Why Blue Light is Bad for You and What You Can Do About It
Have you been spending more time in front of the computer than usual? Whether it's because of the work-from-home culture brought about by the pandemic or because you've had more time to binge-watch your favorite shows and movies, spending too much time staring at a computer isn't good for you. Not only has blue light been linked to eye issues, but it can also affect other areas of your life.
What is Blue Light?
The visible color spectrum is composed of different colors, one of which is blue. This blue light has more energy and shorter wavelengths than other colors in the spectrum and is emitted by various gadgets, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Although not as bad as ultraviolet (UV) rays, blue light raises concerns for people's health, particularly their eyes.
How Does Blue Light Affect the Eyes?
With so many people using electronic devices nowadays, computer vision syndrome (CVS) has become more prevalent. Some symptoms associated with CVS include eye strain, blurred vision, irritated eyes, and dry eyes. Exposure to blue light via different gadgets could also lead to eye inflammation, cataracts, and visual damage.
If you sometimes get headaches after working for prolonged hours in front of a screen, this might be due to blue light exposure.
How Does Blue Light Affect Sleep?
Your eyes aren't the only thing that blue light might harm. It might harm the quality and length of your sleep, as well. While any type of light can prevent melatonin secretion, blue light is said to affect it even more. Harvard researchers have shown that blue light can actually suppress melatonin two times longer, as well as change the body's circadian rhythms (the body's 24-hour internal clock) two times more. This makes it harder for people to fall asleep.
If you use your phone in bed with hopes of getting sleepy as you scroll or watch something. the blue light might actually signal your brain to stay awake instead. It would therefore be advisable to avoid using any gadgets before bed altogether.
How Does Blue Light Affect Your Skin?
In the same way that UV rays could damage your skin, studies show that blue light exposure increases intracellular oxidative stress, which could speed up the aging process. That aside, too much exposure to blue light could also result in swelling, pigmentation, and redness.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Blue Light?
As easy as it is to tell you to stop using your gadgets in order to avoid too much blue light exposure, that's easier said than done. We use our gadgets for practically everything nowadays. If you aren't able to lessen your gadget usage, the next best thing is to invest in products that can help lessen the harm of blue light in your life. Here are some products you might want to check out:
Medically-Rated Screen Protectors
Ocushield's screen protectors aim to protect your eyes and skin by filtering out harmful blue light. Available for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and monitors; Ocushield's screen protectors are the perfect companions for those who spend a lot of time in front of the screen.
They aim to avoid eye strain and other effects that go with it, including blurry vision, dry eyes, fatigue, and headaches. They can also help you sleep better by ensuring that your body doesn't take in blue light at night, even if you use your phone in bed. Plus, each screen protector is made of tough tempered glass, which is five times stronger compared to regular screen protectors. This means that it won't just keep you safe, but your gadgets, as well.
Order these screen protectors for your gadgets now.
Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Looking for blue-light-blocking glasses that are still classy and stylish at the same time? Ocushield's range of blue-light-blocking glasses are FDA-approved and fashionable enough to be worn at work or anytime during the day, for that matter. They filter blue light and protect the eyes as needed, while still providing clear images with more than 95% of clarity. They are even anti-fog and anti-smudge and come with a UV light filter to protect you from UV rays at the same time.
Find the perfect pair for you here.
All Day, All Night Light
If wearing glasses isn't your thing, you can opt for a portable lamp instead. Not just made for desks, you use this lamp practically anywhere. The touch-panel display makes it easy to use and it has a flexible base so you can adjust it to your needs. Its 2000 mAh lithium battery provides 20 hours of light and it is easy to charge with the micro-USB cable that comes with it, too.
That's not all. Aside from offering helpful products against the harmful effects of blue light, Ocushield also donates ?1 for every order to Moorfields Eye Charity to fund innovative research, training, and patient care that will help improve people's sight worldwide.
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