If you spend time on computers or other digital device screens, whether at work or at home, blue light glasses may be able to help your eyes! Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain and potential problems that can come from regular blue light exposure. While there is blue light in all-white light, the particular exposure from screens may be more bothersome and more likely to result in symptoms of eye strain and headaches.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a type of visible light with a short wavelength that produces a higher amount of energy than other colors in the light spectrum.

Sunlight and indoor light sources like fluorescent and LED lighting contain blue light. However, the most significant source of blue light people encounter today comes from digital screens on devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets.

What are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are lenses that filter out blue light. They help to reduce eye strain, improve sleep quality, and potentially protect your eyes from long-term exposure to this type of light.

These lenses are clear but may have a slight tint when looking at the lenses. This is often seen as a green or purple reflection on the lenses.

What are the Benefits of Wearing Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

Potential benefits of wearing blue light-blocking glasses include alleviating eye strain, improved sleep, and long-term eye health benefits.

These benefits may be variable from person to person, but overall, studies have shown that wearing blue light-blocking glasses can provide each of these benefits.

Eye Strain and Blue Light Blocking Lenses

When we stare at screens for long periods, the blue light emitted can cause eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. Blue light-blocking glasses can reduce the amount of blue light we're exposed to, helping to reduce these symptoms.

This is the most common reason people look to use blue light-blocking glasses.

Improved Sleep with Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Regular exposure to blue light can interfere with our body's natural production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep at night. Wearing blue light-blocking glasses before bed can help reduce melatonin suppression and improve sleep quality.

This is a point that has presented an issue with those wearing blue light-blocking lenses full-time, as it was a concern that the reduced blue light may interfere with the natural circadian rhythm.

However, studies have shown that the amount of light blocked from sunlight and other natural light sources is not enough to contribute to issues with sleep patterns

Long-Term Benefits for Eye Health

Some studies suggest that prolonged blue light exposure can damage the cells in our eyes and impact our long-term eye health. Blue light-blocking glasses can help protect our eyes from long-term damage.

This can include lowering the risk of macular degeneration and preventing early development of cataracts.

Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Work?

Research on the effectiveness of blue light-blocking glasses is ongoing. Mixed results have been published in different studies, with some reports showing a significant reduction in eye strain and others showing little impact.

However, many people who suffer from digital eye strain or disrupted sleep have reported relief from symptoms when using blue light-blocking glasses.

Dr. Anthony Spina and the staff of Premier Eye Associates specialize in glasses, soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, and medical eye exams. Call our eye doctor in Auburn, AL today at (334) 539-5391 or schedule an appointment online if you are interested in blue light-blocking glasses.  Our optometrist provides only the highest quality eye care services amongst eye doctors in the Auburn Alabama area.