ATHENS, GA — Blue light emitted from smartphones, computers and televisions could affect the eyes’ ability to distinguish fine details and focus, according to new research from the University of Georgia.
Researchers tested 60 young adults in a vision experiment using adjustable blue, green, yellow, red and broadband light sources. Participants indicated when they could distinguish two separate points of light.
Researchers found blue light produced more light scatter and optical problems than the other colors tested.
UGA researcher Yaw Buabeng said the effects were more intense for people with lighter-colored eyes.
“The lighter colored eyes are really affected by this,” Buabeng said.
Buabeng said people with lighter-colored eyes do not have as much melanin to absorb the intense blue light.
“They don’t have enough melanin to kind of absorb the intense light that’s coming from the blue light,” Buabeng said.
The effects could lead to blurred vision, and/or sensitivity to light and pain.
Buabeng recommends wearing blue light filtering glasses when using devices.
WSB Radio’s Sabrina Cupit contributed to this story.
