What is the Origin of Artificial Light Toxicity?

This terminology emerged with the widespread adoption of energy-efficient light sources like LEDs and screens, which emit high proportions of blue light spectra compared to historical incandescent bulbs. The 'toxicity' aspect relates to the dose-response effect on photoreceptors beyond vision. It is a modern construct reflecting our disconnection from natural photoperiods.

What is the Mechanism of Artificial Light Toxicity?

The primary mechanism involves the non-visual photoreceptor, melanopsin, located in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Overexposure, especially in the evening, suppresses the production and release of melatonin from the pineal gland, which is a crucial chronobiotic signal. This suppression subsequently desynchronizes the central clock and peripheral metabolic tissues, potentially inducing insulin resistance.

Artificial Light Toxicity ∞ Area

Artificial Light Toxicity

Meaning

Artificial Light Toxicity refers to the adverse biological effects stemming from chronic exposure to light sources, particularly those rich in short-wavelength (blue) wavelengths, outside of natural solar cycles. This is not merely eye strain but a disruption of fundamental endocrine timing mechanisms. Clinically, we evaluate this as an exogenous stressor that interferes with the body’s intrinsic regulatory processes.