We have all been there. It is late. Your mind and body ache. But you are still glued to the computer screen, feverishly working to reach that all-important deadline. Is it productive? Maybe. Is it healthy? Certainly not. 

But this needn't be the case. In fact, there are numerous ways in which you can protect your body - and mind - while using a computer. One of these solutions is blue light filtering vitamins. This type of supplement protects the eyes from harmful blue light emitted by the computer screen.

Here are three reasons to take blue light filtering vitamins.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum - put simply, what the human eye can see. Blue light is a short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. Indeed, about one-third of all visible light is considered high-energy blue light.

But where does it come from? In its natural form, blue light is emitted from the sun. It is all around us. However, artificial sources of blue light include electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, televisions, alongside energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs and LED lights.

Is Blue Light Harmful?

Firstly, almost all blue light passes straight through your eye to the back of your retina. Covering approximately 65% of the back of the eye, the retina is an essential part of the eye near the optic nerve that enables vision. Its role is to receive light from the lens, convert it to neural signals and then transmit them to the back for visual recognition. In short, it is essential.

Research shows that blue light from electronic devices may cause your skin cells to change, which can result in cell shrinkage and death. This can accelerate the aging process. And this is not a prolonged effect. Even hour-long exposures can trigger these changes.

More so than any other color on the light spectrum, blue light also affects your body’s ability to prepare for sleep because it blocks a hormone called melatonin that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm) which makes you feel sleepy. Bottom line: After looking at the screen, you are less sleepy at night, and it will take longer for you to sleep.

Watch this video on what blue light actually does to your body.

Blue Light Eye Vitamins

Fortunately, there are a range of vitamins and minerals that are clinically proven to help stave off the effects of blue light. In particular Blue Blocker from eyetamins is a 5 star rated product, that helps filter blue light, helps eye strain, promotes eyesight and supports sleep. 

Among these nutrients, the chief for protecting your eyes is lutein. It is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of medical research demonstrates that lutein has numerous health benefits, particularly on the eyes. There are no known major side effects of lutein.

Zeaxanthin is another important vitamin. Once inside the body, it is drawn to the eyes. From here it makes its way into the macula and fovea (the center of the retina). Zeaxanthin helps build yellow-colored pigment shields to protect the eye cells from the effects of blue light. 

Complements to Blue Light Supplements 

Vitamins can only go so far. In truth, a healthy lifestyle is important too. An important part of this is your diet. After all, you are what you eat. Here are some foods to look out for.

• Rich in omega-3, nuts contain high levels of Vitamin E too. Good nuts to choose from are walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, peanuts, and lentils.

• Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C. Just like vitamin E, this vitamin is an antioxidant that fights oxidation. Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

• And don't forget leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. They are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C. 

• Carrots. Your Grandmother was right after all. Carrots do help you see in the dark. They are rich in both Vitamin A and beta carotene, which gives the vegetable its orange color. Vitamin A plays a vital role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light. 

• Eggs. A good source of Vitamins, C, E, and Zinc, eggs are a fantastic source of lutein and zeaxanthin. 

• It may come as no surprise that water is also essential to maintain eye health. The fluid that maintains life also prevents dehydration and alleviates the symptoms of dry eyes. 

How Can You Protect Your Body and Mind from Blue Light Damage?

The importance of nutrients is paramount. However, there are also a number of simple steps you can take to minimize blue light damage to your body and mind.

Firstly, avoid looking at bright screens at least two or three hours before you intend to go to sleep. Instead, why not try reading a book or socializing with your loved ones? It can amplify the benefits to mind, body, and soul.

If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices after sunset, it is possible to wear blue-light-blocking glasses or install an app that filters blue/green wavelengths at night.

Check out this video which discusses whether or not blue light glasses work.

Finally, rest. The simplest way to help prevent overexposure to dangerous blue light emitted by electronic devices is by managing the time spent using them. Be sure to take regular breaks away from the screen. One easy method is to employ the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes take a break from your computer to look at something 20 feet away from a minimum of 20 seconds. This technique can help you avoid eye strain.

People Also Ask

1. Is Blue Light From Computer Screens Harmful?       

Blue light is the part of the visible light spectrum that contains the highest energy. Due to this fact, it has the potential to damage the eyes, but this is not yet scientifically proven.

2. How Can I Protect My Eyes From a Computer Screen?       

Try not to place your computer screen in front of a window or white wall. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen. Position your monitor directly in front of you, approximately an arm's length away, while ensuring that the screen is at eye level. And, of course, taking these supplements can help too.

3. Is Blue Light Filter Bad For Your Eyes?       

In short, no. If you are using your computer excessively - especially if it is your primary tool for working - a convenient way to reduce your blue light exposure is to use a blue light filter.

However, even a filter will not eliminate blue light entirely and you will still be exposed to short wavelength, high energy that can cause eye strain and provoke health problems over time. 

4. What Does Blue Light Do To Your Body       

After sunset, blue light throw’s the body’s biological clock - the circadian rhythm - off-kilter. The consequence: sleep suffers. 

5. What Does Blue Light Do To Your Mind?        

Blue light boosts attention, reaction times and mood. This is all well and good. But not all the time.

Conclusion

So there you have it: three reasons to take blue blocking vitamins.