Table of contents:
Sophisticated technology helps humans to do work, one of which is cell phones. Before the invention of cell phones, people would exchange information by mail. Unlike today, just snapping a finger on the screen of a cellphone, our message has been conveyed to other people.
It is not surprising that now many people, including you, spend time struggling with cell phones, laptops, or other digital devices to get information or just looking for entertainment. Even though it makes it easier for you to get some information, all these digital devices actually have a bad effect on your health.
Research mentions that blue light (blue light) that radiates from smartphone , laptops, and other digital devices can damage the sense of sight and cause blindness. To be clearer, consider the following review.
Why is blue light the cause of blindness?
A study conducted by the University of Toledo in the United States revealed that prolonged exposure to blue light can trigger the photoreceptor (light-sensitive) cells in the eye to produce toxic molecules that are harmful to the eyes.
This molecule, known as the retinal, originally served to help photoreceptor cells to capture light and transmit signals to the brain. However, the presence of blue light can change the retinal into a molecule that is harmful to photoreceptor cells because it can dissolve the photoreceptor cell membrane.
Blue light has shorter wavelengths and more energy than other colors. When these rays enter the eye, the lens and retina cannot block or reflect them so they hit and damage the photoseptor cells.
"The dead photoreceptor cells cannot regenerate and will be damaged," said Dr. Kasun Ratnayake, research member at the University of Toledo as reported by the Huffington Post.
Damage to photoreceptor cells can cause macular degeneration (macular degeneration), which is the most common cause of blindness in people aged 50 years or over. The macula or small organ near the center of the retina that sharpens objects that are seen by the eye. These macules can be damaged with age. However, it will happen sooner partly because of the blue light from smartphone , laptop, or other digital device.
Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, it can be in one eye only. However, the vision will be blurry or not as bright as normal vision. This condition can interfere with simple daily activities, such as recognizing someone's face, reading, driving, or writing.
How do you reduce blue light radiation to the eyes?
Prevention is better than cure, right? In order for you to reduce the risk of macular degeneration from exposure to blue light from cell phones, laptops, and other digital devices, you must reduce your use of these items.
For example, avoiding playing on your phone before bed or during your spare time. If you usually read e-book or news via cell phone, you can turn to a printed newspaper or book.
Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Kimian and Biochemistry at the University of Toledo advises protecting the eyes from blue light by wearing special sunglasses, which are designed to filter UV and blue light.
In addition to reducing exposure to blue light, macular degeneration can be slowed down by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Try to quit smoking, eat nutritious foods, and exercise regularly.
