"Doctor On Smart Device Blue Light Study - ‘Don’t Freak Out’" - Hazel Sanchez
A new study in the journal Scientific Reports claims that smartphones could damage eyesight. Researchers have found that eye exposure to blue light, which is emitted in the bright glow from most smartphone, laptop and tablet screens, can cause cells in the retina to produce a toxin that causes vision loss. Jessica Lee, MD, retina surgeon at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, noted that in the study researchers used direct blue light on the cells of mice, not every day blue light exposure to human eyes. “This was a study that was done in the lab, and it wasn’t done every day with the light we see, that we’re exposed to,” Dr. Lee said. “I don’t think you need to freak out. You don’t have to run out to the store and get a screen protector. Sure it can’t hurt, but is it absolutely necessary and crucial to prevent blue light damage? I think we have to wait for more research.” While the study may have some people worried about excessive screen time, opthamologists remind us the sun actually gives us a stronger level of blue light than our digital devices.
- Jessica Lee, MD, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Retina Surgeon, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai