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The first time I read an article that painted a picture of how Blue light from smartphone screens are damaging to the eyes and likely to cause blindness, I almost went into panic mode. And that is understandable: my smartphone is my primary screen these days. I am sure that applies to many other people as well. If blue light from digital devices damage the eye, I was in big trouble!
So, I started reading up on the subject. I quickly found that there are tons of websites pushing that same scary narrative. This was serious. Surely, I was going to go blind, and so were you. One university of Toledo study says that prolonged exposure to blue light “ triggers poisonous molecules to be generated in the eye’s light-sensitive cells that can cause macular degeneration — an incurable condition that affects the middle part of vision”. Scary stuff.
But among all of that noise about how this light was certain to run all of us blind were a few less scary voices. And they were credible voices.
I found other reports from university researches and medical institutions that pointed out the dangers, but made it clear that it did no such damage to the eye as the louder voices claimed.
- What is Blue Light?
- The Real Dangers Of Blue Light
- How To Take Care Of Your Eyes
- How to cut blue light from your phone screen to help you sleep better
- Other measures you can take to help you sleep better
What isBlue Light?
Blue light is everywhere, and the sun is the greatest source. It is close to harmful ultra-violet rays, yet it is not all bad as has been painted.
The Real Dangers Of Blue Light
Being exposed to blue light at night will affect your sleep, as the light works to keep you awake. Exposing your eyes to it for long periods will lead to dryness in your eyes and put a strain on the muscles that help the eye focus.
Adam Gordon, O.D. is a clinical associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. He says that overuse and exposure to blue light may lead to eye strain and focusing problems, but that it does not appear to cause long-term harm, eye disease, or damage to the retina.
How To Take Care Of Your Eyes
I am convinced that blue light does not damage the eyes, as scaremongers will have us believe. A whole industry is being built around the dangers of this light. And companies are trying to sell stuff to you. However, it is clear that too much exposure to it can cause sleeplessness and eye strain. So, yes; there is need for you to make adjustments in how you use your smartphone.
A University of Alabama resource has this to say:
To further maintain comfortable vision while using digital devices, it is important to use the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes of digital device use, look away for 20 seconds focusing on something 20 feet away. Using artificial tear or lubricant drops may also relieve some symptoms of dryness. There is some early laboratory research using animal models that suggests excessive blue light exposure can damage some sensitive cell layers of the retina. There is no clinical evidence at the present time that links blue light exposure from digital devices to any pathology or disease of the eye. “Some advertisements from lens manufacturers are misleading consumers to believe that blue light from digital devices will cause serious harm to their eyes,” Gordon said. “Products created to block out blue light minimize eyestrain when using computers and digital devices, but have not been tested or shown to prevent any type of eye disease.” Macular degeneration and other eye diseases in relation to blue light is the great unknown. The main risk factors for these eye diseases are age, genetic factors, UV light, smoking and poor nutrition more than digital device use.
How to cut blue light from your phone screen to help you sleep better
Blue light is a type of light that has a short wavelength and high energy. It is emitted by the sun, but also by artificial sources such as LED lights, computer screens, smartphones, and other electronic devices. It can have both positive and negative effects on your health. On one hand, it can boost your alertness, mood, and cognitive function during the day. On the other hand, it can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which is your natural sleep-wake cycle, at night. This can make it harder for you to fall asleep and affect the quality of your sleep.
To cut blue light from your phone screen and help you sleep better, you can use a blue light filter feature that is available on most smartphones. A light filter reduces the amount of blue light that your screen emits, and makes it look warmer and more yellowish. This can help your eyes relax and prepare your body for sleep. Here are some steps to turn on a blue light filter on different types of phones:
- If you have an iPhone, you can use the Night Shift feature. To turn it on, open Control Center and press Brightness Control. Then tap the symbol that looks like a little sun. You can also go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift and set a schedule or manually enable it until the next day. You can adjust the color temperature with the slider.
- If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can use the Blue Light Filter feature. To turn it on, pull down your notification shade and swipe down again to access your quick settings. One of them is called Blue Light Filter. Tap to toggle it on and off. You can also go to Settings > Display > Blue Light Filter and set a schedule or manually enable it. You can adjust the opacity with the slider.
- If you have a Pixel phone or another Android phone running Android 8.0 Oreo or later, you can use the Night Light feature. To turn it on, go to Settings > Display > Night Light. Tap on Schedule to specify your own hours and change the level of filtering with the Intensity slider. You can also tap Turns On from Sunset to Sunrise to turn it on automatically at night and off in the morning.
Other measures you can take to help you sleep better
Besides using a filter on your phone, you can also take some other measures to reduce the effects of blue light on your sleep. For example, you can:
- Avoid using your phone or other devices at least 3 hours before bed.
- Dim the brightness of your screen and use dark mode or night mode if available.
- Wear blue light blocking glasses if you have to use your devices at night.
- Use curtains, blinds, or shades to block out any external blue light sources in your bedroom.
- Expose yourself to natural sunlight during the day to help your circadian rhythm stay in sync.
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
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The internet of things (IoT) refers to the global network of any and every connected device. These include: wearables like smart watches and fitness trackers, Google Home, Alexa Echo, smart displays, smart cars, smart homes, smart refrigerators, smart glasses, smart boards, etc. But that isn’t all there is to it.
It is an ever-growing network of everyday objects that are connected to the internet, recognized by other devices, and exchanging information. The Internet of things is a huge data farm with millions of gadgets exchanging, processing and using information in real time.
