There is a lot going around in the news lately about whether or not Blue Light from your smartphone or electronic device is hurting your eyes. According to a very reputable source, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Blue Light from your smartphone or other electronic devices is “not” going to blind you.

Most of the scare is coming from an article published in Scientific Reports on July 2018 titled “Blue light excited retinal intercepts cellular signaling” based on research from the University of Toledo, aimed to look at what happens when retinal (a specific chemical) is exposed to blue light. Retinal is present in the eye and is one of the many forms of vitamin A (the number of which varies from species to species) – it is also the chemical basis of animal vision. Blue light enters the eye naturally from sunlight and electronic screens. And, although blue light excited retinal intercepts cellular signaling, which may affect vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the findings from the

University of Toledo, may not be turned into recommendations for real people in the real world.
Janet R Sparrow, PhD, Anthony Don professor of ophthalmic sciences and professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University in New York, offers several reasons why these findings may or may not affect real people in the real world:

Experiments do not mimic what happens in live eyes

  • Tested cells were not derived from retina cells
  • Cells in the study were artificially exposed to light versus naturally
  • The cell membrane, the part of the cells affected by the actual retinal experiments, does not touch retinal in the eyes of living persons

Whether or not it is exposed to blue light, retinal is toxic to some cells. And live retinal cells have proteins which may provide protection from these possibly toxic effects.

Other cells that were exposed to retinal and blue light by the investigators would not be exposed to blue light in the body.

  • Blue light only reaches the eyes and the skin
  • Blue light cannot have any effect deeper in the body

What this means it that the cells used in this study were not from the eye. And they were put together with retinal in a way that doesn’t happen in the body. Additionally the cells were exposed to light in a way that doesn’t happen in nature.

Should you be concerned about Blue Light?

Most people associate blue light with cell phones and computers. However, the largest source of blue light is sunlight. Fluorescent light from fluorescent light bulbs and LED light are also sources of blue light exposure.

Some individuals experience “eye strain” while using computers. They may benefit from wearing glasses with blue blocking tint. Some smart phones, including the iPhone, have a night shift option in which you can shift the colors of your display to warmer end of the color spectrum.

The best way to assure that your eyes are healthy is to make sure you have them examined by either your optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once a year. If you are experiencing any issues with your vision, such as pain, dryness, or a loss of vision, see your eye doctor right away.

To make an appointment with one of our board certified ophthalmologist or optometrist; give us a call at 954-741-5555.