You may have realised that everyone seems to be talking about ‘blue light’ these days. If you’re reading this on a laptop or phone screen right now – you are exposing yourself to the blue light everyone’s warning against. Whilst blue light is just one light on the spectrum that we’re exposed to every day, it is the most disruptive to the signals in the body that generate sleep hormones like melatonin.
At no point in history did we spend as much time staring at monitors, iPads and smartphones, as we do today. We’ve collectively increased the amount of blue light we’re exposed to on a daily basis – and the effects are contributing to a restless society, ill-habits, sleepless nights and blurred vision. Many people have found relief in blue light filtering glasses, which combat the eye strain and sleeplessness that derive from excessive screen time.
What exactly is blue light and what does it do to your eyes?
In simple terms, blue light makes up part of the visible light spectrum with the shortest wavelengths and highest energy. So, it is sometimes referred to as high-energy visible (HEV) light. The human eye cannot block all blue light. Whilst our eyes do a stellar job at blocking UV rays from reaching the back of the eye (retina), blue light passes through these blocking structures and can reach the retina.
Since blue light is everywhere, it can throw off our natural body clocks – the brain associates blue light with day time. When blue light is lacking during the night and we spend excessive time looking into screens, it has a significant effect on our ability to fall asleep and wake up in the morning.
Headaches, loss of sleep and resultant disorientation are only preliminary symptoms of the effects of blue light. The bad news is that it’s everywhere. The good news, you can do something to combat these effects.
From monitoring screen time or switching on the blue light effect on smartphones, to investing in blue light glasses; the latter is deemed most effective.
What are blue light glasses?
Blue light blocking glasses contain lenses specifically designed to limit the amount of blue light that reaches the eye. These lenses essentially filter the blue light rays to prevent the total amount from entering the eye and causing damage to the retina (back of the eye). The tinted lenses are more than unnoticeable. They typically have a slight yellow tint to counterbalance the blue light. Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in blue light glasses.
1. Screens aren’t going anywhere
The fact is, the 21st century continues to roll out new technologies and screen-dependent devices. This combined with the fact that over 43% of adults have a job that requires prolonged use of a computer screen and a staggering 74% of teens use electronic devices at least occasionally (Pew Research).
Investing in great quality glasses can help maintain a healthy eyesight. Simply remember to put them on when you are about to have an extensive session in front of a screen. The initial investment of $49 on average is sure to pay for itself given the amount of time we spend in front of the screen.
2. We actually need some blue light
There are ultimately two primary domains of blue light that exist on the spectrum. Research has found that the first type of blue light damages the cells of the retina. While the other type of blue light contributes to our bodily clocks and affects our sleep/wake-up cycle. This ‘good’ blue light contributes to physical and emotional health.
Since our brain associates this blue light with night time, detecting blue light triggers a natural and harmonious awakening in the morning. It would not be beneficial to block all blue light rays from entering our eyes. During the day, excessive blue light should be filtered through blue light glasses that can be popped on in time for screen use.
3. The blue light paradox
In addition to eye strain, overexposure to digital screens is linked to the damage to retinal cells, with a cumulative effect. The retina cannot be replaced – when damage is caused, the eye is left vulnerable to harmful light and environmental factors. This increases the risk of long term damage. The paradox emerges since the blue light participates in the regulation of natural circadian rhythms. It also plays a key role in stimulating the pupillary reflex and cognitive functions like alertness and memory.
To offset the damage caused by blue light and promote a healthy dose of it, it’s advised that we minimise exposure from digital screens. When this is unavoidable, due to work commitments and modern-daily living, blue light glasses are a convenient way to adjust your intake of blue light to strike a healthy balance.
4. Blue light glasses reduce eye strain
It’s no secret that working on your digital device all day, be it a phone, laptop, monitor or iPad can cause many health issues from neck and back damage, to blurry vision, eye strain and migraines. Blue light lenses block out the majority of blue light emitted from the screens – helping to reduce eye fatigue and the blurry vision that comes with it.
Even while we are relaxing, our downtime typically revolves around screens. Playing video games, watching TV and reading on tablets all expose us to artificial blue light. Investing in blue light glasses will improve the way you wind-down as well as work. It’s a lifestyle investment that will enhance your life all around.
5. Improve productivity and focus
Needless to say, improved vision, minimal eye strain and consequently fewer migraines are all likely to contribute to a more productive work session at the computer. As many of us adjust to working from home in make-shift offices, it’s imperative that we do all we can to improve our working conditions. This is true of both our surroundings and our physical well being.
Blue light glasses can take the strain off our eyes to enable longer, more focused work sessions. We’re less likely to take as many breaks, feel the need to look away from the screen, or become distracted by aches, pains and blurry vision.