Computer glasses and blue light glasses are becoming increasingly popular for those who use a computer for long periods. The increase in screen time, whether from computers, phones, tablets, or the television, has many scrambling for blue light blockers.
If you find yourself spending 8 hours or more in front of a screen, we can help reduce the impact of blue light on your eye health.
The question begs: Is it worth it to buy computer glasses and blue light glasses? Let's find out by understanding blue light and the difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses.
All About Blue Light
Blue light is a visible wavelength. It has a shorter wavelength than the more familiar red, green, and violet wavelengths, measuring between 400–495 nanometers (nm). It also has the highest amount of energy compared to the other colors.
Blue light doesn't just come straight from the computer or other devices. It also comes from artificial light sources in stores, fluorescent light, and the sun.
A small study has shown that blue light from digital screens can cause Digital Eye Strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome. The study reported fewer complaints from readers using reduced blue light (sepia background) on a tablet device compared to a white background.
Computer Glasses vs. Blue Light Glasses
Digital protective glasses are not all created equal. While both computer and blue light glasses help you see better by filtering out harmful blue light, there are some differences.
These glasses have lenses that filter out the blue light emitted by the monitor and display. With them, you'll find your eyes are more comfortable.
Computer Glasses
As the name suggests, computer glasses are for eye strain from spending long periods in front of digital screens, mainly the computer. Some computer glasses have anti-glare but no blue light technology.
A full blue light filter, also called a blue cut, protects the entire blue light wavelength of 400–495 nm. Computer glasses are obtainable without a prescription. Some also come with anti-glare and magnification and are best chosen with the help of an optometrist.
Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses come in 2 types:
- Daytime glasses are clear, also known as computer glasses.
- Nighttime glasses have tinted lenses for night and evening use.
The daytime blue light glasses provide effective protection from blue light from screens. The red or orange tint in nighttime glasses completely blocks out blue light. These are not for screen use. They are ideal for after sunset, during the evening, and at night.
Exposure at these hours activates the retinal cells, thus affecting melatonin production. With a disruption in melatonin production, sleep quality and sleep cycle, which is falling asleep and staying asleep, can be greatly impacted.
The Verdict
Digital eye strain is experienced by 2 out of 3 Americans. Symptoms include:
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
While it's true that spending long hours in front of the screen with increased
exposure to blue light leads to the above symptoms, blue light is not the culprit. Computer glasses may help alleviate symptoms, and your environment and work habits can also help.
Here are some changes you can make to relieve digital eye strain:
- Take regularly scheduled breaks. Use the 20-20-20 rule: shift your focus every 20 minutes to something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Take a short 10–15 minute break from the screen every 1-2 hours.
- Blink more frequently. Or use artificial tears if experiencing dry eyes.
- Sit at arm's length from the computer screen and adjust the screen slightly below eye level.
- Increase the contrast to avoid straining the eyes.
Nighttime blue light glasses are worth it if you are sensitive to blue light and need help regulating your sleep cycle. Exposure to blue light affects your ability to sleep at night.
Avoiding screen time 2–3 hours before bed does the trick. Another way to lower your exposure to blue light at night is to use blue-light-blocking glasses. Amber or dark brown lenses work the best.
In today's day and age with work, spending up to 8 hours a day in front of a screen is unavoidable. Clic Eyewear can help you choose high-quality, blue light glasses with a front magnetic connection feature for whatever your needs
Educational Resources (by topic or phrase): A small study, 2 out of 3 Americans. Symptoms, changes you can make to relieve digital eye strain, Exposure to blue light
