Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Work? All the Facts You Need to Know

We live in a world saturated with devices and screens – from our computers and smartphones to tablets and TVs. Looking at all these various screens means we're also encountering more blue light than ever before, sparking worries about its potential impact on our vision and well-being. Are blue light blocking glasses a real solution? Let's explore the facts behind these popular lenses, how they are made, their benefits, and how to identify if your glasses truly provide blue light protection.

What Is Blue Light and What Does Blue Light Exposure Do to You?

Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is a color in the visible light spectrum that human eyes can see. It has a short wavelength, ranging from roughly 380 to 500 nanometers, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. Sunlight is the largest source of blue light, but it is also emitted from fluorescent lights, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens.

While blue light is essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles and boosting alertness during the day, excessive exposure, especially from screens, can have negative effects. Prolonged blue light exposure can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. It can also disrupt sleep patterns by inhibiting melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep at night.

What Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

Blue light wavelength blocking glasses are specially designed eyewear that filters out or blocks blue light emitted from digital screens. These glasses are intended to reduce your eye strain, headaches, and sleep disruptions caused by prolonged exposure to blue light. They are available as non-prescription glasses or as blue light blocking prescription glasses, helping  both those with corrective lenses and without.

How Are Blue Light Glasses Made?

Blue light blocking glasses have lenses with a special coating that filters out blue light wavelengths. This coating is either combined into the lens material or applied as a layer on the lens surface. High-quality lenses are engineered to selectively block harmful blue light while allowing beneficial light to pass through, ensuring visual clarity and comfort.

Blue Light Wavelength Blocking Glasses Benefits

Why would you want to wear these blue light wavelength blocking glasses?

• Reduced Digital Eye Strain: By filtering out harsh blue light, these glasses can help alleviate eye fatigue and discomfort.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Blocking blue light, especially before bedtime, helps regulate melatonin production, promoting better sleep.
• Minimized Headaches: For some people, reducing blue light exposure can decrease the frequency of headaches and migraines.
• Enhanced Visual Comfort: These glasses provide a more comfortable viewing experience, especially for prolonged screen use.

How to Tell If My Lenses Have Blue Light Protection?

Do you already have a pair of glasses and wonder if your lenses already provideblue light protection? Here are some quick ways to find out:

• Check the Reflection:
  • Hold your glasses up to a light source.
  • If they reflect a subtle blue or purple hue, they likely have a blue light blocking coating.
• Review the Packaging:
  • The product description or label should specify blue light protection features.
• Use a Blue Light Testing Kit:
  • Some glasses come with a blue light pen and testing card to demonstrate their effectiveness in blocking blue light.
• Consult Your Eye Care Professional:
  • Optometrists can verify the presence of blue light blocking properties in your lenses.

Choosing the Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Now that you know its benefits, here are some things to consider when searching for the best blue light blocking glasses:

• Level of Blue Light Protection: 
  • Look for lenses that block at least 30% of blue light for general use and 60-90% for night-time digital use.
• Lens Quality: 
  • Opt for anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings for durability and enhanced visual clarity.
• Style and Comfort: 
  • Choose a frame design that suits your face shape and is comfortable for extended wear.
• Prescription Options: 
  • If you need vision correction, select blue light blocking prescription glasses tailored to your eyesight needs.

Conclusion: Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Really Work?

The effectiveness of blue light blocking glasses is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Many users report reduced eye strain, fewer headaches, and improved sleep quality when using these glasses during prolonged screen time. However, scientific studies offer mixed results, with some showing significant benefits while others indicate minimal impact.

Nevertheless, blue light blocking glasses can be particularly helpful for individuals who spend long hours on digital devices, especially in the evening when exposure to blue light can interfere with the natural sleep cycle.

Next Steps

Interested in blue light blocking lenses or glasses? Contact our office today!

References

• Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Worth It? https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/are-computer-glasses-worth-it
• Are blue light glasses effective? https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-blue-light-blocking-glasses-a-must-have
• 3 Potential Benefits of Wearing Blue-Light Glasses https://www.nike.com/a/benefits-of-blue-light-glasses
• Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adult https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37593770/