Some people are more sensitive to blue light than others and might experience photophobia that is exacerbated by blue light wavelengths.
This sensitivity to blue light goes beyond sleep disruption from blue light exposure at night; people might experience photophobia symptoms including painful symptoms.
There has been some research done that looked at if blue light wavelengths are a possible cause for photophobia and why.
What is Blue Light Sensitivity?
Blue light sensitivity is another way to describe photophobia that might be exacerbated by blue light wavelengths.
There are multiple possible causes of photophobia including: ocular conditions, neurological, psychiatric or a side-effect to certain medications.
What Causes Blue Light Sensitivity?
Currently there is limited research on the cause of blue light photophobia. However, there has been an interesting single human case study and a study done on mice so far.
One of the possible causes might have something to do with the melanopsin pathway.
Melanopsin is present in ipRGC (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells). The one hypothesis is that activation of these ipRGC by specific blue light wavelengths might have something to do with the photophobia symptoms by stimulating nociceptive neurons along the trigeminal nerve pathways.
Final Thoughts
Some people might experience painful symptoms from blue light exposure, which could be described as photophobia (light sensitivity).
You should consult your local healthcare professional, like an optometrist, if you feel you have photophobia to have your eyes checked.
Check out our partner's awesome Blue Light Protection lenses and devices at BLUblox -- We love BLUblox's blue light protective gear. Add the code: MYGROOVYEYES at checkout for a 15% discount!
