In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere, and we use them for everything. This increase in screen time exposes our eyes to blue light, a high-energy wavelength emitted by digital devices. Blue light glasses help protect your vision from frequent computer use and any effects that blue light can have. At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we help individuals protect their eyes with our comprehensive vision services in Syracuse and Manlius, NY. Here, we discuss what these specialized glasses are and how using blue light lenses may benefit your long-term vision.
We use cell phones and computers to work, stay connected with friends, relax with a favorite show, and play video games. However, these devices feature screens that give off blue light, part of the visible light spectrum. It has higher energy and shorter wavelengths than other colors of light, which can increase your risk for eye damage. Blue light occurs naturally in sunlight. However, LED lights and digital screens have increased artificial exposure. When blue light reaches the retina, it contributes to digital eye strain, causing dryness, blurred vision, and headaches.
Additionally, blue light can suppress the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. Late-night and extended screen use can affect your body’s natural sleep cycle. This interference can make it more difficult to fall asleep and feel rested. People at the highest risk for complications related to blue light are those with a family history of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, working professionals, children, teens, and gamers. For these individuals, blue light glasses may offer long-term protection.
Blue light glasses filter out blue light from artificial sources, most notably screens. This specialized eyewear comes in two types of lenses:
All types of blue light lenses have special coatings that reduce how much blue light reaches your eyes. They are useful for anyone who spends long hours scrolling on their phones or working on the computer. Blue light lenses offer a low-maintenance and convenient way to reduce exposure to blue light without relying on apps or screen filters.
The use of blue light lenses brings a wide range of helpful benefits:
The blue end of the spectrum has the least clear rays of light that form an image. This is because blue light scatters more. It is for that reason that you never see a blue warning light on top of a cellphone tower or other high structure as they are normally red which scatters less. Eliminating the blue end of the spectrum helps make objects and prints clearer.
If your eyes start to feel heavy or tired after staring at a screen, you understand eye strain. Digital eye strain also causes your eyes to feel dry, sore, and watery. The effects of eye strain may also cause you to experience blurred vision. Blue light contributes to digital eye strain, and ongoing eye strain can harm your eyes. Wearing blue light glasses may make your eyes more comfortable, less strained, and less sore.
Blue light disrupts your body’s internal clock. When your circadian rhythm is affected, you have a tough time sleeping at night, which affects your ability to function during the day. Scrolling on your phone late at night makes your brain think it’s still day. When your brain doesn’t switch off, you can’t rest fully. Wearing blue light glasses at night can help improve your sleep by reducing the impact blue light has on your circadian rhythm.
When blue light reaches your eyes, it can dry them out. Dry eyes are uncomfortable and often persist when not using a screen. They can make daily life more challenging by causing blurred vision. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes, experiencing eye irritation, or reaching for hydrating eye drops, blue light-blocking lenses may be helpful.
Looking at a screen for extended periods can cause headaches. Blue light-blocking glasses are an effective and effortless way to relieve headaches. These glasses minimize glare and brightness, improving visual comfort, productivity, and focus. You should also walk away from your screen regularly to give your head and eyes much-needed breaks.
Blue light lenses don’t impact your sight, and they can be worn in sunglasses, prescription frames, and readers. In addition, they also protect your eyes while driving at night. Dashboards and LED headlights also emit artificial blue light. Wearing blue light lenses all day protects your eyes, reduces eye fatigue and headaches, and improves your sleep, no matter what you’re doing.
Research into how blue light impacts vision is ongoing. However, protecting your eyes should always be a priority. Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. offers computer-vision training to educate people on how computer use can affect visual health. We strive to educate our patients about the benefits of blue light glasses, and we can fit your prescription frames with blue light lenses to help keep your eyes healthy. To learn more about our vision services at our locations in Manlius and Syracuse, NY, contact us today.
