In today’s digital world, we rely heavily on our computers, phones, televisions, and other screens, Whether at work or at home, you likely have a screen nearby. However, if you don't protect your eyes, blue light can interfere with your natural sleeping patterns and affect your overall health.
Blue light glasses have lenses with specialized coatings, designed to reduce the impact of blue light. You can wear these at any point in the day, but they're particularly helpful when you're using screens for extended times.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum. It has short wavelengths and emits more energy than other colors. You can find blue light everywhere, but the largest natural source is the sun.
However, people also encounter blue light through their digital devices. Every time you check your phone, watch TV, or use your computer, you're exposed to blue light. Even fluorescent and LED lights at home or work contribute to this exposure.
How Blue Light Affects Us
Though blue light is natural, increased exposure—especially from screens—has become a concern. Our lifestyle changes have led to more extended periods of exposure, which can cause a range of effects throughout the body.
We've evolved to associate it with daytime and our need to be productive. When you're exposed to blue light, it:
- Boosts your alertness
- Enhances cognitive performance
- Regulates the body's natural sleep-wake cycle
Is Blue Light Dangerous?
When exposed to blue light, our bodies suppress melatonin production. When we produce melatonin, our bodies prepare for rest—when we suppress it, we stay awake for longer. Constant exposure to blue light can cause trouble falling or staying asleep.
Throughout our history, natural light has kept us awake and alert during the day. Once the sun sets, the lack of blue light would make it easier to sleep at night. However, with screens and artificial lighting, we’re constantly exposed to blue light, even during the night.
When you use screens later in the day or are exposed to excessive amounts of blue light, you may be altering your sleep-wake cycle, also called the circadian rhythm.
When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, you're more likely to develop:
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Daytime fatigue
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased risk of mental health issues
Controlling your screen use and exposure to blue light can help improve your natural sleep cycle. Additionally, proper preventive methods can promote eye comfort when using screens:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Maintain your posture: to promote eye comfort, keep your computer screen at eye level, 16 to 30 inches from you.
- Adjust your settings: use dark mode, night mode, or eye comfort mode to limit the amount of blue light in your display.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are a special type of eyewear designed to filter out blue light from digital screens and other sources. Unlike regular glasses, they have lenses that block or absorb blue light, protecting your eyes against this wavelength.
These glasses often come with features like:
- Anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from screens
- Slightly tinted lenses to enhance contrast and comfort
- Lightweight frames for comfort during long periods of use
- Scratch-resistant lenses for increased durability
By wearing blue light glasses, you can effectively reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort. They're especially helpful later in the day, as they help prevent melatonin suppression.
When to Wear Blue Light Glasses
Wearing blue light glasses is beneficial any time you're exposed to screens. If you use a computer—or any screen—for work, these glasses can make screen time more comfortable.
However, it isn't just about screens. Blue light glasses can also be helpful whenever you're surrounded by fluorescent lights or LEDs. Whether you're at work, at home, at school, or anywhere else, blue light glasses significantly reduce your exposure to this wavelength.
It's ideal to use blue light glasses in the afternoon or evening before bed, especially if you regularly use screens. If you enjoy reading on a tablet, watching TV, or using your phone before bed, these glasses reduce how much blue light enters your eye. This can help improve your sleep schedule and reduce the risk of melatonin suppression.
Where to Get Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses reduce blue light exposure and help protect your eyes against this wavelength. If you want to try blue light glasses, come see us at The Eye Care Team. Our team can work closely with you to find a pair that looks and feels great! Book your appointment with us today, and let's work together to keep your eyes and vision protected.
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