Most people are unaware that prolonged exposure to short-wave blue light can harm the eyes, potentially leading to vision loss, dry eyes, excessive tearing, and even cataracts. Understanding the "blue light hazard" in different products and technologies is crucial for maintaining eye health.
The "blue light hazard" is a gradual, irreversible process. Blue light is everywhere in our daily lives, but not all types of blue light pose a risk. Specifically, high-energy blue light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm can cause damage to the retina. At the 2010 International Light Association Annual Meeting, top optical experts confirmed that short-wave blue light carries significant energy and can penetrate the lens to reach the retina.
[Image: Short-wave blue wavelength range]
This kind of damage often goes unnoticed at first, as people may only experience mild discomfort like dry eyes. However, long-term exposure can lead to serious issues, such as macular degeneration, which significantly impacts quality of life. It's important to recognize that the damage caused by high-frequency blue light is permanent.
Different display technologies have varying levels of "blue light hazard." For control room users who spend long hours watching large screens, this issue cannot be ignored. It’s essential to start from product selection and assess how each technology affects eye health.
DLP (Digital Light Processing) is widely used in control rooms and is known for its excellent display quality and viewer comfort. DLP technology uses an LED light source that is projected through multiple optical components—such as light bars, micromirrors, and screens—to filter out harmful high-energy blue light. As a result, the light reaching the eyes is softer and less damaging. After over a decade of development, DLP has proven to be a reliable and safe choice for control room environments.
[Image: DLP imaging principle]
Around 2012, SMD small-pitch LEDs began to enter indoor display markets. While they offer many advantages, they also present challenges, particularly regarding long-term viewing comfort. The white light in these displays is created by combining red, green, and blue LED chips, resulting in a strong blue light spectrum. Additionally, the small size of the LED chips leads to concentrated light output, increasing the intensity of blue light and the potential for retinal damage.
[Image: SMD small-pitch LED surface emits light, short-wave blue light will directly hit the human eye]
LCD displays, similar to other electronic devices like TVs and smartphones, use white LED backlights. Most of their white light comes from blue LEDs combined with phosphors. While LCDs filter some of the blue light through the liquid crystal layer and color filters, their "blue light hazard" level falls between DLP and SMD small-pitch LEDs.
[Image: Schematic diagram of LCD imaging principle]
Moreover, the degree of blue light hazard is closely related to brightness and color temperature settings. Higher brightness and higher color temperatures increase the amount of blue light that reaches the eyes, thus increasing the risk of damage.
In conclusion, DLP offers a balanced brightness and soft color tone, making it the safest option in terms of "blue light hazard." This makes it the ideal choice for control room displays, ensuring both comfort and long-term eye health.
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