Should you be worried about “blue light” from devices?

A recent report explains how blue light from devices damages eye retina, leading to age-related macular degeneration, a cause of blindness.

Like many, I’ve been working in front of a computer my entire career. At least eight hours a day are spent in front of a screen. A monitor, mobile phone, or tablet.

I’ve been worried about the impact of staring at a screen all day. It’s no surprise that this report confirms my suspicion. At least to some degree. Yes, blue light is harmful. However, what intensity of blue light, and for how long?

Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said, “If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cell phone, it’s not great but it seems tolerable.”

Do devices transmit enough blue light to damage our eyes? I’m not sure, but I also don’t want to chance it.

Maybe it’s time for blue light blocking glasses?