Do you ever find yourself scrolling through your phone or laptop way past the end of the workday? It’s easy to lose track of time and overdo screen time in today’s constantly connected world.
However, this can lead to unpleasant side effects, like eye strain, headaches, and trouble sleeping. But don’t despair! A simple solution can help alleviate these symptoms: blue light glasses.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of wearing these glasses, especially for those who work on their phones all day and have trouble getting some good shut-eye at night.
What are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses, or computer glasses, are specially designed glasses that filter out the high-energy light emitted by digital screens.
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum, and it’s the type of light with the highest energy and shortest wavelength. While blue light is beneficial during the day, as it helps regulate our circadian rhythm, too much exposure to blue light at night or from digital screens can interfere with our sleep patterns and cause eye strain.
Dangers of blue light emitted by screens
Several factors contribute to the dangers of excessive exposure to digital screen light:
- It can cause digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, leading to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
- Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia.
- Prolonged exposure to blue light has been linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, which can cause permanent vision loss.
- Blue light exposure can also contribute to the development of digital dementia, a term that describes the impact of digital overuse on cognitive abilities such as memory and attention span.
- Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of blue light, as their eyes are still developing, and their natural lens is less effective at blocking out blue light than adults.
How Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Blue light glasses block or filter out the blue light emitted by digital screens. The lenses are made with a special coating that reflects or absorbs blue light, reducing the amount that enters the eyes.
Some of these glasses have yellow or orange-tinted lenses, which can enhance contrast and reduce glare, making it easier to see objects on the screen. Others have clear lenses with a blue light filtering coating that are more discreet and suitable for use in different lighting conditions.
What are the Benefits of Blue Light Glasses?
Reduced Eye Strain
Reduced eye strain is one of the main benefits of blue light glasses. When you stare at a digital screen for a long time, your eyes have to work harder to focus, which can cause discomfort and fatigue. These glasses filter out the blue light that causes eye strain, making it easier for your eyes to relax and focus.
Improved Sleep Quality
Blue light can interfere with our sleep patterns by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. When we’re exposed to high-energy light at night or from digital screens, our body thinks it’s daytime and reduces melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
By wearing blue light glasses, you can reduce the amount of blue light that enters your eyes, which can help improve your sleep quality. Studies have shown that wearing these glasses before bedtime can increase melatonin production and improve sleep duration and quality.
Reduced Headaches and Migraines
Blue light can trigger headaches and migraines in some people, especially those who are sensitive to light. If you suffer from headaches or migraines, wearing blue light glasses might help reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms.
By blocking or filtering out blue light, these glasses can reduce the likelihood that headaches and migraines will occur. Some studies have shown that wearing blue light glasses can reduce the number of migraines and headaches by up to 50%.
Protection Against Macular Degeneration
Blue light can also cause long-term damage to the eyes by increasing the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that affects the central part of the retina and can cause vision loss. The blue light emitted by digital screens is particularly harmful because it’s close to the ultraviolet spectrum, which can damage the retina over time. Blue light glasses with a yellow tint can be particularly effective in blocking blue light and reducing the risk of eye damage.
The Verdict
The benefits of blue light glasses are well known – from protecting your eyes from harmful light to helping you sleep better.
Wearing these glasses helps alleviate digital eye strain and other unwanted effects from constant exposure to digital devices. In addition, it lets you control how much blue light enters your eyes.
Using blue light-blocking lenses, taking frequent breaks, and adjusting screen brightness are steps everyone can take to ensure their vision health for many years.
To learn more about how to get quality shut-eye, check out our sleep blog for helpful tips and advice. At MLILY, we are committed to helping you prioritize your well-being and achieve a healthier, happier life through better sleep. Let’s work together to prioritize our well-being and give our bodies the restful night’s sleep they deserve.
