Technology has revolutionized the way we live our lives, but it has also brought about new challenges for our health and well-being. One common concern is the amount of blue light we’re exposed to from digital devices.
Blue light is a high-energy light, located between Ultra Violet (UV) and the visible light spectrum, that's been linked to disrupted sleep patterns and an increased risk of eye damage. To combat these issues, many people are turning to blue light glasses.
What exactly are blue light glasses, how do they work, and what benefits do they offer? Here’s what you need to know!
Why Is Blue Light Harmful?
Sunlight is the main source of blue light, but it also comes from LED lighting, florescent lighting, and digital devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and iPads. Blue light has a short wavelength and high frequency, which makes it very effective at transmitting information—that’s why it’s widely used in modern technology.
Because of its high frequency, however, it can also be harmful to our well-being. Prolonged exposure to blue light can interfere with the production of a hormone called melatonin that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.[*] This can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can have a negative impact on our overall health and well-being.
Additionally, some research shows that blue light can cause damage to the retina over time, which may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.[*] However, more research is needed in this area.
There are also anecdotal reports that people experience eye strain and headaches due to prolonged blue light exposure from digital devices.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are a type of eyewear designed to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light, while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of technology. These glasses feature special lenses that block or filter out a significant portion of the blue light emitted by digital devices.
What Are the Benefits of Blue Light Glasses?
There are several benefits of blue light glasses, including:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Blue light glasses can help to reduce the impact of blue light on the body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.[*][*]
- Better Mental Alertness: By reducing the impact of blue light on the sleep-wake cycle, blue light glasses can help to improve mental alertness, cognitive function, and productivity during the day.
- May Reduce Risk of Eye Health Problems: Because some studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light over time can damage the eyes, wearing blue light glasses can offer extra assurance that your eyes are protected while using digital devices.
- May Reduce Eye Strain: While there is little evidence to support the use of blue light glasses to prevent digital eye strain, many anecdotal reports support their use in this way.[*][*] A lot of eyecare professionals have found that patients wearing blue light glasses have reduced symptoms of digital eye strain, including eye fatigue, dry eye, and headaches.
When and How to Wear Blue Light Glasses
In order to maximize their benefits, it’s important to know when and how to wear blue light glasses. Let’s review some common questions surrounding this topic:
Can You Wear Blue Light Glasses All Day?
You can wear blue light glasses all day if you like. In fact, for people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other electronic devices during the day, or working in buildings where fluorescent and/or LED lighting is used, wearing blue light glasses for extended periods of time can be especially helpful in reducing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
These glasses are designed to be worn for long periods of time, so you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects from wearing them all day.
However, it’s important to remember that blue light glasses should not be used as a substitute for healthy habits surrounding digital use.
You should still take breaks from screen time, adjust your screen’s brightness and contrast, and ensure your screen is at the correct distance and angle to reduce eye strain.
And remember to follow the 20/20/20 rule: every twenty minutes focus 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses in the Sun?
Blue light is emitted not only from electronic devices, but also from the sun. You can certainly wear blue light glasses when out in the sun, but depending on the pair, they may not block out enough of the sun’s UV rays to provide adequate sun protection.
For this reason, it’s best to wear regular sunglasses while in the sun, or find a pair of blue light glasses that also offer UV protection.
Can You Wear Blue Light Glasses with Contacts?
It’s perfectly fine to wear blue light glasses with contacts, as contacts rest on your eyeball while blue light glasses sit in front of your eyes. Contact lenses don’t offer blue light protection, so wearing blue light glasses over your contact lenses can provide protection against blue light when using electronic devices.
How Do You Clean Blue Light Glasses?
Cleaning blue light glasses is an important part of maintaining their effectiveness and longevity. To clean them, you’ll need a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaning solution or water.
Apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution or water to the lenses. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners or solvents on your blue light glasses, as these can damage the protective coating.
To clean your glasses, gently wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth, making sure to clean both the front and back of each lens. Avoid using tissue paper or paper towels, as these can scratch the lenses.
Finally, use the dry side of the microfiber cloth to dry the lenses and remove any remaining streaks or smudges.
Bottom Line: Are Blue Light Glasses Worth It?
With the increasing use of electronic devices, it is more important than ever to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of blue light—and investing in a pair of quality blue light glasses is the best way to accomplish that.
If you are looking for a high-quality pair of blue light glasses, check out Privé Revaux’s selection. Our blue-light-blocking lenses protect your eyes from blue light, as well as UV rays. Unlike many blue-light lenses that look yellow, ours are virtually transparent—giving you all the protection you need with a crystal-clear view.
Whether you’re looking for regular blue light glasses or blue light reading glasses, Privé Revaux has the perfect pair for you!