Computer light

[Patjo]

Is any of the light from computers and tablets harmful to your eyes when you have wet md? I spend a lot of time on one or the other. Appreciate all the help I get from this forum.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Patjo,

There is no research to indicate that there are any undue concerns about the potential negative impact of blue light from e.g. computers and tablets on your macula.

However, the glare can be uncomfortable.

Individuals with a macular related condition tend to develop a heightened sensitivity to glare. The glare is produced by the blue light in the spectrum. Ordinary sunglasses protect against the UV but not the blue light. Therefore, individuals can find that they can end up trying to eradicate the discomfort from the glare by wearing ordinary sunglasses which are too dark for the lighting conditions, thereby obscuring their vision. The way to potentially address this is to choose spectacles from the anti-glare protection range, as they both protect against the blue light in the spectrum and the UV, and come in a range of shades. Therefore, an individual can either choose to purchase one shade or various for different lighting conditions.

Anti-glare protection comes in a variety of styles of frames; however, fit-overs are handy when an individual already wears spectacles.

In terms of colour choice, as an indication, e.g. yellow anti-glare fit-overs are generally good for indoor use as they do not reduce the amount of light coming in; reduce glare, increase contrast and definition. They are also suitable for outdoor use on a dull day when glare may still be an issue, but there is not adequate natural light to wear a darker shade. On a brighter day out an orange pair of fit-overs may be advisable, followed by an amber pair on a very bright day out.

I am copying a link to our booklet on Protecting your eyes:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Please contact us for suppliers details.

I hope that this addresses your query.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help.

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

Rosalyn

[ironbrain]

But the aetiology of CNV/AMD is still largely unknown, so we still don't know if sunlight (blue and UV) or computer blue light are causes or contributory causes. I've read articles stating sunlight quite definitely is a contributory cause.

Most or many newer computer monitors have something called a temperature setting. I'n pretty sure setting to a lower temperature will lower the amount of blue light emitted. Or you could maybe just turn the blue down. Unfortunately lowering the temperature also lowers the clarity of text, for me at any rate, so I tend not to use it.

Notwithstanding the above, I noticed that the opticians I went to had filters clipped on all their computer monitors.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner in reply to ironbrain]

Dear ironbrain,

Yes, we are more concerned about the potential negative impact of the blue light in the sunlight.

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

[ElviraKate]

I use a little program called f.lux to reduce the blue light component in computer screens (it's also available for IoS and Android). As the day gives way to artificial light, f.lux rebalances the light in the screen to become warmer. You can personalise this quite a lot, and turn it off altogether for a while if you are doing colour-sensitive work. But for text-based work, or even for general browsing, Facebook, Twitter-type stuff, it's very useful. It reduces stress and also assists the melatonin production that will eventually help you get to sleep.

justgetflux.com/

[bloodshoteye]

If you use an iPad there’s a option in the Settings>Display & Brightness called Night Shift, which reduces the blue light. I leave it on all the time. Not sure if it helps, but it couldn’t hurt!

[yotboy]

If you are using Windows 10, type 'night light' in to the search box (bottom left). This will take you to the relevant settings page where you can reduce the blue light -all or part of the time. It's very effective.

If you are using Apple iOS, they may also permit you to adjust this setting - I have no idea!

[IvyRose2 in reply to yotboy]

thanks for those tips I have just turned the brightness down futher and put text on to bold, think this has reduced the glare I will try it and see. Thanks for raising this Patjo.