Can Blue Light Glasses Actually Cause Headaches? A Look at the Evidence

Can Blue Light Glasses Cause Headaches?

With the rise in popularity of blue light blocking glasses, many people wonder if these special lenses can actually lead to headaches instead of relieving them. It's a valid question, as glasses of any kind can cause headaches if they aren't the proper prescription. Additionally, there are still mixed opinions on whether blue light exposure truly impacts sleep quality or eye strain. We'll take an in-depth look at the potential pros and cons of blue light glasses here.

What is Blue Light?

First, let's start with understanding what blue light is. Blue light is a range of visible light that has shorter wavelengths and higher energy than other colors on the light spectrum. It's emitted from many digital devices like phones, tablets, and computer screens. It's also naturally emitted from the sun.

There has been increased concern over high exposure to blue light in recent years. Some research has found that overexposure, especially in the evenings, can disrupt natural sleep cycles. The theory is that blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel tired. This can negatively impact sleep quality and duration.

Additional theories suggest blue light can contribute to digital eye strain and headaches after prolonged use of screens. The high energy waves may overwork the eyes, causing eyestrain. Some also believe it can contribute to macular degeneration over time, though more research is still needed.

Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

Blue light glasses are designed to filter out some of the blue light being emitted from screens or artificial lighting. There are a few different ways they achieve this:

• Blocking lenses - These lenses use special dyes or coatings to physically block blue light from passing through certain wavelengths.
• Anti-reflective coatings - These coatings reflect some of the blue light rather than absorbing it.
• Yellow-tinted lenses - The yellow hue filters out some blue light as it passes through the lens.

By reducing blue light exposure, especially in the later hours of the day, blue light glasses may help mitigate some of the potential risks like poor sleep and eye strain. However, not all glasses offer the same level of blue light filtration. Some only filter 20-30% while others block up to 90-100%.

Do Blue Light Glasses Cause Headaches?

Now, to the main question at hand - can these glasses actually cause headaches? There are a few factors that can contribute to headaches from blue light blocking glasses:

Prescription Mismatch

If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts, it's important your blue light glasses match that prescription strength. Wearing non-prescription blue light glasses when you need vision correction can definitely lead to headaches and eyestrain. Your eyes have to work extra hard to focus, causing discomfort.

Poor Light Filtration

Some lower end blue light glasses may not filter enough blue light to make a difference. If the glasses aren't effectively reducing blue light exposure, you're not reaping the benefits but still dealing with potential vision disruption from wearing lenses without a prescription.

Overuse

As with regular glasses, overwearing blue light blocking glasses can cause strained eye muscles and headaches. Your eyes need breaks from any kind of glasses throughout the day. If you wear your blue light glasses all day from morning tonight, headaches can develop.

Withdrawing from Blue Light

Interestingly, abruptly discontinuing blue light exposure can sometimes itself cause headaches. If you're used to prolonged blue light exposure from screens and the sun, suddenly blocking those wavelengths can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Individuals already prone to migraines, chronic headaches, or other health conditions may experience more headaches from blue light glasses. Any disruption to your normal vision, lighting, or eyewear can exacerbate those issues.

Tips for Preventing Blue Light Headaches

Here are some tips for minimizing headaches from blue light blocking glasses:

• Get proper prescription blue light glasses, especially if you normally wear vision correction
• Choose high quality glasses that filter a significant percentage of blue light
• Avoid overwearing your glasses - take regular breaks
• Gradually introduce blue light blocking, don't go from 0 to 100% filtration overnight
• Adjust your lighting and screens to reduce blue light exposure in addition to glasses
• Consider other options like screen filters and apps if glasses cause headaches
• Talk to your eye doctor about special lenses if you're headache prone

The Bottom Line

Can blue light glasses cause headaches? For most people, quality blue light blocking glasses are designed to prevent headaches from digital eyestrain. But in some circumstances, they may contribute to headaches if not worn correctly or if there is an underlying condition. Work with your eye doctor to ensure you get maximum benefits from your lenses without adverse effects.

Overall, research shows blue light does impact sleep cycles, eye health, and headaches. So blocking some of that exposure, especially in the evening, offers important benefits for many users. The key is finding a pair of blue light blocking glasses that work for your eyes and needs.

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.