This is reason why you shouldn't look at the cellphone's screen when it's dark

Image Source: Oketekno

Many people said, "Don't play a smartphone when it's dark, or your eyes will broken". Is that just a myth or fact? Let's discuss here.

Tekno Kompas - Blue light from computer screens, gadgets, and other electronic devices is known to have an adverse effect on the eyes. That is why modern phones are equipped with a "blue light filter" feature to minimize the damage caused.

A study conducted by the University of Toledo, United States, explained that blue light can accelerate blindness in the eye by triggering macular degeration, a visual impairment condition commonly found among elderly people. Macular degeneration occurs when the middle part of the retina of the eye is damaged because the light receiving cells (photoreceptor) died. As a result, people with macular degeneration have difficulty seeing because the middle area in the area of ​​view becomes blurred, then it can continue to become completely dark (partial blindness).

The Toxic Molecule

Image Source: Tekno Kompas

How does the blue light from a cellphone trigger macular degeneration? The University of Toledo study explained that photoreceptor cells need a molecule called retinal to be able to capture light and transmit visual signals to the brain. The retinal molecule, which is one of the derivatives of vitamin A, is produced in the eye. Now, when exposed to blue light, the retinal molecule can experience a chain reaction that eventually causes toxic chemical molecules.

This toxic chemical molecule then kills photoreceptor cells, which triggers the condition of the macular degeneration. "Photoreceptor cells cannot be restored. Once they die, they will die forever," said Kasun Ratnayake, a member of the University of Toledo research team, as in a written statement published last year.

Conclusion: Don't stare at the screen while in the dark

The toxic chemical molecule from the exposure of blue light to retinal is also dangerous for other cell types in the human body. When the research team exposed heart cells and neurons with a combination of retinal and blue light, the cells also died. "The poison caused by blue light is universal, it can kill any cell type," explained Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, the University of Toledo assistant professor involved in the research, as summarized by KompasTekno from The Guardian on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

Toxic molecules only arise from exposure to blue light to the retinal. Other colors like green, yellow, or red do not trigger a similar reaction. Blue light does have shorter waves and higher energy than other colors. To protect the eyes from exposure to intense blue light, Karunarathne advised gadget users not to stare at the screen of a cellphone or tablet in the dark. The "blue light filter" feature in this case can also be used. Then, when using an outdoor device, it is recommended to wear sunglasses that filter blue and ultra violet light.

Source: Tekno Kompas