Are Bright Lights Damaging to the Eye?

[Lubbock]

Are Bright Lights Damaging to the Eye?

[Morrow]

Blue light exposure was found to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Bright light does cause permanent retinal damage. If the light has the intensity of sunlight, short exposure times can cause damage. If the light is not quite so bright, chronic exposure over days to weeks can cause permanent damage. This is thought to be due to what is called photo-oxidative damage; the light reacts with the retina to produce molecules that are very reactive and cause damage to surrounding molecules. If light exposure is a risk factor for AMD, then it would be expected that people with lighter colored eyes, which let in more light, would have a higher risk.

[Lubec]

Yes,overexposure to blue light can have a long-term effect on vision health. Light that appears white can have a large blue component, exposing the eye to hidden spikes in intensity at wavelengths within that portion of the spectrum. Compact fluorescent lamps and devices with LED screens can emit a high level of blue light. Over time, continued exposure can lead to long-term vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.