According to The Vision Council, over 80% of Americans spend 2+ hours a day on a device that emits blue light. To many, blue light glasses are a must-have in a world where device screens and artificial light surround us.
So, what do blue light glasses really do? Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Blue light is a type of visible light that has high energy and a short wavelength.
- Blue light can originate from both natural sources, such as the sun, and artificial sources, including smartphones, TVs, and computer screens.
- Blue light isn't directly harmful to vision or eye health, but it can have an adverse effect on sleep quality and your circadian rhythm.
- Blue light glasses reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes by absorbing or filtering it. They can help reduce strain, glare, and light sensitivity.
See Related: Moscot Glasses: Everything to Know About This Iconic Brand
What Is Blue Light?
Before we dive into the specifics of blue light-blocking glasses, it's a good idea to be familiar with what blue light is.
First, let's go over the science of it. Light is a spectrum, and this spectrum is composed of a range of colors, including blue. Blue light is the segment of the visible light spectrum that has a short wavelength and high energy (High Energy Visible light, or HEV).
The primary source of blue light is the sun, but it can also be emitted from artificial sources, such as smartphones, televisions, computer screens, LED lights, and tablets. In fact, studies estimate that 50% of our blue light exposure comes from these types of artificial sources.
Is Blue Light Harmful?
The existence of blue light-blocking glasses implies that blue light can be harmful to our eyes or overall health. Though blue light isn't directly harmful, it can have effects on your eyes and overall health. A 2022 scientific review found that artificial blue light does not have a significant impact on vision or eye health.
But just because blue light may not impact your eyes or vision directly, that doesn't mean it's all sunshine and rainbows. It's known that blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and hinder melatonin secretion, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the body that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. So, when melatonin production is disrupted, it can affect sleep quality and quantity. That's why many professionals recommend spending an hour or two before bed away from screens and other emitters of blue light.
How Blue Light Glasses Work
Blue light-blocking glasses, also referred to as blue light glasses, are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
Their lenses have specialized coatings that absorb and filter blue light, which can be very useful if you spend many hours on your phone or at the computer.
So, how do blue light glasses work? Let's cover just a few of their benefits.
#1. Blue Light-Filtering Glasses Can Promote Sleep Quality
If you have a bad habit of scrolling Instagram or binge-watching Netflix before bed, don't worry! Wearing blue light-filtering glasses can help reduce sleep latency and improve sleep quality. But we still recommend turning off the screens at a reasonable time.
#2. Blue Light-Blocking Glasses May Reduce Light Sensitivity
Many people who deal with digital devices on the regular often struggle with headaches, blurry vision, or light sensitivity.
The same thing can happen if you are in the sun a lot - and, if that's the case, you may wear sunglasses to mitigate these effects. Blue light glasses do the same thing when you are exposed to artificial light.
Bonus: Can You Get Prescription Sunglasses?
#3. Blue Light Glasses Can Reduce Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Staring at a device or screen for a while can reduce blinking frequency. This can lead to symptoms of dry eye, including redness, watery eyes, or burning eyes.
By wearing blue light glasses, you can reduce glare and sensitivity, which can help improve your blink rate and alleviate dry eye symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Though blue light glasses have a plethora of functional uses, they have aesthetic benefits, too. If you need an extra reason to purchase a pair of unique eyeglass frames, make them blue light eyeglasses!
Just swing by our Seattle-based clinic and boutique, and we'll get you set up with a pair of blue light glasses that are both functional and fashionable.
Keep Reading: When Were Glasses Invented? The History of Glasses
People Also Ask
What Do Blue Light Glasses Actually Do?
Blue light glasses have blue light-blocking lenses that... you guessed it: block blue light. In essence, they are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that can reach your eyes in order to reduce glare, minimize strain, and prevent headaches.
When Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses?
Sure - why not! It's up to you whether you want to wear blue light-blocking glasses, whether you're using them for those late-night work sessions (or a late-night Netflix binge) or just as a fashion statement.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Blue Light-Blocking Glasses?
There are a few benefits that come with wearing blue light glasses. For starters, blue light glasses can reduce glare and minimize light sensitivity, which, in turn, can prevent eye strain and improve blink rate.
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.