We all know the downside of using phones all day long; bright light messing up our sleep cycles and horrible eye strain however, we take all of it too lightly. A recent study published in journals Scientific Reports on the blue light emitted by smartphones and tablets might make you want to take the hazards seriously.
The study reveals that the blue light is not just harmful but severely toxic which degenerates and damages eye cells so much so that it can lead to blindness eventually. Scientifically, this phenomenon is known as macular degeneration and it occurs when the molecules that sense light in the photoreceptor cells, called retinal, are mutated because of the blue light. The damaged retinal dissolves the membrane of photoreceptor cells and as a result these cells die. Unfortunately, these cells do not regenerate hence the loss is in no way reversible.
The retinal acts as a toxic substance when it is exposed to blue light and this severe toxicity is capable of damaging any kind of cell that it is attached to. The good news is that our body is well apt in maintaining our good health so speedy damage of the cells is prevented by alpha-Tocopherol, a natural antioxidant found in our eyes and body. However, as we start to age, the body’s immune system starts to take a hit and that is exactly when macular degeneration takes its toll on human bodies.
Scientists suggest to use special sunglasses while using the gadgets that emit blue light since the glasses would be able to filter them out or alternatively, you could just try not using your smartphones for extended period of time,
Ajith Karunarathne, an assistant professor in the University of Toledo’s Department of Chemistry who also helped in writing this report concluded the study by stating “Every year, more than 2 million new cases of age-related macular degeneration are reported in the United State. We hope to find a way to protect the vision of children growing up in a high-tech world.”
h/t: Business Insider