The digital era has altered the way we live, work and relax. Our eyes are more subject to the blue light than ever before, whether that be through scrolling through phones at night or having to work long hours at the computer monitors. This has raised the debate on eye strain, sleep disturbances, and long-term vision well-being where most individuals have contemplated options such as the use of blue light glasses.
The glasses also promise their users to remove harmful blue light and achieve relief against digital eye strain and improved sleep quality. However, do they work or is it another wellness trend? Knowing the science and the experience of the world may make you decide whether they should be included in your everyday routine.
What Is Blue Light and Why Does It Matter?
Blue light is a form of high-energy visible (HEV) light that exists not only on screens, but also on the sun. Natural blue light is significant in maintaining our circadian rhythm and keeping us awake during the day, but artificial sources, such as LED lights, smartphones, and laptops, have been of a concern lately. Prolonged exposure has been associated with such symptoms like eye exhaustion, dry eyes, blurring vision and headaches.
The studies of the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicate that though there is no evidence that proves the screen-related blue light is a permanent eye damage-causing factor, it may impair the sleeping patterns and cause the digital eye strain. It is here that the blue light filtering eyewear comes in, to relieve the pressure of your eyes when you are having a lengthy screen time.
How Blue Light Glasses Work
The idea behind blue light filtering lenses is not complex: they decrease the extent of HEV light that arrives to your eyes through the use of a special coating or a tint to the face of the lens. There are lenses which are slightly yellow in colour, and there are those which are almost transparent, having a coating to reflect or absorb certain wavelengths of light.
Wearing blue light glasses can provide immediate relief for people who spend hours in front of screens. They also reduce the glare, enhance contrast which reduces fatigue in the extended use of the computer by blocking harmful light. Although the science of how to avoid long-term damage may still be controversial, most users have claimed to experience a tangible relief after purchasing these glasses.
The Impact on Sleep Quality
Better sleep is considered to be one of the most discussed advantages of blue light filtering eyewear. Evening blue light may fool the brain into keeping one awake by inhibiting the sleep hormone, melatonin. One Harvard study in 2017 made this conclusion: blue light at night suppresses the ability to produce melatonin, which complicates sleep.
This implies that individuals who put on these glasses prior to sleeping can have a better sleep quality. Numerous case studies demonstrate that office workers, gamers, and even children gain advantages in reduced nighttime exposure, and this helps them to keep their sleep patterns healthy. To anyone experiencing insomnia as a result of screen time, a simple lifestyle change that can have huge consequences is the purchase of blue light blocking lenses.
Are They Worth the Hype?
These glasses are only effective with the usage. When you spend hours at the computer or scrolling your phone many times at night or because of regular exposure to LED lighting, then chances are that you will see the benefits. There is consensus between eye doctors that although they are not considered a cure-all, they can be supportive in alleviating symptoms of digital eye strain.
Optometrists have quotes that point out the ambivalent opinion. Other professionals point out that having regular screen breaks and proper brightness of devices is sometimes as important as eyewear. According to others, patients always report that they experience less headaches and can work with more concentration when they begin to wear these glasses during working long sessions.
Other Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Strain
Even though eyewear is a sensible option, it is best to accompany it with good screen habits to achieve maximum results. A commonly advocated practice is that of the 20-20-20 rule, which is looking at something 20 feet away during 20 minutes at least 20 seconds. Lighting a workspace, minimizing the glare on a screen and installing apps that automatically change the display colors at night are effective, too.
Simply put, although blue light blocking glasses can alleviate symptoms, taking more healthy screen breaks will be a healthy middle ground in digital eye protection.
Final Thoughts
Whether to wear glasses or make a fashion statement is a question that remains unresolved, yet their advantages are difficult to overlook among users with regular screen time. These glasses or even contact lenses designed for screen protection, can be a sign of smartness in modern life, not only by reducing eye strain but also by promoting healthier sleep habits. Although they are not a substitute for good eye care practices, they do offer added comfort in a world dominated by screens. They can justify their cost and become a significant part of your daily routine for those who care about eye comfort and improved sleep.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
