Eye-Q
Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
As screen time continues to increase, blue light glasses have remained a trending topic as a solution to curb the effects of our prolonged device usage. Blue light glasses are advertised to reduce eye strain, alleviate headaches and improve sleep, but their effectiveness remains a contentious subject. We're here to debunk whether blue light filter glasses are a solution to digital eye strain or merely a trend.
Do blue light glasses work?
As screen time continues to increase, blue light glasses have remained a trending topic as a solution to curb the effects of our prolonged device usage. Once popular amongst office workers and gamers, the blue light blocking craze has extended to much of the general public due to an extended time indoors over the past year. Blue light glasses are advertised to reduce eye strain, alleviate headaches and improve sleep, but their effectiveness remains a contentious subject. If you've ever questioned, what do blue light glasses do? Keep reading as we explain their function and debunk whether blue light filter glasses are a solution to digital eye strain or merely a trend.
What are blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses filter the blue light from digital devices through a special coating that is built into the lens. Blue light is found in almost every light-generating source, these clear speciality lenses filter the blue light emitted from devices, thus helping to reduce digital eye strain. Blue light can sway between harmful UV and healthy light consumption, blue light blocking glasses' purpose is to aid those who spend an extended amount of time on their screens due to work or other commitments.
If you've ever experienced dry, itchy eyes after a long day working on your computer, or if you experience sudden headaches at night with blurry vision, you've probably experienced the effects of digital eye strain. While there is a healthy amount of blue light that can be consumed, overexposure to blue light from devices can cause an imbalance in our circadian rhythm which is why sleep patterns can be disrupted, or you find it difficult to fall asleep at night.
While there is currently no conclusive research to determine whether electronic blue light can lead to eye problems down the track, blue light blocking glasses are associated with two benefits: reducing eye strain and better sleep. When we spend time on our screens, especially late at night, the blue light tricks our brains into keeping our bodies awake. Wearing glasses at least three to four hours before bed can lead to a more restful and less interrupted sleep.
Are blue light glasses worth the hype?
Frequently endorsed on Instagram and purchased as a fashion statement accessory, blue light glasses can get a bad rap as people question their ability to reduce the symptoms of digital eye strain. While experts say that blue light exposure from screens and devices is far less significant than stepping into natural sunlight, their ability to reduce symptoms of eye fatigue shouldn't be undermined. Research conducted by Specsavers indicates that younger Australian's are more likely to experience digital eyestrain than those who are older, while Australian office workers whos suffer from digital eye strain will experience symptoms 2 to 3 times per week. As it causes discomfort to the eyes, headaches and general well-being, according to the report, the majority of Australian office works who suffer from digital eye strain say it impacted their productivity.
While blue light glasses are unlikely to prevent serious eye conditions in the future as protective sunglasses do, wearing them may alleviate fatigued eyes while improving your quality of sleep. Blue light glasses should be worn in conjunction with other preventative methods like keeping hydrated and turning down the brightness of your screen. With longer periods of time spent looking at screens, our eye muscles can struggle to function under extreme workloads without a break which is why adopting good habits like the 20-20-20 rule which is looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes spent using a screen. With these practices adapted, you're more likely to reduce the effects of digital eye strain, meaning more happy, healthy eyes and more restful sleep.