According to a recent study by a team of scientists, exposure to blue light from electronic devices, such as smartphones, may lead to blindness. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Toledo in Ohio and published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’.
The study revealed that blue light, which has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colors in the visible spectrum, can damage the cells in the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that converts light into electrical signals which are sent to the brain.
The researchers found that molecules known as retinal, which are produced by the eye when it is exposed to blue light, trigger a reaction that can lead to cell death. This can result in the loss of central vision, which is needed to read, recognize faces and drive.
The study also discovered that other parts of the eye, such as the cornea and lens, do not provide any protection against blue light. This means that the retina is particularly vulnerable to damage from blue light emitted by electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and one of the authors of the study, said “We are being exposed to blue light continuously, and the eye’s cornea and lens cannot block or reflect it.” He also warned that “It’s no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye’s retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop.”
The researchers also found that a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, a natural antioxidant found in the human retina, can help prevent the effects of blue light. This molecule can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy vegetables.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of protecting the eyes from blue light, especially for people who spend long periods of time using electronic devices. This can be achieved by using blue light filters on devices, taking regular breaks from screens and reducing screen time in general.
In conclusion, the study shows that exposure to blue light from electronic devices can damage the cells in the retina and lead to blindness. It is important to take preventive measures to protect our eyes from blue light, such as using blue light filters and reducing screen time.
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The material in this article is written on the basis of another article.