Light: Its inside your computer now

Ritesh Bawri

07 Jan 2025 — 2 min read

We use electricity to light our homes at night. Electricity gives energy to the light bulb, which then illuminates our lives.

Have you noticed that the bulb is now inside your computer?

I have been using a laptop or equivalent for the longest time. Somewhere in the specifications, it said, “backlit.”

Like most others, I paid little attention, preferring to enjoy the benefits.

Your computer or monitor typically comes with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED). The efficiencies of LCDs and LEDs led to abandoning other display technologies.

It was only when I bought a device that did not have a backlit display that I realized the difference.

Your display flickers.

A flickering screen can cause your pupils to move rapidly to keep up. This causes strain and fatigue.

Blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, irritation and short-sightedness are outcomes.

Long-term exposure to flickering screens speeds up age related macular degeneration and even permanent damage.

Let us not forget the blue light which is being emitted. Over exposure to blue light disrupts your sleep cycle. The light can even penetrate the natural filters in the eye and cause permanent damage.

So what can you do?

The first is to follow the advice that you are giving your children. Stop over exposure. The advice is as applicable to you as it is to your child.

Next, take frequent breaks. Ideally every twenty minutes. Set a reminder if you have to. Look away from the screen toward something green if you can.

Better still, switch to pen and paper or a screen that is not backlit.

I have been a longstanding fan of technology. As most men do, I love toys and gadgets. But they often come with harmful effects, one such being the strain on your eye.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain

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