Eye Health

Blue Light Glasses: Protect Your Eyes From Screen Time Damage

Chelsea Dolan

Published on April 21, 2020 Updated on April 29, 2020

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A lot of people are on their computers all day for work, spend their break times scrolling on their cell phones, and then unwind after a long day in front of the television. Unfortunately, this repetitive cycle of screen time can take a serious toll on your physical health, especially your eyes. That’s why blue light blocking glasses are becoming increasingly popular.

What Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

The internet has made electronic devices more prevalent in our lives than ever. The impact this has on Americans is stark, especially since 28-percent of adults say they are online almost constantly. That number increases to 48-percent for younger adults between the ages of 18 and 29. The high usage of the internet and other digital devices give you more exposure to blue wavelengths.

The more time you spend staring at screens, the more exposure you’re given to blue wavelengths, which are emitted from those screens. This makes you more susceptible to developing computer vision syndrome.

Computer vision syndrome is a condition that’s a form of eye strain, and it can impact people differently. Symptoms include blurred or double vision, dry eyes, headaches and eye irritation. It can even lead to neck or back problems. At least 50-percent of people who work on screens have been known to experience at least one of these symptoms.

Blue light blocking glasses were made to ease the strain that comes with using screens, such as computer vision syndrome. They use tinted lenses and anti-glare technology to block and filter blue light emitted from screens, reducing your exposure and protecting your eyes.

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The Benefits Of Blue Light Blocking Glasses

The goal of blue light blocking glasses is to reduce your exposure to blue wavelengths from screens. By doing this, the glasses might help you with preventing eye strain and improve certain aspects of your health.

Here are some ways these glasses might help you.

Reduce Eye Strain, Headaches And Blurry Vision

To avoid computer vision syndrome, it’s recommended that you limit your screen time — but that’s not always an option for those who need technology in their day-to-day lives. These glasses can make screens more comfortable to stare at by making your eyes feel more awake, preventing headaches and troubled vision.

Improve Your Sleep

Though blue light can be beneficial during the day by boosting your attention span and reaction times, it can take a toll on your sleep patterns. Increased exposure impacts your circadian rhythm, which is your internal clock that signals your everyday sleep patterns.

Increased screen time after dark can mess with your melatonin levels and trick your body into staying awake when you should be sleeping. Since these blocker glasses can reduce your exposure to blue light, a pair could help you get better sleep by affecting your circadian rhythm less severely. One study even found that wearing these glasses for a few hours before bed can help you fall asleep faster.

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Increase Work Productivity

If fatigue and eye strain are making your work day harder than it needs to be, blue light glasses could be of great help. You could experience less frequent side effects that avoid having your productivity interrupted by digital eye strain.

Blue Light Glasses Are Stylish And Affordable

Not only are there health benefits to wearing blue light glasses, but they’re also a stylish accessory. The glasses are sold in various frames like aviator, cat eye, round and more that make it easy to find a pair that’s flattering for your face shape.

As these glasses grow in popularity, so are the number retailers where they’re being sold. Existing eyewear brands are continuing to release their own collections of blue light glasses at an affordable cost. Here are some brands to consider shopping with:

Zenni Optical (Prices starting at $16.95)
Quay (Prices starting at $55)
DIFF Eyewear (Prices starting at $50)

If you’re experiencing computer eye strain, using a pair of blue light glasses could protect your eyes from unwanted strain. Shop around from different retailers to find a lens that’s right for you. You can also get a pair with or without a prescription, catered specifically for your eyesight needs.