Oral Report - Blue Light

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School

Florida State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

HSC1100

Subject

Medicine

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by HighnessGullMaster57

The Positive and Negative E ff ects of Blue Light on our Health What is blue light? Blue light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a relatively high-energy and short-wavelength that falls within the visible light spectrum, and is characterized by its blue color. Blue light is emitted by various sources, including the sun, electronic screens, LEDs, and other fluorescent lights. What are some blue light occurrences? Some common occurrences of blue light include: - Sunlight: Natural sunlight contains blue light. - Electronic devices: Devices like smartphones, tablets, and computer screens emit blue light. - LED lights: Many LED lights, including those used in indoor lighting and digital displays, emit blue light. - TV screens: Television screens also emit blue light. - Energy-e ﬃ cient light bulbs: Certain types of energy-e ﬃ cient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and some LEDs, emit blue light as well. How do we absorb blue light? We absorb blue light through our eyes by the retina. When blue light enters our eyes, it interacts with specialized cells in the retina called photoreceptors. These photoreceptors contain a pigment called melanopsin, which is particularly sensitive to blue light. When blue light is absorbed by melanopsin, it triggers a series of biological responses, including the regulation of our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm, and other physiological functions. However, it's important to note that excessive or prolonged exposure to blue light, especially from digital screens, can have negative e ff ects on our eyes and overall health. What are the positive and negative e ff ects of blue light in regards to our health? Blue light can have both positive and negative e ff ects on our health. Some of the positive e ff ects include: - Regulation of our sleep-wake cycle: Exposure to blue light during the day helps regulate our circadian rhythm, keeping us awake and alert. - Boosting mood and cognitive function: Blue light can enhance mood, improve focus, and increase alertness. Some of the negative e ff ects include: - Disruption of sleep: Exposure to blue light in the evening or at night can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, (disrupting our sleep patterns and) making it harder to fall asleep. - Eye strain and discomfort: Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can cause digital eye strain, leading to symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. - Potential long-term e ff ects on eye health: Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to blue light may have long-term e ff ects on eye health, such as an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). - Potential skin damage and premature aging: Exposure to blue light from electronic devices may contribute to skin damage and premature aging by penetrating the skin more deeply than UV rays and possibly generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to oxidative stress and

inflammation. This could potentially result in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. What are some ways to prevent getting too much blue light? Here are some ways to prevent getting too much blue light: 1. Use blue light filters: Many devices and screens now come with built-in blue light filters that can be turned on to reduce blue light exposure, for example, an iPhone has a "True Tone" button under Display & Brightness in your settings that allows you to reduce the blue light emitted from your phone. You can also download apps that filter blue light. 2. Limit screen time: Reducing the amount of time you spend looking at screens can help reduce your blue light exposure. Take frequent breaks and try to avoid using screens before bedtime. 3. Adjust screen settings: Adjusting the brightness and color temperature settings on your devices can help reduce blue light exposure. Lowering the brightness and using warmer tones, can help reduce the amount of blue light emitted. The iPhone's "Night Shift" mode allows you to do this. 4. Wear blue light blocking glasses: Special glasses that filter out blue light can be worn to reduce exposure. These glasses can be particularly helpful if you work in front of screens for long periods of time. 5. Consider using skincare products with ingredients that help protect your skin against blue light. 6. Get outside: Spending time outdoors during the day can help regulate your circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns. It also exposes you to natural light, which can help balance your exposure to blue light from screens. Sources McInally, Mike. "Think Too Much: OSU study sheds light on blue light." Albany Democrat-Herald (OR), sec. Editorial, 20 Oct. 2019. NewsBank: America's News, https://infoweb-newsbank- com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/ infoweb-newsbank- com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=0DEA2592838AA1EA&rft_val_format=i nfo%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews/176BC977E4972448. Steiner, Kelly. "Block blue light for better zzz's: Trendy glasses not just an Instagram fad." Dispatch- Argus, The (Moline, IL), sec. Radish, 1 Apr. 2019. NewsBank: America's News, https://infoweb- newsbank-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/openurl? ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb-newsbank- com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=0DEA2592838AA1EA&rft_val_format=i nfo%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews/1728E2502E3358C8. Team, PopSci Commerce. "Five options for blocking your device's blue light - Blue light may not be harmful, but it's understandable if you want to give yourself the best chance at a good night's sleep.." Popular Science, sec. Gadgets, 31 Oct. 2019. NewsBank: America's News, https://infoweb- newsbank-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/openurl? ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb-newsbank- com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=0DEA2592838AA1EA&rft_val_format=i nfo%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews/176F47178EEB0FB0.

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