Some experts are worried that increased screen time without protection from blue light is leading to a global epidemic of blindness. Blue light from digital devices can deteriorate the retinas over time, and tests on rats found that unfiltered tablets led to 23% more retinal cell death. While the damage from blue light exposure is irreversible, people can prevent further deterioration by taking precautions like using blue light filters and getting adequate breaks when looking at screens, especially for children who tend to hold devices closer to their eyes.