LED bulbs and screens: how to protect yourself from blue light?

The use of light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) is becoming widespread. But this “cold” lighting that is too rich in blue light can have an impact on vision and sleep. What solutions to limit the risks? Which bulbs should I buy?

LED technology is now essential in lights, decorative garlands, torches, car headlights, but also in computer and smartphone screens. Rich in blue light, this lighting worries ANSES (National Health Security Agency), which published a report on the subject in May 2019.

How do LEDs attack the eyes?

The blue light from LEDs has a short wavelength, which is very energetic. This intense flow attacks the cells of the retina and disrupts the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which depends on variations in natural light.

However, in the history of humanity, the eye has adapted to “warm” lighting, especially in the evening: fire, candles, then incandescent lamps. With LEDs, it has to tolerate a much “colder” blue light. For the retina, this is not ideal.

Safety standards govern household lighting, but not toys or torches. In addition, the current limit values ​​calculated for exposure of less than 8 hours per day "do not take into account chronic exposure to LEDs, every day and over several years", says Pr Francine Behar-Cohen, professor of ophthalmology .

Who are the most sensitive?

What to do against the blue light of LEDs?

How to choose your bulbs? The “color temperature” of a light bulb indicates its amount of blue light. It should not exceed 3000 K (kelvin). It is better to choose those that are marked “warm white”.

To read alsoAuthor: Sylvie Dellus, Journalist head of section Pr Francine Behar-Cohen, professor of ophthalmology, president of the working group of the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) on the effects of LEDs Dr Alicia Torriglia, research director at the Inserm, member of the ANSES working group Article published on