Does your Flat Screen make you sick?

[gunug]

Apparently the spiffy new LED-backlit display we're using is not good for our Melatonin levels or sleep:

QUOTE

Melatonin is a circadian hormone transmitted via suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system to the pineal gland. It is a hormone necessary to many human functions such as immune, cardiovascular, neuron and sleep/awake functions. Since melatonin enhancement or suppression is reported to be closely related to the photic information from retina, in this paper, we aim further to study both the lighting condition and the emotional self-regulation in different lighting conditions together with their effects on the production of human melatonin.

from: Effects of LED-backlit computer screen and emotional selfregulation on human melatonin production.
Abstract at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2411003...pt=AbstractPlus

Apparently there is one company (AOC) with a solution:

QUOTE

Fortunately, AOC, a manufacturer of display technology, is rolling out a solution called Anti-Blue Light (ABL) technology which could protect users from the menacing effects of blue light. According to the company, just like UV rays from the sun, overexposure to shortwave blue light (380 to 450 nm) from LED-backlit devices can add to vision impairments.

The company claims that ABL technology allows users to enjoy a quality picture, brightness, and color fidelity, without prolonged exposure to blue light. Their new LED technology shifts the wavelength peak of the LED backlight from 450 to 460 nm, moving it out of the range which they consider harmful.

http://www.ecnmag.com/blogs/2014/10/get-your-computer

There is no information about what ABL (Anti-Blue Light) practices might do to promotional campaigns at K-Mart!  

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE(gunug @ Oct 2 2014, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is no information about what ABL (Anti-Blue Light) practices might do to promotional campaigns at K-Mart!  

That is already being done by the French company, Target, and the American company, Wal-Wart.

[gunug]

Elsewhere in the second link that I posted is a statement linking Macular Degeneration with these monitors:

QUOTE

I’m skeptical about their “vision impairments” claims, as there has been little research to prove that blue light from these screens permanently damages our eyesight. Most research claims it primarily strains our eyes and suppresses adequate sleep.

However, AOC asserts that chronic exposure to blue light may lead to macular degeneration (AMD), permanent vision loss in the center of the eye due to retina damage. Some researchers also claim AMD is a common symptom of prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun.

http://www.ecnmag.com/blogs/2014/10/get-your-computer

I've heard previously that UV light can cause AMD and as the blue light they're talking about is close to that it sort of makes sense.  I think I'm getting a special coating for computer use when I get eyeglasses
made; not sure whether it blocks UV light as well as this Blue Light!

[tacit]

Don't burn your computer monitor just yet. A self-reported short-term study of 5 participants does not conclusive evidence make.