Is Blue light bad for your eyes?

With the exponential increase of smart phones use, increased screen time for work and leisure, concern about blue light exposure is more and more important to consumers. People generally have two pressing questions:

• Is blue light bad for your eyes?
• Do polarized sunglasses block blue light?

What Exactly is Blue Light

Blue light is high energy visible light that exists towards the end of the visible spectrum that borders ultraviolet light. It’s part of the visible spectrum, and unless it’s purposefully being filtered out, it is present in all-natural white light. These short-wavelength, high-energy rays scatter more easily when they come into contact with air and water molecules, and this is why a clear, cloudless sky appears to be blue.

Concerns About Blue Light Exposure

So, if blue light is basically everywhere, can it really be that bad for us? Because blue light is so powerful, it can penetrate all the way to the back of the retina, a sensitive spot that is only reached by 1% of ultraviolet light. Since blue light has almost as much energy as UV light, overexposure can cause damage to this important light-sensitive area.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Eyes?

Overexposure to blue light may lead to changes that are similar to macular degeneration, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss. Of course, not all blue light is bad for you. The right amount may help fight seasonal depression and can help regulate your circadian rhythm.

Though the role that blue light plays in our overall health is still unclear, it seems best to limit exposure to these powerful rays.

Blue Light From the Sun

Outside, the sun is the main source of blue light. Polarized sunglasses are great for blocking UV rays and filtering out the right amount of blue light.

PolarizedPlus2® lenses from Maui Jim are engineered to manage 95% of high energy visible light, and this includes filtering out the most damaging blue light waves. Polarized sunglasses are perfect choices for anyone who loves spending time under the sun.

Blue Light From Your Screen

Another important source of blue light is your computer screen, TV, tablet, or phone. We spend more time than ever perched in front of a screen, and many scientists worry this may have health consequences down the road. Specialized non-tinted glasses that filter blue light can protect against overexposure without dimming or tinting the light in your office, study, or classroom. These indoor glasses can also protect against the blue light that radiates from fluorescent lighting. By wearing protective lenses and monitoring your exposure to bright light, you can go a long way towards keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

Whether you’re looking for eyeglasses that block blue light from the screens on your computer and tablet, or sunglasses that give you a stylish look, enhanced contrast and color, and protection from the sun’s dangerous rays, Maui Jim has a world-class selection to choose from. Shop our wide-ranging collections of polarized sunglasses for men and polarized sunglasses for women to find the style that’s right for you.

Take advantage of our patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology and enjoy your time in the sun, worry-free.

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