Interest in vision in the contemporary world, saturated with sources of light of various spectra, is of increasing importance. Proper lighting creates comfort and warmth and has a significant impact on eye health. Dr. Dmitry Dementiev explains how ultraviolet light, infrared light, and blue light affect the eyes.
**Harmful Lighting**
- **Ultraviolet Light:** Found in sunlight, germicidal lamps, and other sources. Ultraviolet rays can cause various problems such as retinal damage, cataracts, and more. The danger of these rays increases with prolonged exposure.
- **Infrared Light:** Present in various sources including heating lamps and some photosynthesis lamps. Infrared light can damage the macula, the central part of the retina, and cause central vision problems. It can also destroy lutein, which is important for eye health.
- **Blue Light:** Sources of blue light include LED lamps, computer screens, digital devices, and smartphones. The wavelength of blue light is short, making it more harmful to the eyes. Thus, prolonged exposure to blue light can cause eye strain, poor sleep, and damage to the macula and central vision.
**Beneficial Suitable Lighting**
Warm light is usually associated with incandescent bulbs, warm-colored LED lights, and other sources emitting yellow-orange light. These bulbs create a comfortable atmosphere and soft lighting that does not strain the eyes like bright white or blue light. Their effect is beneficial for overall well-being and helps relax the eyes after working on a computer or phone.
**Eye Protection**
- Protective glasses should be worn to shield the eyes from ultraviolet rays when exposed to sunlight for long periods.
- Screen time on electronic devices should be reduced and room lighting improved.
- Use light sources based on their effect on the eyes, prioritizing warm yellow lighting.
- Specialized office or computer glasses should be used to help reduce exposure to blue light.