. 2019.

"How Blocking Blue Light at Night Helps You Sleep - Healthline."

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better. Accessed 19 May.

2019.