LED lights have become an everyday reality in homes, offices, public places and significantly, our screens. And while their energy efficiency is welcome, for many people, their increased use has led to eye discomfort: this includes sleep issues, a blinding sensation while driving at night, redness and watering.  Ophthalmologists say this problem is on the rise and point to multiple factors behind it, including brightness levels, positioning of the light, its temperature, colour-tone, and flickering effects. 

Apart from lighting up our homes and workplaces, LED lights are now in every gadget, including mobile phones, laptops as well as television sets. Constant exposure can cause mild to extreme visual discomfort, glare, eye strain, and even headaches for some people. This is a genuine visual concern experienced by many people, says Sugato Paul, consultant, ophthalmology at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, Kolkata.  Dr Paul explains that discomfort is primarily associated with high luminance and excessive brightness. “Many cool-white LEDs have a relatively higher proportion of short-wavelength (blue) light, generally in the 400–500 nm range. This can increase the perception of brightness, contribute to visual discomfort and make certain individuals more susceptible to glare under specific circumstances,” he says.