Health products, akin to detox teas and Mood boosting watersNeuroscientists depend on a lack of know-how to make their claims. Some of those claims are unsubstantiated, while others are completely made up.
My doctoral research investigates visual processing, but once I take a look at the larger picture, I realize that what I'm really studying are the basic elements of brain anatomy, communication, and communication.
A selected function of the visual system that I studied during my degree is the blue light-detecting molecule, Melanopsin. In humans, melanopsin appears to be restricted to a gaggle of eye neurons, preferentially targeting a brain structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus—the body clock.
Circadian rhythm
This is where the (true) concept that blue light affects our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm comes from. And also why many corrective lens producers have began cashing in on blue light filtering glasses. The most typical claims that include these lenses are: They will help restore our natural sleep-wake cycle..
Blue-filtering lenses are marketed as an answer to many other vision problems. There are claims that they Prevents retinal disease called macular degeneration, reduces headaches and prevents eye cancer..
Complexity of blue light
Ophthalmologists generally agree that “Current lack of high-quality clinical evidence to support a beneficial effect with blue spectacle lenses for reducing eye fatigue, improving sleep quality or protecting macular health in the general population”
Like the function of any biological system, melanopsin's contribution to vision is more complex than it’s made out to be.
For example, melanopsin—like other light-sensitive molecules in our eyes—can specifically trigger neural activity outside of blue light. Blue is just where it’s most sensitive. So, then, blue light does indeed affect our sleep-wake cycle, but so will other wavelengths of sunshine to some extent.
But what’s the true offender behind the consequences of digital screen light on our sleep-wake cycle? Is it necessary that the blue light alone or does people generally staying up late and using their devices exacerbate the issue?
Looks just like the science is on it. The side that is against any substantial effects of blue light blocking lenses.. If you're up late anyway, blue light-blocking lenses aren't proven to assist.
Research has shown that one possible explanation for eye irritation and fatigue is the general period of time we spend in front of our screens, which Reduce the amount of blinking we do..
(Shutterstock)
Bridging the gap in clinical research
It seems the issue isn't just the sellers of blue light filtering lenses, but the best way we speak about research findings.
So far, there isn’t any clinical evidence that supports the advantages of using blue light filtering lenses. For now, it's just one other pseudoscience market that has taken advantage of its customer base – anyone who uses a pc.
Increasing neuroscience literacy ought to be a public health goal: understanding how the brain and its associated organs – akin to the attention – work.
For now, keeping your eyes away from screens at night and taking frequent breaks from screens will do probably the most for our eye health and sleep.