Due to the digital society we now live in, more people are constantly looking at a screen. In the UK, the average screen time can reach up to 13 hours daily, and this can lead to issues such as delaying the release of the melatonin, which in turn, can confuse the body’s sleep patterns. Thankfully there is a way to help protect the eyes: blue light glasses. These glasses are now offered by most major eyewear brands, but despite their prevalence, these glasses are barely understood past a basic level. In most cases, people are still unaware of what blue light glasses really are and how they truly help. If you’re interested in learning more about this new eyewear technology, keep reading below.
What is blue light?
It is important first to understand what blue light is before anything else. These are electromagnetic waves that contain high levels of energy that are just a few rungs below ultraviolet rays. They can be found in many things, such as lightbulbs and the sun. But many people today are most exposed to it through mobile devices that utilise LED technology.
While taking in blue light in small amounts is fine, too much of it can be damaging – particularly to your eyes. Many people experience eye strain after looking at their phones or computer screens for long periods of time. Some studies also suggest that there is a possibility blue light may cause retinal damage, leading to poor vision. These electromagnetic waves can also affect sleep by breaking natural circadian rhythms.
This is where blue light glasses come in.
How do blue light glasses work?
Our eyes can only block and process lower levels of energy, meaning blue light can penetrate the retina too easily. Blue light glasses are there to act as a barrier to help your eyes filter out these wavelengths. They work by reflecting the light back to its source rather than into your eyes. They also prevent light from scattering, which leads to lesser eye fatigue and strain.
Most lens manufacturers also add different features to make blue light glasses better for wearers. Many versions of these specs are made with new technology that is more scratch resistant than their traditional counterparts. They are also great for reducing glare when looking at different screens and electrical devices. You can use these specialised glasses in order to counter any harmful effects that blue light brings.
Should you wear them?
In our digital age, it can be beneficial to start wearing blue light glasses, even if you don’t need a prescription. For people that often work in front of a computer screen all day, this eyewear can make a difference in helping you focus and experience less eye strain. Those that spend hours on their phone can also make use of these glasses to battle any negative effects blue light can have in the long run.
A study on insomnia even found that wearing blue light glasses can actually help people regulate their sleep schedules. This can be a great thing for people experiencing sleep disorders, changing work schedules, and other factors that affect their slumber. This is because blue light’s energy levels are similar to sunlight, making your body believe it is still daytime and preventing it from producing melatonin.
Blue light glasses are perfect for those that are wary of the effects these lightwaves may have on their eyes in the future. As such, getting blue light glasses is also a great proactive measure for your eye health.
Where to get them
Because of their popularity, blue light glasses are accessible and easy to come by. Many of the most popular glasses brands offer them today. Ray-Ban, Prada, and Jimmy Choo are just a few global brands that offer these kinds of lenses, giving you a wide range of designs and price points to choose from, making them stylish yet functional accessories. Apart from these, even local lens manufacturers have begun widely offering blue light glasses for different price points, too.
Getting these speciality lenses also doesn’t require a note from your physician. You can easily swing by an eyewear shop and request a pair. Alternatively, you can now even order a pair online. Those with prescription glasses can also opt to get these specialised lenses in their eye grade. This will allow you to use them every day without any discomfort or difficulty.
At the end of the day, blue light glasses were made to help people adapt and keep their eyes healthy in an age of technology. While it is certainly up to you whether or not you choose to use them, this eyewear will surely continue to be a useful accessory for many.
