From Smartphones to Vision Loss: The Blue Light Threat Grows

In today’s digital world, screens have become an inseparable part of our lives—whether it's smartphones, laptops, televisions, or tablets. But as screen time increases, so do concerns about the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to screen-emitted light, particularly blue light.

Blue light is a form of high-energy visible (HEV) light commonly emitted by digital devices. Due to its short wavelength, it can penetrate deep into the eye and potentially disrupt several physiological processes.

One of the most concerning effects is its impact on sleep. Research shows that spending more than three hours a day on screens can reduce melatonin levels—the hormone that regulates our sleep cycle—by up to 23%. This hormonal imbalance often results in poor sleep quality, which has been associated with serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

In addition to affecting sleep, blue light also poses risks to eye health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there has been a 35% rise in digital eye strain cases since 2020. Common symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck discomfort—especially among individuals who spend long hours in front of screens without taking regular breaks.

A more alarming discovery comes from a 2025 study by the University of Tokyo, which indicates that long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to retinal damage. This raises concerns about an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss in older adults.

Children and teenagers are particularly at risk, especially with the surge in online education and digital gaming. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that children between the ages of 8 and 16 now spend an average of 5.5 hours per day on screens—a 40% increase since 2019. This extended exposure is closely linked to rising cases of myopia (nearsightedness). If current trends continue, the WHO estimates that by 2030, over half of the world’s children could be nearsighted.