Hyderabad: Direct contact with LED light can damage the retinal cells. The source of light must always be from the backside and not from the front, said eye specialists in the city. A recent study stated that LED lights provide retinal exposures to violet, indigo and blue light at a much higher level compared with previous light sources. Dr Vijay Kiran, a senior eye surgeon, said, “LED lights are highly focused and when someone is looking directly at the light then the two layers of cells near the retina get affected. Light travels through photons which are then converted into the electro-magnetic energy. LED systems have high amount of light.”
LED is considered better than thermal lighting for eyes. However, its direct impact is a cause of concern. The American Optometric Association has categorically stated that the blue light damage to the retina is a cause of concern. For this reason, they have recommended that the light’s colour must be less than 3,000 Kelvin. Dr M. Vamshidhar, a senior eye surgeon, said, “For the blue light effect, we have the ultra-violet B glasses and screen guards to keep the eyes safe from the exposure. But the intensity of white light in the present set up is not high. What is most important for people to understand is that they must not look at the light directly. Aggravation of glaucoma neuropathy and disturbance in sleep are some of the ill-effects. But there is no scientific evidence to prove it.”
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr K. Shekar Rao added, “Sleeplessness due to the high exposure to white light is seen in the case of computers, tablets and other gadgets which are used during the night time.”
