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Brits absorb more than 10 times too much blue light

Clinical Technology
Student develops overlay to help in fight against blue light exposure

The average Briton has absorbed more than 10 times too much blue light from their digital devices, according to optometrist and blue light expert Dhruvin Patel.

Blue light is thought to supress melatonin production twice as much as other types of light, and due to the increased use of computers and smartphones, people are absorbing more blue light than ever before.

Patel said: ‘Increased screen use also means we’re absorbing far too much blue light - which has been shown to have a detrimental effect on sleeping patterns. Too much time staring at screens can also contribute towards eye strain, fatigue, headaches, dry eyes and blurry vision. Research bodies and manufacturers are currently not solving the problem adequately.’

To combat this, Patel developed a transparent phone and laptop screen protector called Ocushield as a student at City University of London to protect users from blue light. It is registered as a medical device. He said: ‘We want to be able to lead the conversation in this space to encourage more research and increase collaboration between academics and businesses, to protect the future wellbeing of ourselves and our families.’