Electronic devices with 'safe' screens can help to prevent eye damage

As it gets harder to tear our eyes away from
smartphones, televisions, tablets or computers,
concerns are growing over a blue light emitted by
their screens, blamed for harming the retina and
causing interrupted sleep.

Electronics giants are turning crisis to an
opportunity - quickly declaring that their latest
products feature "safe" screens.
At the IFA mega consumer electronics show in
Berlin, Dutch company Philips is showcasing a new
technology for its computer screens called
"SoftBlue," which it claims is gentler on the retina.
"We are shifting the harmful blue light frequencies,
which are below 450 nanometres, to above 460
nanometres," said Philips' marketing director
Stefan Sommer.
Other brands like Asus and BenQ, along with
American firm ViewSonic, have also seized on
"safe" screens as a new selling point.
"We've been told from a very early age by parents
that too much screen time, in front of a TV or a
computer, is bad. So a 'safe' screen might resonate
with consumers," said Paul Gray, an analyst at IHS
Global Insight.
Because it generates a relatively high intensity of
light from just a low amount of energy, light-
emitting diodes (LEDs) are used to light up
smartphones, televisions or computers.
But the problem is the blue ray emitted at the
same time, which is feared to pose potentially
serious health consequences.
Beware of 'overconsumption'
It is all scare-mongering or scientific fact? Serge
Picaud, a researcher at the Institute of Sight in
Paris, has a more measured take on it.
"We should not be so afraid that we bin all our
screens," he said.
Picaud carried out a study in 2013 in which he
exposed sample retina cells from a pig - similar to
those found in humans - to different wavelengths of
light, and showed that those between 415 and 455
nanometres killed the cells.
In other words, deep blue light, which is close to
ultra-violet light, is particularly harmful to eyes.
Nevertheless, the scientist says, "that must be
taken in proportion as the light intensities produced
by our screens are still relatively weak compared to
sunlight".
"Those who worry about harm caused by screens,
do they also wear sunglasses at the beach?" asked
Picaud.
Vincent Gualino, an ophthalmologist at a French
hospital also believes that "we should not be afraid
of the screens".
"The real problem is over-consumption," the
specialist on retina illnesses said, warning people
against spending more than six hours in front of
their screens.
Children's eyes are most vulnerable, as their
retinas are clear and they "will be exposed over 40
or 50 years".
For those who cannot help but stay glued to
screens, Gualino prescribes special glasses to filter
out the blue light.
Such glasses are widely available in Japan, while in
France, lens maker Essilor offers special lenses that
screen out the harmful rays.
- AFP