Sunlight, not screens, poses the real risk to eye health says expert at JTS Medical Centre

It’s quite common to experience eye strain after prolonged screen time, whether from a computer, tablet, TV, or phone. Most of the content we consume is so captivating that we barely blink, leading to the discomfort. This eye strain is largely a result of “staring” at screens, a natural reaction when we focus intently on anything.

However, instead of addressing this with simple remedies like eye lubricants, it has become fashionable to blame blue light exposure. Alarmist headlines claim that blue light from excessive screen use is “blinding” us, fueling an entire industry built around protective eyewear. Yet, there is no strong scientific evidence to support this claim.

The richest source of blue light is the sun. In fact, all life on Earth has evolved in harmony with this energy. Our complex biological systems are naturally attuned to the sun’s daily light-dark cycle, which includes being exposed to less blue light at night. Unfortunately, the screens we use in the evening do the opposite, disrupting sleep quality and increasing vulnerability to various non-ocular health issues.

To promote better sleep, it’s advisable to limit screen time in the hour or two before bed and enable the ‘Night Mode’ feature on digital devices. Additionally, insufficient sunlight exposure — especially in children and teenagers, has been linked to developmental issues in vision, particularly the rising prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness).

The sun is also the strongest source of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although the eyes filter most of this radiation, UV exposure can still lead to serious conditions such as cataracts, pterygium, and even some types of eyelid cancers.

High-energy light waves are also considered a contributing factor to macular degeneration, which causes central vision loss in elderly adults.

While modern medicine offers treatments for macular degeneration, typically in the form of costly injections administered monthly or bi-monthly, prevention remains key. In our region, where UV exposure is high throughout the year, wearing fully UV-protective sunglasses, particularly wraparound styles, is a simple and effective way to protect your eyes.

Dr K R Sathish, specialist ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon