Blue Light Glasses: Hype or Help?

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Blue Light Glasses: Hype or Help?

By: admin

According to the American Optometric Association, the average office worker spends seven hours a day in front of a computer -- and that's only when they're on the clock. In our off-hours, we're often squinting at our smartphones, using tablets to catch up on the news or following the twists and turns of the latest best-seller on an e-reader.

After so much time staring at screens, many people experience digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms can include everything from dry and tired eyes to blurry vision, neck pain, headaches and more.

Some folks are turning to blue light-blocking glasses for relief. Available in a variety of styles and a wide range of prices, these glasses purport to reduce eye strain by filtering out the blue light emitted by digital screens.

But are these lenses really all that they're cracked up to be? According to experts, maybe not.

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?

All visible light contains the entire spectrum of wavelengths, from red to violet, and each wavelength has its own specific energy level. Blue light has the highest energy level in the visible spectrum.

The sun is the source of most of the blue light we encounter, but blue light is also emitted by fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs and screens of electronic devices. However, no measurable harm done by the light from digital devices has been documented.

Studies have shown that it's not the screens themselves that are causing eye strain but, rather, how we use them. We blink less frequently when looking at screens and we tend to hold electronic devices, particularly mobile phones, much closer to our eyes than paper documents. Also, glare, reflections and existing uncorrected or undercorrected vision problems can contribute to discomfort, as does focusing on screens for extended periods of time.

So, if blue light glasses won't help, what will? Believe it or not, taking breaks. Most symptoms of eye strain will resolve themselves when you stop using your computer. When you have to be in front of a screen for an extended period of time, experts like those at the American Academy of Opthamology recommend the 20-20-20 rule -- after every 20 minutes of continuous screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

BLUE LIGHT AT BEDTIME

While there isn't scientific evidence that blue light is responsible for digital eye strain, experts say there isn't any harm in wearing blue light glasses, and they may help at bedtime.

Blue light affects the body's natural walking and sleeping cycle, known as circadium rhythm. During daylight hours, blue light wakes us up and keeps us alert. But when it's time for bed, the blue light from screens can stimulate the brain just when you're trying to wind down for the night. This is why many devices have nighttime settings to minimize blue light exposure after dark. Experts recommend limiting screen time two to three hours before bed, but if you must use your devices in the hours leading up to bedtime, blue light glasses could help ensure a solid night's rest.

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