Blue light blocking lenses may provide you some comfort from extended electronic screen use. As with any specialty lenses, you should always talk to an eye doctor about whether these are the best option for you. If you do want to get blue light lenses, check out Optics & EYECARE in Ashburn, VA, for both optometrist advice and eyewear.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light refers to the wavelengths of light that fall between 380 and 500 nm, which corresponds to short wavelengths. Within this spectrum is high-energy visible (HEV) light or blue-violet light that measures between 380 and 450 nm. Of all the wavelengths of visible light, approximately one-third is this high-energy visible light. It comes from the sun, screens, and fluorescent light, but the sun has more blue light in it than the other sources.
Unfortunately, people know to protect their eyes from the sun but not from the HEV light from screens. In fact, almost all blue light that you see moves through the eyes and to the retinas.
Problems with Blue Light
Blue light, though natural, can cause some problems in people. Though more studies need to happen for conclusive evidence to come forth, some conditions have connections to exposure to blue light.
Some studies have linked blue light exposure to macular degeneration caused by the HEV light damaging the cells at the back of the eye.
Also, exposure to blue light from screens could increase eye strain and discomfort in a condition called computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain.
Lastly, blue light exposure late at night, particularly before bed, could impact sleep patterns.
How Blue Light Blocking Lenses May Help
Blue light blocking lenses could help to ease the strain of staring at screens all day. Lenses that filter out this slight could make computer use more comfortable.
In a 2017 study, researchers wanted to see if wearing blue light blocking glasses after sunset helped to improve sleep quality. At the end of the two-week experiment time, study participants averaged 24 minutes more of sleep, had improved sleep quality, and higher melatonin levels
Are Blue Light Lenses Worth It?
Whether blue light blocking glasses can help you should be a conversation that you have with your optometrist. Talk to the eye doctor at your next appointment about your daily habits and how blue light blocking lenses could impact your eye comfort during screen use and sleep.
Consult with Our Optometrist About the Best Lenses for Your Eyeglasses
If you want to see if blue light glasses will help you, make an appointment with our optometrist at Optics & EYECARE in Ashburn, VA. Phone the office at 703-810-7784 or use our online appointment request form.