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Blue-Light Filtering Spectacles: An Overview

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Blue light-blocking glasses can assist with symptoms including headaches, eyestrain, and restless nights by blocking out blue light.

Written by

Dr. Palak Jain

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Published At December 19, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 19, 2023

Introduction

Wearing blue light-blocking glasses is an ideal precaution. Blue light from digital devices is allegedly blocked or filtered out by blue light-blocking eyewear with specially designed lenses. The lenses are sometimes advertised with grandiose promises that they may help prevent retinal damage from extended exposure to blue light and shield the eyes from eye strain.

However, blue light has been blamed for ruining the sleep pattern because it interferes with the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock determining when to sleep or be up. Blue light spectacles are a decent alternative if an individual frequently looks through the phone late at night or suffers sleeplessness.

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Manufacturers make blue light glasses to block blue light. A part of the blue light is blocked by the glasses' surface coatings or filtering materials on the lenses. Manufacturers assert that blue light glasses can shield the eyes from harmful effects. Wearing them can help reduce exposure for those who believe blue light is to blame for their eye and vision difficulties. In the range of colors the human eye may see, blue light is shortwave. It has a wavelength of around 400 to 500 nanometers (nm), which falls in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Due to the rising usage of light-emitting diodes (LED), organic LEDs, and active-matrix organic LED in technology, the majority of people are exposed to blue light regularly. By staring at a screen too frequently and for too long, people might develop computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eyestrain. The most at-risk group are those who work at computers or other digital screens for two or more hours every day.

What Exactly Is Blue Light?

Light of all wavelengths, including sunlight, contains blue light by nature. Blue light has a short wavelength in comparison to other forms of light. This is significant because medical professionals believe that short-wavelength light increases the risk of eye injury.

Most electronics, including lightbulbs, create blue light, although computer displays and televisions often emit more blue light than other electronics. This is due to the widespread usage of LCDs in computers and televisions. Although these panels are incredibly clear and bright, they emit more blue light than their non-LCD counterparts.

Exposure to too much blue light is considered to:

  • Making it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

  • Headaches.

  • Alter the circadian clock.

  • Elevated eyestrain results in visual tiredness.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that blue light from electronic gadgets would not cause eye problems. They advocate utilizing other strategies to enhance sleep, such as shunning screens completely an hour or two before bed.

What Can I Do to Ease Eye Strain?

The following are the ways that help with eyestrain:

  • Keep screens about 25 inches away or at arm's length.

  • View the screen with a little downward gaze.

  • Give the eyes a rest by adhering to the 20-20-20 rule, which recommends taking a 20-second break from the computer every 20 minutes to stare at anything at least 20 feet away.

  • If the eyes feel dry, use synthetic tears to replenish moisture.

  • For a comfortable viewing experience, adjust the screen's contrast settings and the room's illumination.

  • Whenever necessary, use a matte screen filter.

  • If an eye doctor or ophthalmologist has advised them to wear glasses when using a screen.

Is Blue Light From Screens Hurting the Eyes?

Blinking decreases with prolonged use of digital screens. Sometimes, blinking less leads to transient eye symptoms known as eye strain. However, rather than being a result of the displays themselves, these impacts result from how individuals use their devices. Taking regular pauses from the screen is the greatest method to prevent eye strain.

It has never been proven that the amount of light emitted by a computer causes any eye conditions. According to some studies, the circadian rhythm, or our regular cycle of wakefulness and sleep, may be impacted by blue light. Avoid using screens two to three hours before bedtime for the best chance of not disrupting sleep. Using "dark" or "night" mode on gadgets can also be beneficial in the evening.

Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?

These glasses act as blue light filters or absorbers, preventing the damaging rays from LED, fluorescent, and other digital devices from reaching your eyes. Millions of people have already attested to the benefits of blue light spectacles, which have grown significantly in popularity today.

People claim that wearing blue light-blocking glasses while using digital displays regularly has improved their sleep quality and reduced their headaches, weariness, eye strain, and discomfort. Blue light spectacles are beneficial for treating sleep disorders, according to research. Strong evidence has also been discovered to relate the use of blue light-blocking glasses to lower eye strain, quicker and better sleep, and other diseases.

Additionally, blue light filters are helpful for children who play video games and watch a lot of television. This is because young children's eyes are still maturing and are more vulnerable to blue light damage. However, kids may play games and watch TV without harming their eyes if they wear safety glasses.

Conclusion

The purpose of blue light glasses is to shield the eyes from damaging blue light. The lenses of these glasses feature specialist coatings that either absorb or prevent any harmful rays emitted by digital screens. Additionally, these glasses eliminate glare, further lessening the harm that blue lights do to the retina.

Eyes are priceless because they are the gateway to a wonderful world. They must wear the proper protective gear to protect the eyes, just as someone would wear warm clothing to keep their body from being cold. They could concentrate more easily with fewer dry eyes, fewer headaches, and a healthier sleep cycle.

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Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza
Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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