What is blue light?

Blue light is a cold light that has a short wavelength with high frequency and energy.

This type of light is also present in sunlight and some studies suggest that the spectrum between 460 and 520 nm is important for light stimuli that affect the circadian cycle (wake-sleep rhythm).

It is important to consider that the human eye is composed in such a way as to be able to adapt to the exposure of this type of light during the day.

There is a type of artificial blue light that does not come from sunlight, but is emitted by LCD and LED devices, such as energy-saving light bulbs, tablets, smartphones and computers. This blue light has a high intensity and an even shorter wavelength than that deriving from the sun, and is between 400 and 450 nm.

The problem with this type of blue light is that its wavelength is able to penetrate the ocular surfaces reaching the retina. Furthermore, being a cold light, it does not transmit the stimulus to the pupil to shrink, leading to the risk of staring at a screen for a long time without blinking, thus inhibiting tearing and lubrication, causing problems such as dry eye and red eye.

Recent studies confirm a link between exposure to artificial blue light and eye diseases such as macular degeneration and inflammation of the cornea, lens and conjunctiva.

The main problem with exposure to artificial blue light emitted by LED and LCD devices is that, very often, it also occurs at times when sunlight is absent and the eye should gradually adapt to the dark.

This “trauma” triggers a very harmful mechanism for the human body.

In fact, daylight stimulates the eye to produce MELANOPSIN, a hormone that inhibits the production of MELATONIN, the sleep hormone.

This process, throughout the day, is useful, because it guarantees a state of wakefulness, alertness, concentration, etc … all useful for daytime activities. The problem arises when these stimuli occur after sunset and, especially at night.

The ganglion cells present within the retina act as photoreceptors and produce melanopsin. Being very sensitive to blue light, if they are subjected to certain stimuli during the night hours, they induce, due to the production of melanopsin, the inhibition by the pineal gland, to produce melatonin, compromising the circadian rhythm, worsening the quality of sleep, and altering the production of serotonin and cortisol (the so-called stress hormone).

Excess blue light, especially that emitted by electronic devices, causes ocular oxidative stress with the consequence of direct damage to eye health and exposes to the risks of macular degeneration and cataracts and, in the hours when sunlight decreases, leads to a significant decrease in the production of melatonin, upsetting the sleep-wake rhythms, essential for psycho-physical health.

A study conducted in 2017 by Dr. Lisa Ostrin, of the University of Houston college of Optometry, subjected 21 people between the ages of 17 and 42 to a test to detect melatonin production at night.

These people wore glasses with protective blue light filters for about 3 hours before bedtime for two weeks.

The melatonin levels were tested before the test along with the duration of sleep through a special device.

After two weeks of wearing blue light filter lenses, objective data after testing showed an increase in sleep duration by 24 minutes, and a 58% increase in melatonin was detected through salivary tests.

Baif International, knowing the damage that blue light causes to the eyes and, taking into consideration this recent study concerning melatonin, has undertaken this project to safeguard vision and health, producing the M58 + Clips to meet the wearers of prescription glasses.

The BAIF M58 + clips are applied to glasses using a special clip that widens the pot holders and then adheres to the glasses. The lenses can be tilted to obtain the most suitable and comfortable angle and to eliminate any reflections.

The clips are of one size and fit most glasses.