The impact of LED lights on human eye health has gained significant attention and concern among researchers and health professionals, especially since incandescent bulbs are no longer available. LED, or light-emitting diode technology, is prevalent in many products and applications due to its energy efficiency and longevity. The risk to eye health revolves around the emission of blue-violet light, specifically between 415 and 455 nm. This type of blue light can cause damage to retinal cells over time, potentially leading to conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
In contrast, blue-turquoise LED light (around 465-495 nm) is beneficial for circadian rhythm and other physiological functions. Given the mixed effects of blue light spectrum LEDs, it's important to manage exposure to especially harmful blue-violet light emitted from screens. This article is meant to explain the differences so you can make educated choices when purchasing LED light bulbs for your homes and businesses.
The contradiction in Light Theory stems from context and duration of exposure to LEDs. For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), controlled exposure to LED spectrums, spectrums that have some blue light, matching natural sunlight have proven to be beneficial, influencing mood and circadian rhythms. Remember that the blue-violet light which is harmful is based on wavelength of light, not the spectrum of light. Prolonged, direct exposure to blue light, particularly at close range from screens or intense LED lighting, can potentially harm the eyes. It's the intensity, duration, and context of exposure that differentiate therapeutic use from potential harm.
- The blue light that is in devices with a screen and the blue light in LED light bulbs are different in several ways.
Purpose and Usage of Blue Light from Screens and LEDs: The concern about blue light from screens and LEDs relates to its increasing presence in our daily lives and its negative effects on our health, including eye strain, damage to the retina, and disruption of circadian rhythms leading to poor sleep patterns. This type of exposure is unregulated and can occur at all hours, when blue-violet light is near our eyes.
Purpose and Usage of Blue Light Therapy for SAD: Light therapy for SAD uses a specific spectrum of light that mimics natural sunlight, which includes a broad range of light wavelengths, not just blue light. The therapy is designed to compensate for the reduced natural sunlight during our darker months and is used intentionally for short, controlled periods, typically the morning, to help regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle and improve mood. The intensity and timing of light therapy should be carefully controlled to maximize benefits.
Intensity of light used in SAD therapy is much higher than ambient blue light from screens or LED lighting. Lightboxes used for SAD can emit light at an intensity of 10,000 lux, which is far greater than that emitted by most electronic screens or indoor lighting. This high intensity is necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Duration of Light therapy sessions is recommended for about 20 to 30 minutes per day, especially in the morning. Exposure to blue light from screens and LEDs can extend for many hours throughout the day and into the night, especially in the case of screen use before bedtime.
Health Effects of blue light from screens and LEDs is based on extended exposure, especially before bedtime. Blue light in the evening can cause negative health effects, such as eye strain and sleep disruption, due to suppression of melatonin production.
Light Therapy for SAD when used correctly has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of SAD with no side effects. The treatment helps reset the circadian rhythm and improve mood, without the harmful effects associated with prolonged blue light exposure from screens.
To harmonize daily activities with the optimal light spectrum:
Morning (6-9 AM): Expose yourself to bright, natural light or 5000 Kelvin GoodBulb LEDs to stimulate alertness and synchronize your circadian rhythm.
Midday (9 AM-12 PM): Continue to work in well-lit environments, preferably with natural light, to maintain energy and focus.
Afternoon (12-5 PM): Use natural light as much as possible. If indoors, a mix of warm and cool artificial light can help maintain balanced energy.
Evening (5-8 PM): Transition to warmer light (2700K LEDs), reducing exposure to blue light to prepare for sleep.
Night (After 8 PM): Minimize blue light exposure by using red-spectrum lights or blue light filters on devices to promote melatonin production and better sleep quality.
This approach leverages the benefits of different light spectrums at appropriate times to support health and well-being.
GoodBulb LED bulbs with a color temperature of 5000 kelvin emit a light that appears pure white to the human eye. This white light includes a spectrum of colors, including blue. 5000K GoodBulb LEDs provide a bright, daylight quality of light that is beneficial for tasks requiring attention to detail and can help regulate circadian rhythms. If used properly, daylight LEDs can help prevent eye strain, headaches, and glare. They do emit more blue light compared to warmer, lower Kelvin bulbs.
- To minimize blue light exposure, especially in the evening, consider using bulbs with a warmer color temperature in your homes, and blue light filters on your devices.
GoodBulb manufacturers High CRI LEDs that mimic the warm glow of incandescent bulbs (NO BLUE LIGHT), alongside pure white LEDs that replicate natural daylight. This range ensures consumers can select lighting that enhances their environment with optimal light exposure patterns throughout the day—energizing bright light during the day and calming warm light in the evening. Our commitment to high-quality, versatile lighting solutions is the right choice for consumers seeking to improve well-being and energy efficiency in their lighting.
GoodBulb high color rendering index (CRI) lighting offers premium color accuracy, making colors appear more vibrant and natural, like sunlight. This enhances visual clarity and comfort, especially in environments where color differentiation is important. High CRI LEDs ensure that the light quality is closer to natural light, improving the overall ambiance and mood, making them an excellent choice for residential and commercial spaces.
