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As we are surrounded by screens in our daily lives in this digitally evolved world, we are exposed to blue light emitted from digital devices, such as smartphones, laptops, televisions and tablets like never before. Wearing blue light blocking glasses is one of the ways to reduce digital eye strain, enhance visual comfort and improve the quality of sleep. But let’s understand the science behind what blue light is and how blue light glasses help.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light with the shortest wavelength. Both natural and artificial sources emit blue light, sun being the biggest source. However, the blue light from artificial sources, such as LED and digital screens, can have more harmful effects on the eyes than natural sources. While exposure to natural blue light during the day helps boost alertness and improve mood, excessive exposure to artificial blue light, particularly during the night, can have negative effects on eye health.
How do blue light blocking glasses work
Also known as computer glasses, blue light blocking glasses have lenses that are designed to block blue light from reaching the eyes. Blue rays emitted from screens cause the light to scatter in different directions, causing eye strain. Owing to their specialised coating, blue light blocking glasses reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eyes. They filter out the most disruptive wavelengths and prevent the hindrance to the melatonin production, minimising digital eye strain and enhancing visual comfort.
Research about blue light blocking glasses
Scientific studies on the effectiveness of blue light blocking glasses show mixed results. Some small-scale studies have found that wearing blue light glasses in the evening can increase visual acuity and improve sleep quality. The researchers observed that filtering blue light during nighttime helped support natural circadian rhythms, especially in individuals with higher screen time than others.
However, the study conducted by the NIH on the performance of blue light filtering lenses reveals that they may not reduce or help with digital eye strain. Additionally, there have been no concrete findings regarding the potential effects of blue light on sleep quality.
The optometrists generally recommend managing digital eye strain through behavioural changes, such as taking regular breaks, maintaining adequate distance from the screen and using proper ambient lighting, rather than solely relying on blue light blocking glasses. Feedback from many practitioners suggests that some individuals do find relief when they wear these glasses while using screens, particularly before going to bed.
Blue light blocking glasses are a popular eyewear in this screen-centric world. Although the science on their effectiveness is still in the process, especially regarding long-term eye health, there is some evidence that they may help reduce melatonin disruption and improve sleep.
For those experiencing digital eye strain, the blue light glasses may also provide comfort, particularly when combined with good screen habits like the 20-20-20 rule, looking away every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. While they are not a cure-all, blue light blocking glasses can be one of the eye strain solutions and help enhance eye comfort and improve healthy sleep. Feel Good Contacts stocks designer glasses from top brands, to which you can add blue light lenses.