Do LED lights cause cataracts?

There is no strong scientific evidence that using LED lamps directly causes cataracts. Cataracts are usually caused by natural aging of the lens of the eye, genetic factors, and environmental factors such as excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

LED lights generally do not emit harmful levels of UV light, so they are not a direct risk factor for cataracts.

One concern with LED lighting is the exposure to blue light, which is present in many LED lights, especially in cool, white light sources. Blue light has been associated with eye strain and possible long-term damage to the retina (a condition called macular degeneration), but this link is still being studied. However, UV light, not blue light, is the primary culprit for cataract formation.

While some research suggests that long-term exposure to intense blue light can potentially be harmful to the eyes, these effects are primarily related to digital screens (such as computers and smartphones) and not specifically to LED lights. In addition, blue light exposure from LED lights in home environments is generally low and unlikely to directly cause cataracts.

To protect your eyes from potential blue light damage, especially if you spend a lot of time on digital devices, consider glasses with blue light filters. These can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.

Source: https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/9eb31fe0-a7b8-4128-bd19-3105af2686cd_en

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-10-18 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024