Can Vitamins Protect Against Blue Light Damage?

Blue light is everywhere! The light that is emitted from our cell phones, laptops, televisions, and other digital devices has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent years – as have the “digital eyestrain” and other serious conditions that can come about by too much exposure.  

It is becoming increasingly clear that protecting our eyes from the negative effects of blue light is something that should be prioritized. One such form of protection is vitamins. But can vitamins really protect our eyes against blue light damage? In this article, we take a closer look at what blue light is, how blue light wreaks havoc on our vision, and why vitamins could be an easy solution. 

What is Blue Light? 

Blue light is a form of visible light that exists on what is known as the Visible Light Spectrum. Each color on the Spectrum has its own length and energy level, and those with the shortest lengths are the most difficult for the naked human eye to see. Blue light happens to have the shortest wavelength and the highest energy level. This makes it nearly as powerful as ultraviolet waves (UV rays), which we all know can wreak serious havoc on our skin and eyes. 

Blue light is found in as much as one-third of all visible light, including sunlight which positively boosts our mood levels, improves cognitive function, and regulates our wake cycle and sleep cycle. Unfortunately, high-energy blue light is also found artificially in a number of sources, including LED lights, smartphones, tablet screens, computer screens, and fluorescent light bulbs. It is this artificial blue light that has many people concerned for their eye health. 

Does Blue Light Damage Your Eyes?

Research in animals shows that long-term exposure to high levels of blue light can cause damage to mitochondria in the retina. Damage to the retinal cells often leads to vision problems such as macular degeneration. However, this has not been shown or proven in any human studies yet, and the amount of blue light exposure from digital screens is miniscule compared to the amount that would be needed to cause damage. Various health organizations are currently undergoing the studies required to know more. 

Can Vitamins Protect Against Blue Light? 

For many people, reducing the amount of time spent in front of a screen simply isn’t an option. In this case, one simple solution is to incorporate a vitamin into your daily routine. Specifically, a blue light-blocking vitamin like Nurtureyes. Created by eye doctors and formulated based on the active ingredients in the AREDS 2 study, Eyetamins contain natural filtering nutrients which help your eyes absorb blue light more efficiently.

These same nutrients improve your eyes’ depth perception and contrast sensitivity, and have been studied in reducing the risk of progression of age-related macular degeneration. As an added bonus, additional nutrients included in the Eyetamins help you sleep better by supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythm!  

People Also Ask 

1. Is damage from blue light permanent?

Early research into the effects of blue light exposure suggests that toxic levels of blue light can cause damage to the retina and macula in rodents. However, this has not been shown or proven in humans. Many ophthalmologists and other experts are quick to remind us that further studies are needed before we can fully understand the effects of blue light on our eye health.  

2. How do you reverse blue light damage? 

It is still up for debate as to whether blue light damage is real or even possible, but you can significantly reduce any potential risk by (1) taking frequent breaks and staring at something across the room for at least 30 seconds, (2) sticking to a strict “no screen time” rule for at least two hours before bed, and (3) wearing blue light glasses or adding a matte screen filter to any sources of blue light. 

3. How can you protect your eyes from blue light?

Wearing blue light glasses when you are in front of a digital screen can help keep your eyes from straining and from being overexposed to the blue light that is emitted. You can also install blue light filters over your smartphone, computer, and tablet screens. These filters prevent blue light from ever reaching your eyes without distorting the picture on the screen in any way. Finally, anyone who spends ample time in front of a screen should be regularly taking blue-light-blocking vitamins, which can ensure your eyes receive the proper nutrients. These even come in the form of delicious eye health gummies.

4. Is exposure to blue light the same as exposure to UV rays?

Both blue light and ultraviolet light rays (UV rays) are short, high-energy waves on the Visible Light Spectrum, and while they are similar, they are not the same. Research has proven time and time again that consistent exposure to UV rays can be extremely dangerous for our eyes and skin. Though research into the dangers of blue light is not as advanced as the research into the dangers of UV rays, it is widely accepted that neither is good for us in excess. 

Conclusion 

By now, most of us know that our constant use of screens comes with blue light damage as one of the many risk factors. But since none of us are likely to give up our electronic devices any time soon, the best way to mitigate such a risk is to protect against blue light damage the only ways we know how. 

One such way is to incorporate vitamins into our daily health routine. A specially formulated blue-light-blocking vitamin, like Nurtureyes by Eyetamins that can provide your eyes with the nutrients they need to better absorb blue light. Doing so can protect your retina, lessen your chances of developing a serious eye disease, and even help you to sleep better.