The pro and cons of blue light. Most people do not realize that sunlight contains both visible and invisible light rays that not only tan or burn your skin but also impact your eyesight. The light rays from the sun has a range of different colored light rays with different amount of energy.
Sunlight contains many shades of red, orange, yellow, green and blue light rays. This spectrum of light rays are called white light. Blue light is at the end of the spectrum referred to as ultraviolet light (UV – radiation).
Some key points about blue light:
- Blue light is everywhere.
- HEV light rays make the sky look blue.
- The eye is not very good at blocking blue light.
- Blue light exposure may increase the risk of macular degeneration.
- Blue light contributes to digital eye strain.
- Blue light protection may be even more important after cataract surgery.
- Not all blue light is bad.
Not all blue light is bad for you. Some light therapy is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Blue light also is important regulating circadian rhythm. Too much blue light late at night can disrupt this cycle.