There is a lot of confusion these days about blue light. Not all blue light has the same effect. In order to clear up the misunderstandings it is helpful to understand the differences in blue and violet wavelengths: UV light, Blue-Violet light, and Blue-Turquoise light.
Ultra-Violet light is divided into three segments, listed below in order from least harmful to most harmful to the eye:
UVC (below 286nm) is effectively filtered by the earth’s ozone layer.
UVB (286-320nm) is that solar energy which is the cause of sunburn and snow blindness and is absorbed by the cornea.
UVA (320-400nm) is that part of the invisible spectrum of particular concern to eye care professionals. It is the most damaging of UV radiation, and it is the radiation transmitted to the crystalline lens of the human eye.
Blue light is the highest energy light in the visible spectrum, called HEV. It has more energy per photon in contrast to other wavelengths, like green or red. Blue light is divided into two distinct segments that have similar, but different effects on physiology:
Blue-Violet (400-450nm)
Blue-Turquoise (450-495nm)
The main and strongest source of blue light is sunlight, but it can also be generated by:
1. Fluorescent lights, including compact fluorescent lights
2. LED lights
3. Flat screen TVs
4. Computers
5. Smartphones and Tablets
Overexposure to Blue-Violet light has been implicated as a possible risk factor for the onset and acceleration of macular degeneration. However, many medical professionals and researchers assert that this hazard has been exaggerated. In Harvard Health, David Ramsey, MD, PhD, answers the question as towhether blue (blue-violet) light can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration and blindness. Dr Ramsey writes: “The short answer to this common question is no. The amount of blue light from electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, LCD TVs, and laptop computers, is not harmful to the retina or any other part of the eye.”
Blue-Turquoise light, on the other hand, is completely safe and has many benefits.
Blue light is important for health:
It boosts alertness,
It helps memory and cognitive function
It elevates mood
It’s a treatment for SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder, a depression that is related to lack of sunlight that people receive as the seasons change
It regulates circadian rhythms – the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle
It affects your pupillary reflex (what makes your pupil open and close)
A deficiency in blue light exposure can actually contribute to myopia /nearsightedness.
Protecting your eyes from harmful UV light is very important and regulating your exposure to Blue-Violet may be wise if you have a concern about genetic predisposition to Macular Degeneration.
In terms of Blue-Turquoise light, its recommended to be used as a light therapy earlier in the day to help reset circadian rhythms and to boost mood. NASA spent 12 million dollars installing Blue-Turquoise (470nm) light on the International Space Station to help astronauts with their sleep-wake cycles, one of the biggest health challenges encountered in space.
At Reversal Solutions, your well-being is our priority. The Auragen™ System utilizes only the most beneficial wavelengths in the Blue-Turquoise, Red, and Near-Infrared spectrum.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-blue-light-from-electronic-devices-increase-my-risk-of-macular-degeneration-and-blindness-2019040816365
