Blue light glasses have been gaining popularity over the past year, but do they really help? Learn more about these particular frames and whether they’re actually worth buying.
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What Is Blue Light and Where Does It Come From?
Before diving into blue light glasses, it is important to understand what blue light is. Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum, specifically with wavelengths between 380 and 500 nanometers. It is a type of high-energy visible light, also known as HEV light, similar to ultraviolet rays. Blue light comes from both artificial sources, such as digital screens and fluorescent or LED lights, and natural sources, like the sun.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are designed to block out the blue light waves that are emitted by our electronics. These short, high-energy wavelengths are known to play a key role in maintaining our body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is why many scientists believe that the blue light from our devices can throw off our natural sleep patterns. But some scientists believe that the impact of these wavelengths goes far beyond our sleep patterns and can also damage our vision. Some studies suggest that exposure to blue light may, in fact, have the potential to cause retinal damage over time and lead to macular degeneration at high doses.
Common Signs of Digital Eye Strain
Modern lifestyle is characterized by a prolonged exposure to digital screens, including laptops, cell phones, and TVs. If you look at the screens from a close distance and without any eye protection, you may experience digital eye strain, a common eye condition characterized by the following symptoms:
- Eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort
- Blurry or double vision
- Dry, itchy, or irritated eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Headaches
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Poor sleep
Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Many people who have tried blue light glasses believe in the benefits of these accessories. You can find a number of testimonials online from people who swear by them for reducing eye fatigue, eye irritation, and even headaches. On the scientific end, there isn’t much research to prove that these glasses make a significant difference, but there are differing opinions among many eye professionals who tout their ability to add more protection for the eyes.
Will Blue Light Glasses Work for Me?
If you work on a laptop or spend hours each day using your phone, blue light glasses might be able to provide some benefits to you by filtering out the wavelengths associated with the light. On the other hand, if you are experiencing eye strain, blurry vision, or headaches and you don’t spend much time in front of a blue light-emitting device, your symptoms might be a sign of another underlying problem. Regardless of the direct cause, it’s important to talk to an optometrist when you start to experience any of the above symptoms on a regular basis. They will test your eyes, assess your symptoms, and provide you with the right treatment option for your needs.
Alternatives to Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the harmful blue light. Nonetheless, there are other changes you can make to complement this protection:
- Use screen filters or adjust device settings. Most modern phones and computers have a “night mode,” which reduces blue light exposure and eye strain during extended screen use.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away to reduce eye fatigue.
- Improve lighting and posture in their work area. Ensure your workspace is well-lit and that your screen is positioned at eye level to minimize glare and prevent strain on your neck and eyes.
- Use artificial tears for dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation caused by prolonged screen time or dry indoor air.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If you spend hours in front of a screen or are experiencing eye strain, blurry vision, or headaches, come see us at Laurier Optical. Blue light from your devices could be the culprit, but we’ll make sure it’s not something more serious. If you need a specialty pair of glasses, we can also help. We stock all the latest and innovative eyewear and contacts for a wide range of vision conditions.