LED lights in your house can cause irreversible damage to the eyes

LED lights can permanently damage the retina and disturb natural sleep rhythms, France's government-run health watchdog has said.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) warned powerful LED lights are 'photo-toxic'. 

In a 400-page report, the body cautioned it can cause an irreversible loss of retinal cells and lead to a common cause of blindness.

ANSES urged officials to revise the maximum limit for exposure to LED lights, which emit 'blue light' at much higher quantities.

LED phone, tablet and laptop screens do not pose a risk of eye damage - but the intense bulbs used in car headlights may, it suggested.

The report distinguished between acute exposure of high-intensity LED light, and 'chronic exposure' to lower intensity sources.

While less dangerous, even chronic exposure can 'accelerate the ageing of retinal tissue' and contribute to poor vision, the agency said.

Long-lasting, energy efficient and inexpensive, LED technology has gobbled up half of the general lighting market in a decade.

And industry experts predict its share will continue to rise, topping 60 per cent by the end of next year.