Eye Damage From Light – Fact or Fiction?
Can we get eye damage from light? Yes!
Sunglasses give us protection from the UV rays of the sun, and skiers need protection from sunlight reflected off snow.
But what about artificial light – the light we create with light bulbs?
There’s been some media attention about eye damage from fluorescents. And indeed, people with an existing eye condition who are exposed to fluorescent light for long periods may suffer eye damage (specifically, macular degeneration).
But – and this is the key point – it’s not the fluorescent itself that can do the damage, but the light “colour” that can cause the problem. Specifically, blue light.
What’s the Problem with Blue Light?
Any light bulb – of any type – which shines cool white or blue light, may damage your eyes if you have an existing retinal disease or are over 55 or a diabetic. (I say “may”, because I’ve read some studies that show there is a link, and other studies which show no correlation).
Those long fluorescent tubes that are so widely used across the world, have that very white or blue-white light that you see sometimes in your garage for example.
It’s not the bulb type (e.g. fluorescents), it’s the light “colour” that can cause issues. Namely “blue” light
We’re used to them in offices and factories, but they’re not nice inside our homes, where we prefer a softer, warmer shade of light.
How to avoid eye damage from light
If you are concerned that blue light may damage your eyes, make sure you buy light bulbs (of whatever type) in warmer shades of light.
According to the generally available evidence, however, if your eyes are healthy, then you don’t need to worry. This applies if your eyes are already have some retinal damage.
The bottom line: if your eyes already have retinal damage, you may be sensitive to ‘blue light’. Blue light is in sunlight, and also in the old fluorescent tubes and newer CFLs and LEDs in cold shades of white. If you want to avoid blue light, it’s easy: just get CFLs and LEDs in warm white (which is nicer inside the home anyway).
Note: This is my personal viewpoint as a result of the research I’ve done – I have some minor eye issues, so I have looked into this over the last few years. I am NOT an eye specialist, I have no medical training. If you have concerns, speak to your medical practitioner.
P.S. It’s Mothers Day on May 6th in the USA. If you’re going to buy Mom flowers, make them eco-friendly by buying
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Hi Green Goddess,
I know of some people who get migraines from light and light bulbs, so this wonderful information to learn more about the possible correlations with eye damage and to avoid blue light, whatever your age.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Yes, me too, so it’s great that CFLs and LEDs are available in warm shades which don’t cause problems. Thanks for your comment!
I never knew light bulbs could potentially cause eye damage. I know I get eye strain at times due to using my laptop and iPhone too much.
Sabrina Peterson, NASM CPT, CES
Blue light – interesting – I’ve heard of red light… ;>)
LOL Dan!
Clare, I always learn new things here. Now I know that light color that causes the problems.
Hi Clare,
I have heard of many people who have damaged their sigth becuase of ligth bulbs. They have a disorder called something like Multiple Quemical Sensitiviyty Dyndrome I think is called?
Thank you, I was not aware of the potential eye damage base on color of the light emitted.
I never knew that these lights could damage our eyes.
Not the lights themselves, but the type of light, blue light (which is also in sunlight), and only if you already have retinal damage. Avoid the problem by buying “warm white” bulbs if you are sensitive, for most people it’s not a problem at all. Thanks for your comment!
Only if you already have retinal damage to your eyes, and only for some people, but it’s always good to be aware.
Great to know these differences. Does it make a difference if the fluorescent lamp is ‘warm white’? We currently use those in our office.
“Warm white” is perfect! Thanks for your comment!
I have full spectrum lights in my house that are off white. So much to think about with lighting.
Yours In Health!
Dr. Wendy
Blue Blockers was a remarkable Marketing campaign! I think I still know people who have those sun glasses!
😉
Thanks for the tips-good information to have. I would like my daughters eyes to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Be Well.
Jc
I couldn’t agree more!
I know that I get migraines from certain types of flashing lights, like strobe lights.
Sonya Lenzo
Yeuch, strobe lights are horrible for migraine sufferers.
Great idea for the eco-friendly mothers day! On the topic of the blog though, how common in, say, a large city, Minneapolis, just walking around, how much blue light would we be exposed to?
Mark Hogan
Well, there’s blue light in sunshine, and humans have been exposed to that for ages. Indoors, many shops and offices and foyers use the old fluorescent tubes, so you’re exposed there.
But the key issue is long-term exposure – for example, every day in school, or 8 – 10 hours in an office under original fluorescents – for people with compromised eyes. Your risk is much, much lower if your eyes are healthy apparently. Hope this helps!