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While it’s true that the blue light emitted by smartphones might affect your sleep, there is no solid proof that it can cause blindness, despite some misleading claims in ads and headlines.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently clarified: No, Blue Light From Your Smartphone Is Not Blinding You. This statement came in response to a study released this summer, which suggested that blue light, combined with a chemical found in certain eye cells, might harm those cells. However, the study didn’t actually use human eye cells because our eyes are equipped with natural defenses against such damage. The research wasn’t even aimed at eye health; for a deeper dive into the purpose of the study, the Verge offers more insight on the topic.
The term “smartphone blindness” was used in the title of a different study last year, but it referred to a temporary phenomenon that can occur when you stare at a screen with one eye open while keeping the other closed.
Other studies, like the one that sparked headlines about a ‘global epidemic’ of sight loss, were conducted with rats under intense light exposure. In the end, if experts in eye health aren’t concerned, then there’s no reason for me to worry either.
The AAO doesn't endorse the use of blue-blocking glasses or filters, as there is no concrete evidence proving their effectiveness, and the potential long-term side effects remain unknown. However, they do advise keeping your phone out of bed, as the blue light it emits can disrupt sleep patterns. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid staring at your phone for prolonged periods, as this can lead to dry eyes.
