Blue light glasses have special lenses designed to help filter out blue-violet light emitted by digital screens (as well as the sun and other light sources too). Blue-light-filtering lenses can be used in glasses, either with or without a prescription.But what exactly is blue light, and how can blue light glasses help you? Let’s explore this type of eyewear further to better understand what it’s all about and whether it’s right for you.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is one of the seven colors in our visible light spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). Compared to most other colors, blue light has short wavelengths and high energy levels.
We’re exposed to blue light both indoors and outdoors. Blue light comes not only from digital screens but also from the sun and other light sources, such as fluorescent bulbs.
What Are Blue Light Glasses Good For?
Research surrounding the effectiveness of blue light glasses and whether blue light is harmful is ongoing and not always consistent from source to source. With that said, research has shown that blue light glasses may help us with eye strain, quality of sleep, and underlying headaches. We’ll explore these points below.
Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Eye Strain?
Some studies support the claim that blue light glasses help alleviate eye strain. For instance, one study showed that wearing blue-light-filtering lenses lessened symptoms of eye strain in participants. Symptoms reported in this study included eye pain, heaviness, and itchiness.
Other Benefits of Blue Light Glasses
Researchers have also indicated that wearing blue light glasses when using device screens at night can help with falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting a more restful night’s sleep. This is because blue light impacts circadian rhythms by decreasing our bodies’ natural production of melatonin.
So, if you’re a late-night phone scroller or tablet reader, wearing blue light glasses could improve your quality of sleep. Blue light and eye strain are also triggers for underlying migraines and headaches, which means wearing blue-light-filtering lenses may help with these issues.
Computer Glasses vs. Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are commonly referred to as computer glasses, but not everyone uses these terms interchangeably.
The purpose of blue light glasses is strictly to filter out blue light. They can be useful with or without a prescription. They don’t solely pertain to computer work either because blue light can come from other sources.
On the other hand, computer glasses are specifically designed for individuals who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen and typically require a prescription. These glasses are often outfitted with anti-fatigue lenses, which help eyes focus on the up-close screen for extended periods.
Many computer users choose to combine blue-light-filtering with anti-fatigue lenses because both can be helpful for long days of screen work.
Do I Need Blue Light Glasses?
If you regularly spend a lot of time on a computer or looking at digital screens (and especially at night), then wearing blue light glasses may be something to consider. If you have any questions relating to your eye health, you should discuss them with your eye doctor.Even though you can buy blue light glasses without a prescription, it may be wise to ignore the urge to grab a cheap pair off the rack. A comprehensive eye exam can help your optometrist find the best solution for you, as everyone’s circumstances and needs are unique. For instance, you might benefit from the addition of anti-fatigue lenses or have other prescription needs that your blue light glasses can address.
FAQs
Why Should I Use Blue Light Glasses?
You should use blue light glasses if you’re concerned about your eyes’ exposure to blue light. Blue-light-filtering lenses are specially designed to protect your eyes from possible negative effects of prolonged exposure.
If you regularly spend a lot of time on a computer or looking at digital screens (especially at night), then blue light glasses may provide you with some peace of mind in knowing that excess blue light isn’t reaching your eyes.
Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses in the Sun?
Yes, you can wear blue light glasses in the sun! Understanding when to wear blue light glasses doesn’t need to be complicated—you can wear your blue light glasses anywhere!
The sun is actually the main source of blue light. However, recent health trends have focused on blue light from digital screens because many people spend extended periods of time with their eyes focused on them.
Do Blue Light Glasses Wear Out?
Generally, all types of lens coatings have the potential to wear out eventually. But high-quality lenses can last for many years when cared for properly—even if you wear them all day, every day.
Can Blue Light Glasses Damage Your Eyes?
No, blue light glasses won’t harm your vision or eye health. So, if you suspect you could benefit from them, it certainly can’t hurt you to give them a try.
