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Home » News » Can Blue Light Glasses Help with Digital Eye Strain?

Can Blue Light Glasses Help with Digital Eye Strain?

Computer Glasses & Designer Frames in Las Vegas

Computer Glasses & Designer Frames in Las Vegas

Every day, people around the world are exposed to blue light from the sun, indoor lighting and digital screens.

Blue light causes eye strain and interrupts the circadian rhythm, influencing our sleep patterns. Researchers are now looking into whether excessive exposure to blue light poses any other risks to eye health.

What Exactly Is Blue Light?

Blue light are light rays of a specific wavelength that, although they enter the eye, are not perceived as the color blue.

Blue light has a short wavelength and produces a high amount of energy (from 400 to 500 nanometers). Thus, it's also known as high-energy visible light (HEV). In fact, blue light is emitted by any source of visible light, whether it's an artificial source like a light bulb or digital screen, or a natural one like the sun.

How Does Blue Light Affect The Eye?

Each color of visible light has its own energy level and wavelength. Blue light can reach the retina at the back of the eye because of its short wavelength and strong intensity.

A study published by the International Journal of Ophthalmology (2018) found that the retina’s light-sensitive nerve cells can be damaged when exposed to excessively high levels of blue light.

In addition, researchers are concerned about whether the blue light emitted by digital devices like cell phones, tablets and computers is enough to qualify as excessive exposure that could result in eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.

Since blue light has more energy, it contributes to digital eye strain. When compared to other light rays, this exacerbates light scattering when it enters the eye. As the scattered blue light rays enter the eye, they cause ‘visual noise,' making it difficult for the eye to focus the light accurately.

Symptoms of digital eye strain include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Eyestrain and headaches
  • Neck, back and shoulder pain
  • Frequent rubbing or blinking of the eyes
  • Difficulty with accommodation (focusing between far and near)

What Are Blue Light Glasses and Do They Make a Difference?

Blue light glasses, also known as computer glasses, have lenses with a yellow tint, which have been shown to improve comfort levels when viewing digital devices for prolonged periods of time. With blue light blocking glasses, you can enjoy your screen time and reduce or prevent digital eye strain.

Getting Blue Light Glasses

If you decide to purchase blue light glasses, they’re available with or without a prescription. You can also buy single-lens computer glasses to match your prescription if you're farsighted and wear progressive lenses or bifocals.

You might want to consider buying photochromic lenses, which provide both UV and blue light protection whether you're indoors or out in the sun. When exposed to UV rays, the lenses automatically darken, and become clear again once indoors.

At Optical Effects Vision Center in Las Vegas we offer a variety of blue light glasses and lenses. Contact us today to discuss your ideal pair of lenses with features to match your look and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can blue light be found?

  • A: The largest source of blue light is sunlight. LED and fluorescent lights, smartphones, computer screens and tablets also emit blue light, but at levels much lower than the sun.

Q: Besides blue light glasses, how can I protect my eyes against blue light?

  • A: Try to reduce the amount of time you spend in front of a digital screen and take frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Optical Effects Vision Center for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.