Bright artificial light in the evening can increase the likelihood of severe eye diseases in older adults. This is the conclusion drawn by researchers at the Princeton Institute of Neuroscience, as published in the journal GeroScience.
The study utilized data from 82,826 participants in the UK Biobank. Volunteers were instructed to wear wrist-mounted devices for a week, which tracked light intensity levels every 1.2 seconds. Scientists subsequently monitored their health indicators for approximately eight years.
The findings revealed that individuals consistently exposed to light levels above 1000 lux (akin to a heavily overcast day outdoors) between 20:00 and 23:30 were more prone to age-related vision impairments. Their risk of age-related macular degeneration was 31% higher, cataracts 18% higher, and primary open-angle glaucoma 47% higher than others.
The study authors note that the danger lies not in typical room lighting, which usually ranges from 100 to 500 lux, but in more powerful light sources. These include exceptionally bright device screens, intense artificial lighting, and certain professional light sources.
The harm may stem from disruptions to circadian rhythms. Additionally, the blue light emitted by LEDs can exacerbate oxidative stress, leading to damage to retinal and lens cells.
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