Daily Blue Light Exposure Speeds Up Aging Process Even Without Reaching The Eyes

When you expose yourself for a long period to blue light or that light which is emitted by cellphones and computers, it can affect how you age. This is true even if the light will not be hitting your eyes directly.

The latest study came from Oregon State University, where it was suggested that the blue light produced by the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could damage the cells in the brain. It can even damage the cells in the retinas.

Research Using Fruit Flies

The OSU College of Science researcher, Jaga Giebultowicz, led a research collaboration where flies were examined after exposing them to blue LED light. The fruit fly was used by the researchers because of the similarities in mechanisms that it shares with human beings and animals. In their study, they found that the flies that were exposed for 12 hours daily to LED lights, akin to that which is emitted by computers and cellphones, exhibited accelerated aging.

Some flies were kept in total darkness. There are those who were also exposed to light, but the blue light was filtered out. The ones that were exposed to blue light had shorter lives compared to the other two groups.

Flies that were exposed to blue light showed damage to their brain neurons and retinal cells. They also exhibited impaired locomotion. Some of the flies didn’t have eyes, yet they also exhibited damage to their bodies. This showed that one does not have to see for the blue light to harm them. Mere exposure is already enough.

No Eye Exposure Needed

In a statement, Giebultowicz said, “The fact that the light was accelerating aging in the flies was very surprising to us at first.” They measured the expression of some genes in the old flies. They found that flies exhibited protective genes and stress-response when they’re exposed to the light. The aging process was “short” with light exposure alone. With sole blue-light exposure, however, the process was hastened dramatically.

Although this was not yet tested on humans, reducing exposure to blue light may be the best recourse. As the adage would state, prevention is better than the cure. Instead of exposing oneself to blue light without any restrictions, imposing the right kind of discipline upon oneself when it comes to computer/gadget use may be prudent at this time.