Why LED light harms your eyes

The light emitting diode (LED) is a popular light source in many households because it saves energy. The classic light bulb emits a light that is relatively similar to daylight in terms of its spectrum. In addition to light, the light bulb also produces heat and infrared radiation, which are not needed to illuminate the room but drive up energy costs. Due to the inefficiency of the incandescent bulb, it was withdrawn from the market by the EU. LEDs are now not only used as light sources in homes to flood our everyday lives with light. They can be found in many devices - from the typical stand-by light through to televisions LED light is omnipresent. In this article, we explain why LED light can damage your eyes.

The high blue component of LED light is problematic

If you analyze the light from an LED, the relatively high proportion of blue light is striking. Blue light is stimulating and wakes you up, but can also damage your eyes. This can be remedied in private households by installing a "retro LED", which produces less blue light and comes close to the spectral composition of light from a light bulb. The Charité lecturer ophthalmologist Prof. Olaf Straß warns of the negative consequences that blue light can have on our eyes. Blue light causes the formation of free radicals on the retina, which can lead to the death of photoreceptors. [1] The death of photoreceptors is normal to a certain extent, but by stimulating these processes, the amount of blue light accelerates the ageing of the retina and thus the ageing process of the eyes. Studies suggest that regular exposure to blue light promotes age-related macular degeneration and thus leads to blindness in old age. [2]

For many of us, this is problematic because we are dependent on the electronic devices in our environment. Many of us take a computer workstation for granted. Many of us can no longer imagine life without an LED TV or a smartphone. So what can we do to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of blue light? In addition to installing light sources that emit little blue light, you should be careful when handling blue light.

3 ways to reduce the strain on your eyes

Watching TV in the dark is bad for your eyes, because your pupils open in the dark and your eyes are particularly unprotected. Avoid such bad habits!
Smartphones and computer monitors are particularly critical because you look at them intently for long periods of time. For this reason, you should take regular breaks to rest your eyes when working on a screen. Use the night mode on your devices, as they emit less blue light in night mode. Software-based filters such as f.lux or iris are even better.
One blue blocker glasses help you to protect your eyes from blue light in your environment.