The effectiveness of blue light glasses

People have been asking if blue light glasses can help. Well, experts say it's kind of helpful, but not entirely. Recently, blue light lenses have grown in popularity as we spend extended periods in front of our screens. Even Twitch streamer Valkyrie released a line of blue light skincare. We're led to believe that these glasses can safeguard our eyes from the damaging radiance of monitors. Blue light does affect the natural body clock that tells us when to sleep but most eye strains due to screens are unrelated to blue light.

Blue light glasses have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are spending long hours in front of electronic devices. The glasses are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by these devices in order to reduce the negative effects that prolonged exposure to blue light can have on our eyes and overall health. But do blue light glasses really work? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the science behind blue light and the effectiveness of blue light glasses.

First, let's talk about what blue light is and why it can be harmful. Blue light is a type of light that is part of the visible light spectrum, and it has a shorter wavelength than other colors of light. Because of this, blue light has more energy than other colors of light and can penetrate deeper into the eye. This is why blue light is often used in electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, prolonged exposure to blue light can cause eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns.

One of the main theories behind the negative effects of blue light is that it can interfere with the body's natural circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is our internal 24-hour "clock" that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Blue light can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, which can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The theory behind blue light glasses is that they can filter out the blue light emitted by electronic devices, thus reducing the negative effects of prolonged exposure to blue light. However, there is some debate about the effectiveness of blue light glasses.

One study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that blue light glasses did not significantly reduce symptoms of digital eye strain. However, the study did note that the glasses may still be beneficial for people who are sensitive to light or have other underlying eye conditions.

Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that blue light glasses did not improve sleep quality or reduce the amount of time it took to fall asleep. However, the study did note that the glasses may still be helpful for people who are sensitive to light or have other underlying sleep disorders.

There are also some concerns that blue light glasses may actually be harmful. One study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that wearing blue light glasses can actually make it harder to fall asleep, as the glasses can make it more difficult for the eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Overall, the evidence on the effectiveness of blue light glasses is mixed. While some studies have found that glasses can be beneficial for reducing symptoms of digital eye strain and improving sleep quality.

It's important to note that blue light glasses are not a substitute for good sleep hygiene practices such as avoiding electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime and keeping a consistent sleep schedule. Additionally, if you are experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain or sleep disorders, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

 

What do blue light glasses do?

Generally, blue light glasses are quite straightforward. They are eyeglasses that filter out the blue light released from screens. However, Ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic, MD claims that there isn't much more to them. They are usually marketed as a solution for eye strain or light sensitivity, but Dr. Bajic states that these issues usually come from glare and high contrast, which aren't connected to blue light at all.

The strain caused by technology is usually referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain - this covers a wide range of problems related to our screens ranging from neck pain to dry eye.

How do you prevent eye strain?

Luckily, the Cleveland Clinic gave us some advice on how to stop screen-related eye problems before they start. Light sensitivity isn't helped by blue light glasses, so instead try FL-41 tint lenses – although they can be more expensive. Or you can follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something that's 20 feet away. Additionally, if you're focusing on your screen for two hours straight, make sure you take a 15-minute break to give your eyes a rest. While these tips won't resolve the problem entirely, they should certainly help.

conclusion

blue light glasses can be helpful in reducing symptoms of digital eye strain and improving sleep quality in some people, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. If you are considering buying a pair of blue light glasses, it's important to do your own research and consult with a healthcare professional to determine if they are right for you. Additionally, it's important to practice good sleep hygiene to ensure that you are getting the restful and restorative sleep you need to function at your best.