An example of the IoT at work right now is your smartphone is connected to your smartwatch, fitness tracker, and laptop. Information about your location, health and other conditions are synced across those devices and used in ways you have preset.
- What to expect from The Internet of Things (IoT)
- Examples of Internet of Things devices
- Benefits of Internet of Things
- Disadvantages of Internet of Things:
- The Internet of Things (IoT) and Security
What to expect from The Internet of Things (IoT)
What are the kind of solutions to expect in the future? There are so many. Especially when coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), the IoT has the potential to make life much easier for us.
As an example, think of connected traffic lights that monitor inner-city traffic in real-time and use the information to adjust their operations to the prevailing traffic at each period of the day. This is a classic case.
If a route suddenly gets clogged because of an accident, sensors along that route pass the info to the city’s traffic lights, which then adjust their timing to ease traffic flow. But it goes more than that.
Every person in that city who regularly uses that route or who is currently headed in that direction at that time, will get an alert warning them of the new traffic situation. They would also be offered alternative routes in order to avoid the area.
All these will happen without human agency: the devices talk to one another and act on available information. This is an example of how the Internet of things will make life easier for us.
Examples of Internet of Things devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a wide range of devices that are connected to the internet and can communicate with other devices and systems. These devices can serve various purposes and can be found in different domains. Here are some common types of IoT devices:
Smart Home Devices: These devices are designed to make homes more convenient and efficient. Examples include smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart locks, and smart appliances.
Wearable Devices: Wearable IoT devices include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices that collect and transmit data about the wearer’s health and activities.
Industrial IoT (IIoT) Devices: IIoT devices are used in industrial settings for monitoring and controlling machinery, optimizing production processes, and performing predictive maintenance.
Smart Cities Infrastructure: IoT is used to make cities more connected and efficient. Examples include smart traffic lights, waste management systems, and environmental monitoring.
Connected Vehicles: IoT is integrated into vehicles for various purposes, such as GPS navigation, vehicle tracking, driver assistance systems, and remote diagnostics.
Healthcare Devices: IoT devices are used for remote patient monitoring, medical equipment tracking, and health data collection, improving healthcare delivery.
Smart Agriculture: IoT devices in agriculture help monitor and optimize crop conditions, manage livestock, and automate farming processes.
Smart Grid and Energy Management: IoT is used to create smart energy grids, monitor energy consumption, and optimize energy distribution and production.
Environmental Monitoring: IoT sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions, such as air quality, water quality, and climate data.
Retail and Inventory Management: IoT devices help retailers track inventory, manage supply chains, and create personalized shopping experiences for customers.
Smart Building Management: These devices are used to optimize energy usage, control lighting and HVAC systems, and enhance security in commercial buildings.
Smart Appliances: Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines can be IoT-enabled for remote control and automation.
IoT Sensors: These can be used in various applications, such as detecting motion, measuring temperature, humidity, or air quality, and monitoring water levels.
IoT Cameras: Security cameras, webcams, and surveillance cameras can be part of IoT systems for remote monitoring and recording.
Benefits of Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a multitude of benefits in various aspects of our lives. Let’s look at them.
Automation and Efficiency: IoT devices can automate various tasks, making life more convenient and efficient. For example, smart thermostats can adjust the temperature based on your preferences and schedule.
Remote Monitoring and Control: IoT allows you to monitor and control devices and systems remotely. This is particularly valuable for security systems, home appliances, and healthcare devices.
Data Collection and Analysis: IoT devices generate vast amounts of data, which can be collected and analyzed to gain insights, improve decision-making, and enhance services.
Cost Savings: IoT can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and optimized resource usage. For businesses, this can translate into increased profits.
Safety and Security: IoT can enhance safety by enabling real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure, emergency response systems, and wearable safety devices.
Environmental Benefits: IoT can help reduce energy consumption, emissions, and waste through smart city initiatives, energy-efficient systems, and waste management.
Disadvantages of Internet of Things:
Privacy Concerns: IoT devices collect data, which can lead to concerns about data privacy and security breaches if not properly protected. Unauthorized access can lead to the exposure of personal information.
Security Vulnerabilities: IoT devices are often vulnerable to hacking and cyberattacks. Weak security measures can result in unauthorized control of devices or network breaches.
Complexity and Interoperability: The vast array of IoT devices from different manufacturers can lead to interoperability challenges and complexity in managing and integrating devices within a network.
Reliability and Dependence: As we become more reliant on IoT, system failures or disruptions can have significant consequences. Dependence on IoT can be a double-edged sword.
Job Displacement: In certain industries, automation and IoT can lead to job displacement as tasks become automated. However, it can also create job opportunities in fields related to IoT.
Environmental Impact: The manufacturing and disposal of IoT devices can contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) and environmental concerns if not managed responsibly.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Security
Having everything connected this way poses real security and privacy risks. If you drive a smart car, it means it can be hacked the same way your PC can be hacked. Your personal information can be leaked and exposed. The dangers are real.
But as with any new technology, the way forward is not to kill the idea but to look for ways to safeguard it. There are people working round the clock to build secure systems that we all can use. the IoT will never be 100% secure. Nothing ever is.
The Internet of Things will help us manage our health better, live more comfortably, improve business/work productivity, even improve security, among other benefits. The fear of our personal data being misused or turned against us will always be there, but in all, a connected world is the future and will bring great benefits.
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Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
