Blue Light Glasses: Saving Grace or Scam?
Written by Hannah Eaglen
Brand Manager
With the prolific increase in digital screen use in our work and every day lives, people are beginning to wonder what effect this is having on our eyes. Let’s dive into the facts and testimonials in order to figure out if Blue Light really is negatively effecting our eyes and if Blue Light Glasses really are the solution to too much screen time.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a color of visible light that is present in the world all around us. However, due to the common increase in the use of digital technology, we are most commonly exposed to it via our digital screens. Blue light has a short wavelength and more energy than the other light spectrums emitted around us. Due to this, overexposure to blue light has been linked to increased eye strain, headaches, increased risk of macular degeneration, and disruption of the sleep cycle.
What are Blue Light Glasses?
As I am sure you can guess, Blue Light Glasses are glasses that you wear in order to block your eyes from being overexposed to blue light. They are made with filters in their lenses that block blue light from passing through, in order to protect the eyes from strain and harmful rays. The most recommended time to wear these glasses is during the day while working on a computer screen, or before bed, while staring at your phone. This is recommended in order to prevent headaches, eye strain, and a disrupted sleep cycle.
“Should I be concerned about Blue Light?”
People all over are complaining of headaches, eye strain, sleep loss, and many other negative effects that they feel are due to increased screentime while working and the blue light emitted from their screens. Due to the heavy demand for a solution, researchers have been working tirelessly to find the answers. Many companies have developed “blue light blocking glasses” that are marketed to solve all of these issues. However, the problem is that this is such a recent development, that researches have not yet been able to prove the source or solution to the problem.
The problem is that as of today, there is a lack of hard evidence advocating for or against the effectiveness of blue light glasses. With this being said, the best thing we have to go on is doctor recommendations and patient testimonials. Many doctors have conflicting views about the topic. For example, Greg Rogers, senior optician at Eyeworks in Decatur, GA, tells us that he has seen the benefits that blue light glasses can provide for his customers. If their client spends around six or more hours in front of a screen per day, his team recommends some sort of blue light reduction technique, whether it’s glasses or a special screen for a computer monitor. On the other hand, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says, “Long hours staring at digital screens can cause eye strain, and decreased blinking associated with computer use can cause dry eyes. But these effects are caused by how people use their screens, not by anything coming from the screens.”
With the conflicting ideals of many doctors, it can also be helpful to hear the perspective of people who have tried the glasses. Michael Clarke of San Diego says he doesn’t care what the experts say, they work for him. “I use them so often that I have a pair of blue light glasses around my neck all day,” he says. “I’m not an optometrist. I just know that my eyes don’t get as tired at the end of the day. My frequency of headaches has gone down. I’m able to focus on things easier on a screen.” Along with this, Cindy Tolbert of Atlanta who says, “It’s not terribly apparent that the glasses help when you’re wearing them, but I believe I can work longer and I know I can work more comfortably. Usually, my eyes poop out after 4 or 5 hours of computer work, but I can work longer with the glasses.”
An overwhelming majority of blue light glasses users are advocates for the effectiveness of them. However, some wonder if this is just a placebo effect. It’s possible, but at the end of the day, these users say they do not care what “experts say” because they have experienced the positive effects of the glasses.
So what?
If you are looking for concrete, statistical evidence that blue light glasses are the cure to all things optical, you will not find it. There is no proof that the blue light coming from your screen is causing long term damage or that the $20 blue light blocking glasses that you bought off Amazon will be your saving grace. However, there is factual evidence that too much screen time can have short term negative effects, such as headaches, eye irritation, or dry eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that some easy steps you can take to protect your eyes include:
Sit about 25 inches (arm's length) from the computer screen. Position the screen so you are gazing slightly downward.
Reduce screen glare by using a matte screen filter if needed.
Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
When your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to refresh them.
Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.
On the other hand, if you want to take more proactive measures to protect your eyes then feel free to join the millions of others, including myself, in wearing blue light blocking glasses during your screen time because it absolutely cannot hurt.
