What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are designed to block or filter out the high energy visible (HEV) blue light waves that electronic devices like phones, tablets, and computer screens emit. HEV light has wavelengths between 400-500 nanometers on the visible light spectrum.
Potential Benefits of Blue Light Glasses
There are a few theorized benefits to wearing blue light filtering glasses:
- Reducing digital eye strain
- Lowering oxidative stress on the eyes
- Preventing disruption of sleep cycles
- Minimizing risk of macular degeneration
However, more research is still needed to conclusively prove these potential benefits.
How to Know if Your Glasses Filter Blue Light
Check If They Are Marketed as Blue Light Glasses
The easiest way is to check if the glasses are being sold specifically as blue light filtering glasses or computer eyewear. Reputable brands that make blue light glasses will typically advertise that capacity clearly.
Look for an Amber, Orange, or Red Tint
Most blue light glasses have a distinctive amber, orange, red, or yellow tint to them. This is because those colors block more of the blue light wavelength while allowing other light through. A strong tint is a clue that extra filtering properties have been added.
Ask About Filter Technology
There are a few technologies manufacturers use to block blue light. These include special patented lens coatings, polarized or tinted lenses, and lenses made from materials that filter blue light. Some common terms to look for are anti-reflective coatings, selective light filtering, or mineral glass lenses. Ask your optometrist or the glasses company for specifics.
Check for Certifications
Some blue light glasses meet standards set by third-party testing organizations. For example, glasses certified by TU V Rheinland have undergone independent testing to verify they filter at least 35% of blue light under 425 nanometers. This helps confirm protective qualities against blue light.
Use a Blue Light Wavelength Checker
A technical way to test if glasses block blue light is by using a specialized wavelength checker device. These measure how much HEV blue light is transmitted through the lenses across the 400-500 nanometer range. Results can quantify the glasses' exact blue light filtering capabilities.
Other Considerations around Effectiveness
Beyond the design and components of the glasses themselves, a few other factors also impact real-world results:
Lens Material and Quality
The material used for the lens along with factors like precision, uniformity of tint density, anti-scratch coatings, weight, and durability impact performance and eye protection. Reputable eyeglass companies invest heavily in high-end lens materials and manufacturing quality controls to maximize effectiveness.
Time Spent Staring at Screens
The longer you stare at screens daily, especially in the evenings, the higher your blue light exposure adding to eye strain and sleep issues. Good quality blue light glasses provide partial protection, but cannot negate sustained screen time completely. Take regular screen breaks and reduce evening device use whenever possible.
Using Glasses Consistently
You will only get benefits from blue light glasses if you form the habit of using them consistently whenever you are on digital devices. Put them on each time you sit down to use your computer, phone, tablet, or e-reader. Over time, this minimizes eye strain and blue light exposure.
Do Blue Light Glasses Live Up to the Hype?
So far, there is no consensus in the scientific community if blue light glasses offer definitive benefits or not when used as regular eyewear. There is still ongoing research around long-term impact.
However, many users report relief from eye strain, better sleep quality, less headaches, and generally feeling better after sustained use. For people who spend most of their waking hours staring at screens, quality blue light glasses are worth trying out.
Be sure to manage expectations realistically and look for glasses made by reputable manufacturers using high-end components. Avoid exaggerated claims around miracle cures or overnight fixes. Evaluate personally if wearing the glasses consistently makes a positive difference for eye comfort and sleep issues.
FAQs
Do blue light glasses really work?
Research shows blue light glasses provide some benefits, but more studies are still needed. Many users report relief from digital eye strain, better sleep, less headaches when wearing them consistently. But they cannot completely negate long screen time side effects.
When should you wear blue light glasses?
Wear blue light computer glasses whenever you use devices like phones, tablets, e-readers, TVs and monitors. Be sure to use them especially in the evening before bedtime. This helps avoid sleep disruption from blue light exposure.
Do cheaper blue light glasses work?
It depends. Well-designed lenses using quality materials and coatings provide the best eye protection and strain relief. But cheaper glasses also offer partial blue light filtering. Try to look for verified brands with better materials.
Can children wear blue light glasses?
Yes, children can wear blue light glasses adapted for their vision needs. Kids face eye issues from excessive near work and screens too. Ensure to consult an optometrist to get the right prescription and lens size for your child's glasses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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