While switching to LED lights can be a money-saving move for homes and businesses, it may not be the best choice for your eyes. The retina might be damaged by prolonged exposure to LED lights.
LED Lighting: An Anses Report
French authorities at Anses (the National Service for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety) have published a study on the impact of LED lighting on the eye. The 400-page study recommends lowering the allowable level of risk. The organization also suggests turning down the intensity of car headlights and decreasing the use of blue-rich white light from LEDs.
The study found that prolonged exposure to LED lights might cause irreversible damage to the retina. It also casts doubt on the efficacy of blue-light blocking eyewear. The paper references research that exceeded the globally recognized safe limit of exposure. However, human exposure could not have been achieved in these lab settings.
The blue light emitted by LED lights has been shown to cause retinal damage and, in extreme cases, blindness. Anses suggests dimming LED lights and avoiding exposure to blue light after sunset. It also suggests that warm white LEDs be used throughout the home.
There is a lack of data on the impact of LED lighting on human health.
Despite the widespread use of LED lights in homes, businesses, and vehicles, not enough is known about their long-term consequences on the retina. Not that there aren't problems with LED lights; it's just that there aren't many regulations in place to shield your eyes from them.
Flicker is a major safety concern for LED lighting. Flicker is not a normal part of any display and can be annoying or even physically painful. The frequency band between 120 and 360 hertz is particularly affected by this issue. These issues can be exacerbated by certain types of LED lights more so than others. Factors like as increased distance from the stimulus, increased contrast between brightness levels, and increased exposure duration all amplify the effects of flicker.
Flickering can occur in LEDs for two different reasons: electrical current variations and faulty manufacturing. Correctly made LED bulbs are the greatest solution for eliminating flicker.
LED Lights for the Holidays
You may be wondering, "Are LED lights good for you?" whether you're trying to decide which light bulb to buy or if you're shopping for Christmas LED lights. The good news is that LED lighting won't hurt your eyes. The safety of your eyes can also be guaranteed in a few other ways.
First, avoid staring directly at the light. The retina is a crucial element of the eye that can be harmed by prolonged exposure to bright light. Bright lights can also be tiring on the eyes.
If you can, you should also minimize or eliminate light. Avoiding eye discomfort in this way will make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Some LED bulbs even allow you to change the intensity of the light they emit. These bulbs save significantly on energy costs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They have a far longer lifespan, too. This is why you should think about upgrading your traditional Christmas lights to energy-efficient LEDs.
Retinal tissue aging is accelerated by blue light emitted by LEDs.
A French government organization has found evidence that nighttime exposure to LED lighting may hasten retinal aging. Those who are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration should limit their exposure to blue light, according to a report released by the French Agency for Food, Environment, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES).
The effects of four different blue LEDs, including widely available white LEDs, on the retinas of rats were studied by scientists in France. LED-treated animals displayed a 6.4-fold increase in the number of active MGs. Caspase-3, the enzyme responsible for apoptosis, saw a rise in its mRNA levels as a result of the higher MG count. The LED-treated mice also had a rise in Bcl-2 mRNA levels.
The French team also examined the retinas of fruit flies. White LEDs with blue filters were used to illuminate the creatures. The flies lived significantly less time than control flies and had a higher MG count.
The Eyes Benefit More from Full Spectrum Light
The health of your eyes and body will improve when you switch to full spectrum lighting. It's bright and its colors are accurate representations of the sun. It can make reading easier on the eyes and more pleasant. It also helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
UV rays are not produced by full spectrum light bulbs. As an alternative to fluorescent bulbs, they perform admirably.
Improved vitamin D generation and lessened glare are just two of the many advantages of using full spectrum lighting. People who spend a lot of time inside may benefit greatly from switching to a full-spectrum light. They also make the treated materials shine more brightly.
The use of full spectrum lighting can boost efficiency by simulating the effects of sunshine. They can't quite hold a candle to natural light, but they're a vast improvement over standard house bulbs. They are also useful in warding against different cancers. In addition, they pose little threat when used inside.
