Vertex Island on Eye Health: Bahaya Blue Light untuk Mata: Dampak, Pencegahan, dan Solusi!

Blue light is a type of light that has a relatively short wavelength, around 380 to 500 nanometers (nm). This part of the spectrum, especially around 415 to 455 nm, is considered the most harmful to human eyes. This blue light is commonly found in sunlight, digital screens (such as smartphones, computers, and televisions), LED lights, and fluorescent lights.

The Difference Between Blue Light and Regular Light

White or regular light is a mixture of different wavelengths of light that covers the entire color spectrum (from red to violet). Meanwhile, blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum that has higher energy compared to red or yellow light, because it has a shorter wavelength.

The Effect of Blue Light on the Eyes

Blue light can affect eye health because it has high energy and can penetrate the inner parts of the eye , such as the lens and retina. Here are some effects that can be caused by excessive exposure to blue light:

Digital Eye Strain : Prolonged exposure to blue light, especially from digital screens, can cause eye fatigue (asthenosopia), which is characterized by dry, blurry, or strained eyes.
Sleep Disturbances : Blue light interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns if exposed to too much at night.
Retinal Damage : Studies show that long-term exposure to blue light can cause damage to the retina , contributing to age-related macular degeneration , which can lead to blindness in some older adults.
Other Eye Diseases : Long-term exposure to blue light is also thought to increase the risk of developing cataracts and damage to the conjunctiva and cornea , although this is still under further research.

Impact of Blue Light on the Eyes:

Conjunctiva : Although blue light does not directly affect the conjunctiva,

conjunctivitis (red eyes) due to dry eyes or irritation.
Cornea : Blue light can cause dry eye disease due to decreased blinking frequency when using digital devices for long periods.
Retina : The retina is one of the parts of the eye most affected by blue light. Long-term exposure to blue light can cause macular degeneration , a condition that damages central vision and can lead to blindness.
Eye Nerve : There is concern that long-term exposure to blue light may cause oxidative stress to nerve cells in the retina, contributing to retinopathy and optic neuropathy .

Prevention Impact of Blue Light on the Eyes :

Use Anti-Blue Light Glasses : These glasses are designed to filter blue light from digital devices and prevent it from entering the eyes.
Manage Digital Device Usage : Using the 20-20-20 rule (taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help prevent eyestrain.
Reduce Screen Exposure at Night : Avoid using digital devices at least 1-2 hours before bed to reduce disruption to the sleep cycle.
Using the Night Mode Feature : Many digital devices now have a night mode or blue light filter feature that reduces blue light emissions at night.
Maintain Proper Distance and Lighting : Keep a safe distance between your eyes and the screen (around 50-70 cm), and make sure the room has sufficient lighting to reduce eye strain.

Therapy and Treatment Impact of Blue Light on the Eyes :

Cold or Hot Compress : To relieve strained or dry eyes, a cold or warm compress can help.
Use of Eye Drops : Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dry eyes caused by prolonged use of digital devices.
Eye Vitamins : Vitamin supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin can help maintain retinal health.
Consultation with an Eye Doctor : If serious symptoms such as prolonged blurred vision or eye pain occur, you should immediately consult an eye doctor for further evaluation and proper treatment.