Neon signs are super pretty and they catch our eyes, but staring at bright lights for too long isn't great, right? But guess what? Some lights, like warm white LED neon signs, aren't harmful to our eyes at all. They're not crazy bright and don't give off much of that blue light that can be bad for us.
What types of neon lights are safe for the eyes?
According to the study, the safe range of light, to avoid exposing the eye to potentially damaging UV light, is approximately 2000 to 3500K and greater than 500 nanometers. It's the blue light in that range that can be a problem, especially the short-wave kind from 415 to 455 nanometers. They might make your eyes feel dry and mess up your sleep. But the longer-wave blue lights, like from 455 to 495 nanometers, are actually okay and can even help us sleep better.That's why custom design neon signs are better, where you can customize your neon sign according to your requirements.
Warm White Vs Cold White lights
Now, let's talk about warm white versus cold white LED lights. Warm white ones are cozy, around 3000 Kelvin, like the old-fashioned light bulbs. They're great for most places in your home. Cold white ones, on the other hand, are more bluish and are better for places like the kitchen or bathroom.
How We See Light
You might wonder how our eyes even see light. Well, it's a team effort! Light comes in through the cornea, the pupil, and the lens, then lands on the retina at the back of our eye. Special cells there turn that light into electrical signals that travel to our brain and make images.
Now, when it comes to neon LED lights, yellow is the way to go. It's easier on our eyes because it has a longer wavelength. But remember, don't stare at any light too long. Luckily, most neon LED lights can be dimmed, so you can protect your eyes.
How to Keep Your Eyes Safe from Light
To keep our eyes safe from UV rays, it's good to take breaks from screens and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, consider getting computer glasses or lenses that block UV rays, especially if you work at night.
There are some concerns about long-term exposure to LED lights, but for most people, they're safe. Just be mindful, especially if you're a kid or in a vulnerable group. And if you're worried about eye health, consider taking supplements with vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
LED signage is often seen as the top choice for businesses looking for bright and attention-grabbing signs. However, it's not without its flaws. LED signs are made up of countless tiny bulbs, and if one of these bulbs fails, the sign's brightness can suffer. Sometimes, a dim LED sign might need to be completely replaced.
On the other hand, neon signs offer unique advantages. They can be seen clearly from any angle and are flexible enough to create signs in various shapes and colors, adding to their visual appeal.
So, to sum it up, we must pay attention to the type of light we're exposed to. LED lights are generally safe, but too much exposure can cause issues.