There is no scientific evidence that blue light from digital devices causes damage to your eye.

Question

According to the website linked below, blue light by itself does not cause eye damage. Since the sun contains all spectrums of light (including blue), does blue light really cause damage? Or do people simply want to blame device overuse?

Comments

I am not fully education on technology systems and how screens work but I'd assume that the concentration of blue light may be harmful while a large portion of the sun's light is blocked by the atmosphere and clouds.

Answer 1

The AAO emphasizes that blue light from screens does not cause permanent eye damage. They explain how there is no scientific evidence backing the damage from blue light and the discomfort that some people experience after extended screen time is likely due to digital eye strain, caused by decreased blinking and dry eyes rather than blue light itself. AAO also says that there is not enough blue light waves to cause permanent damage. They do mention that blue light can cause disruption in sleeping patterns. In an article by UC Davis they also agree that digital eye strain is a significant issue and not caused directly by blue light, UC Davis highlights that the blue light from screens is a very small amount compared to the amount of exposure from the sun .UC Davis Evidence

Answer 2

The article claims that “there is no scientific evidence that blue light from digital devices causes damage to your eye”. Upon searching this claim, many articles appeared from well-established research facilities such as the American Academy of Opthalmology, which created the article being fact-checked, Harvard Health, the National Center for Biotechnological Information, and the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Additionally, websites such as Web MD and US News Health cited the American Academy of Opthalmology in articles addressing the same claim. Given the AAO’s establishment as a reliable, scientific research organization, founded in 1896 as a professional association specializing in the study of eye health, the research it conducts is widely trusted. In addition, their results are supported by separate studies conducted by other research-based and university-level organizations. However, the AAO, Harvard Health, and the National Center for Biotechnological Information all acknowledge that research on the effects of blue light is relatively new and long-term effects are yet to be determined or researched. Overall, the article is balanced and explains digital eye strain caused by devices and blue light’s proven effect on the circadian rhythm, while assessing that there is a lack of evidence to support the claim that blue light causes damage to the eye. The article is edited by a Public Relations Manager of AAO, reviewed by Rahul Khurana, who has an extensive medical and education background on eye health, and written by Celia Vimont, a free-lance medical journalist of over 20 years, who has worked with various hospitals, non-profits, and professional publishing companies. The personnel involved in this writing have relevant backgrounds and experience in their fields, asserting their reliability. Based on supporting claims, reliable authors and facilities, and balanced reporting, I would say this claim is true.

Answer 3

“There is no scientific evidence that blue light from digital devices causes damage to your eye.” This claim appears to be somewhat true but exaggerated. The original claim comes from an article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a trusted news source, yet the article was written by a journalist with no actual medical experience. A study published by the National Institute of Health provides clarification that “a certain extent of blue light can promote human eye refractive development and regulate circadian rhythm, but harmful blue light-induced effects on human eyes should not be ignored, blue light can also produce different degree of damage to corneal, crystal lens and retina”. Another study from UC Davis Health acknowledges that “blue light exposure from screens is small” but “since our eyes are not good at blocking blue light, nearly all visible blue light passes through the front of the eye (cornea and lens) reach(ing) the retina”. An article from Harvard medical school argues that “blue light from electronic devices is not going to increase the risk of macular degeneration or harm any other part of the eye. However, the use of these devices may disrupt sleep or disturb other aspects of your health or circadian rhythm”. The study of blue light effects on the human eye is still a relatively new area of research, and therefore nobody seems to be able to agree on what exactly blue light does to our eyes. Most experts acknowledge that blue light has the potential to be harmful to our eyes, but factors like screen-time and the strength of blue light from our devices must be taken into account when calculating the amount of damage done to our eyes.