Can LED Screen Use Increase Risk of Macular Degeneration?
Many of us spend a considerable amount of time staring at LED screens, whether it’s a computer screen at work, a tablet, or our smartphones. In 2024, Harmony Healthcare IT reported that, on average, adults spend roughly five hours or more per day on mobile devices alone1. At Riverside EyeCare Professionals, our Redding ophthalmologists are concerned about the negative effects that excessive screen time can have on the eyes, especially when LED screens are held close for longer periods.
About Blue-Violet Light
In addition to contributing to eye fatigue, blue-violet light emitted by LED screens can damage the eyes. On the visible light spectrum, blue-violet light is the highest energy wavelength and cannot be filtered out by the eye. This means it can penetrate all the way to the back of the eye, where it may cause both irritation and irreversible damage to the retina. LED screens are designed to be bright and energy-efficient, but they emit higher amounts of blue-violet light than traditional light sources. As digital devices are often held close to the eyes, exposure is more concentrated, increasing potential risk.
Effects of Blue-Violet Light on the Eyes
According to studies that have examined the effects of blue-violet light on the eyes, ocular health can be compromised both short-term and long-term. Accumulating hours in front of an LED screen on a given day may lead to dry eyes and headaches, and it has been proven that blue light exposure at night can interrupt sleep patterns. While these short-term side effects may be bothersome, they can typically be controlled by limiting screen time or wearing protective lenses that filter blue light. Small changes such as activating night mode on devices, reducing screen brightness, or positioning screens at a safer distance can also make a difference in lowering exposure.
The long-term effects of blue-violet light are cumulative over one’s lifetime, and the more exposure the retinas have had, the more prone they are to damage. It can therefore be assumed that extensive blue-violet light from an LED screen could potentially hasten the onset of age-related macular degeneration. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), studies have shown that blue-violet light, along with other risk factors, can increase the likelihood of retinal damage and development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)2.
Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD is the most common cause of serious vision impairment and blindness in individuals over the age of 50, and it is important that patients are aware of the risk factors. In addition to limiting blue-violet light from LED screens, we also encourage our patients to shield the eyes from sun exposure, quit smoking, and manage dangerous health conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high-blood pressure.
Other preventive steps include eating a diet rich in antioxidants, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support retinal health. The use of high-quality sunglasses with UV protection outdoors and taking regular breaks from screen time indoors (such as following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can also help reduce strain on the eyes.
For individuals already at risk of AMD, including those with a family history of the condition, regular comprehensive eye exams are critical. Early detection is often key to slowing progression and preserving one’s vision. Specialized imaging tests can evaluate the health of the retina and help ophthalmologists monitor even subtle changes over time.
Protecting Your Vision for the Future
Digital devices have become an unavoidable part of modern life, but that doesn’t mean your eyes have to suffer. Simple adjustments—like using screen filters, keeping devices at a safe viewing distance, adjusting brightness settings, and wearing blue-light-blocking glasses—can go a long way toward protecting your vision. By combining healthy lifestyle choices with professional eye care, patients can take meaningful steps today to safeguard their eyesight for years to come.
If you are concerned about age-related macular degeneration and want to learn more about strategies for reducing your risk, we invite you to contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals. Scheduling a routine eye exam with one of our skilled ophthalmologists can give you the reassurance that your eyes are healthy—or allow for early intervention if signs of AMD are detected.
Medical Resources
1Harmony Healthcare IT – Are You Addicted to Your Phone? American Phone Usage & Screen Time Statistics
2American Macular Degeneration Foundation – Ultra-violet and Blue Light Aggravate Macular Degeneration