Are LED Lights Bad For Your Eyes?

There has been much debate surrounding the safety of LED lights, specifically in regards to their effects on the human eye. Some people claim that LED lights can cause various eye problems, including dry eyes, headaches, and even permanent vision damage.

We examine if medical research has shown that LED lights are bad for your eyes or if generally safe for the eyes, with tips of how best to use LED for optimal comfort.

Are LED Lights Harmful to Eyes?

Normal exposure to LED lighting is not harmful to your eyes.

One of the main concerns with LED lights is their high intensity. Some studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high intensity LED lights can cause retinal damage, which can lead to vision loss. 

However, it is important to note that this type of damage is typically only seen in extreme cases, such as when someone is staring directly into the light for an extended period of time. In normal daily use, the risk of retinal damage from LED lights is very low.

Does LED Lighting Affect Sleep?

Another concern with LED lights is their blue light spectrum. Blue light has been shown to suppress melatonin production, which can disrupt sleep patterns and potentially contribute to the development of various eye problems. 

However, again, this is only an issue when exposed to high levels of blue light for extended periods of time. Most LED lights used in everyday settings, such as in homes and offices, do not produce high enough levels of blue light to cause any negative effects.

We take a closer look at this fascinating topic by looking at the best LED lights colors for sleep.

Can LED Lights Cause Eye Strain & Headaches?

One potential issue with LED lights that is not often discussed is their flicker rate. Some LED lights, particularly those that are dimmable, can produce a flicker that is not visible to the human eye but can still cause problems for some people.

Studies have shown that flickering LED lights can cause digital eyestrain, headaches, and even seizures in some individuals. However, this issue can easily be avoided by using LED lights that are specifically designed to eliminate flicker.

How Can We Protect Our Eyes from LED Light?

A primary source of longer exposure to LED light is through the screens on our mobile devices and computer screens.

By following these tips, you can help protect your eyes from the effects of LED light and reduce the risk of eye strain and fatigue.

1. Reduce exposure to bright LED screens: Try to limit the amount of time you spend looking at bright screens, such as computer monitors, smartphones, and televisions. You can also reduce the brightness of your screens and use the night mode setting to reduce the amount of blue light they emit.

2. Take breaks: Take regular breaks from looking at screens to give your eyes a rest. Look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance for a few minutes.

3. Blink frequently: Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist and reduce eye strain.

4. Use blue light filters: You can use blue light filters on your screens to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. These filters are available as screen covers or as software that you can install on your devices.
5. Wear computer glasses: Special eyeglasses with a yellow tint can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. These glasses are specifically designed for use when working on computers and other screens.

6. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.

The apparent brightness of LED lighting can also create a level of glare that causes your eyes to regulate the amount of illumination it will allow into your eye. The regulation of light over time can cause strain and can be reduced by choosing lighting with a warm white color temperature, like 2700K or 3000K.

Are LED Lights the Best Choice for Your Eyes?

LED lighting is the most popular amongst other lighting for many reasons, including the fact that they have the potential to create less glare when used in a well designed product.

LED lighting has a more directional beam of light than other sources, which means they can produce less glare as the light is delivered in the most controlled method. This can make them easier on the eyes, especially in environments where glare can be a problem, such as when working in an office on a computer.

LEDs also create less heat than traditional light sources, allowing the ambient temperature of a room to remain more constant and reduce the risk of dry eyes. This is particularly pertinent for screen use where your face has a longer exposure in a close proximity to a light source. 

In Summary

Overall, LED lights are generally safe for the eyes. While they may cause some minor issues in rare cases, the vast majority of people can use LED lights without any negative effects on their vision.

However, it is important to use caution when working with or around high intensity LED lights and to be mindful of any potential flicker. As with any type of light, it is always a good idea to take breaks and give your eyes a rest if you are exposed to LED lights for an extended period of time.

We also as if LED lights are bad for dogs and can LED be harmful to cats?

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.