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Course Summary

Professor Stephen Dain & Professor David Thomson (15:03)

The national press has recently reported on the potential harm caused by the blue light emitted from the screens of smart phones, tablets and computers. This purported harm ranges from long-term damage and associations with macular degeneration to disrupted sleep cycles. The media’s sensationalism of health stories is nothing new and inevitably generates an influx of patient queries and requests for advice. Professor David Thomson clarifies the science behind the claims with Professor Stephen Dain, from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

First published in DOCET OQ91 (2014).

    More information and references

    References:

    • Behar-Cohen F, et al. 2011. Light-emitting diodes (LED) for domestic lighting: Any risks for the eye? Environ Health Perspect. 30 (4), 239 – 257.
    • Dain SJ, et al.  2010. Sunglasses, the European directive and the European standard. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 30 (3), 253 – 256.
    • Taylor HR, et al. 1992. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 110 (1), 99 – 104.
      Audio track (~15 mins)Evaluation