Are LED lights bad for your eyes?
Are LED lights bad for your eyes? The answer depends on both the intensity and type of LED light, along with how long you're looking straight at a lighted surface, such as a computer screen. In general, you don't have to worry about casual exposure, but it might be a good idea to put a cap on screen time — or at least take breaks every once in a while.
Understanding LED lights and their concerns
LED lights are everywhere, especially because they tend to be the modern go-to when people replace their older incandescent bulbs. They're also used in everything from cell phones to computers, so you probably encounter LED lights multiple times a day (unless you're living under a rock with no access to the modern world — but since you're here, that's probably not the case.)
What are LED lights?
LED stands for light emitting diode, and while that sounds fancy, it simply describes a set of small components that emit light when an electrical current passes through them. They're popular because of their efficiency. An LED light bulb uses about 75% less energy than the same size incandescent bulb.
LEDs light bulbs can be found in ceiling fixtures and lamps, but they're also in a lot of other places, including PC monitors, cell phone screens, outdoor street lighting, traffic lights, and televisions. It's hard to escape LED light, really.
Concerns about blue light emission
Blue light has a shorter wavelength and emits more energy than the white light emitted by traditional incandescent bulbs. This could be a concern for eye health, but research is still being conducted, and there's no definitive data saying LED light is bad for your eyes.
Flicker and glare
LED lights could produce a flickering effect or cause extra glare from screens, including computer screens. Some people experience discomfort and eye strain after staring at screens all day, and flickering lights or glare could be part of the problem.
Potential effects on eye health
The combination of near-ubiquitous LED lighting and modern work and play habits that leave you staring into the abyss — or rather, staring at digital spreadsheets and doom-scrolling social media all day — could be taking a toll on your vision.
Digital eye strain
Eye strain develops when your eyes have to work extra hard to focus on things you're viewing or reading. When you spend a lot of time focused on LED screens, your eyes simply get tired. It becomes harder to focus on other things in the environment, and you could develop headaches, blurred vision, or dry eyes.
Blue light and sleep disruption
Blue light, including the light produced by LED screens, can throw off your internal circadian rhythms, making your body think it's daytime long after dusk. Blue light suppresses melatonin, the brain chemical that induces tiredness, which is why it can be so hard to fall asleep after you've been studying, watching TV, or gaming into the late evening hours.
Minimize sleep disruptions by switching off digital devices and reducing interior light use after sunset. Blue light blocking glasses could help if you need to use LED-containing screens after dark.
Macular degeneration risk
While the science regarding any connection between age-related macular degeneration and LED light is still ongoing, there's some concern that blue light use may accelerate the development of this disease in people already prone to it.
Safety measures and eye protection
Protecting your eyes from LED light generally involves putting something between your eyes and the light source.
Blue light filters and screen protectors
Screen protectors and blue light filters go over a computer or cell phone screen to block out some of the blue light.
Proper lighting and ergonomics
Create a comfortable, eye-friendly environment by adjusting lighting angles and the positioning of light fixtures to make lighting more indirect. Choosing less-intense light bulbs can also help reduce eye strain and minimize harmful effects.
Regular eye exams
Having your eyes checked on a regular basis helps track any changes that might affect vision. Optometrists can provide tips on how to prevent LED-induced eye damage while also checking for potential vision issues.
LED light and you
While the potential effects of LED lighting aren't completely known, minimizing digital eye strain and reducing the impact lighting has on sleep can help you maintain healthy vision. Take our online vision exam to renew your current glasses or contact prescription. Then, find the contact lens brand you need and get them delivered right to your door.
Frequently asked questions:
Are all LED lights harmful to the eyes?
There's no evidence that casual exposure to LED lights is harmful to the eyes, but exposure to blue light, a type of light produced by LED digital screens, could cause eye fatigue and possible long-term problems.
How can I reduce the impact of LED lights on my eyes?
Reducing the impact of LED lights on your eyes mostly involves limiting exposure. Avoid spending too long looking at screens, and take frequent breaks to focus on other objects around you when using a computer, smartphone, or digital device
Can LED light exposure lead to permanent eye damage?
Exposure to intense LED lights has been linked to possible long-term damage to the retina, but most household lighting isn't as strong as the lights used to study long-term effects.