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Blue light blocking glasses sales have skyrocketed in the last few years. Companies that make blue light glasses (computer glasses), such as Zenni and Warby Parker, claim these lenses can improve your health.
Their two central claims are:
Digital Eye Strain
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology AAO) and multiple studies, blue light from digital screens has little to no effect on digital eye strain symptoms.1-4
It is unlikely that blue light blocking lenses can help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain. More research is needed to draw conclusions.
Circadian Rhythm
Multiple studies have linked exposure to blue light with decreased melatonin levels and poor sleep quality.5, 6
More studies have shown that blue-light blocking glasses may provide a viable method for preventing melatonin suppression and increasing sleep quality.7, 8
It is likely that blue light blocking lenses have the potential to help improve your body’s circadian rhythm. Again, more research is needed to prove these theories.
Blue light comes from digital screens, the sun, fluorescent lighting, and LED lighting. It contains the most energy of all visible light.
Invisible light, also known as ultraviolet or UV, has even higher energy levels and is proven to cause eye diseases.9, 10, 11 However, no harmful UVA or UVB light is emitted from computers, tablets, lamps, or TV monitors.12
Blue light plays an important role in your circadian rhythm. Exposure to sunlight throughout the day helps synchronize your body’s internal clock.13
These processes include your wake/sleep cycle, cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), and core body temperature regulation.
Poor circadian rhythms may lead to:14
Blue light exposure in the average human has increased significantly within the past few decades. The sun used to be our only source of blue light. Many of our offices, homes, and stores are filled with blue light.
Computer, tablet, and cell phone screen exposure have also increased exponentially. Many of us use these devices long after the sun has set. This can decrease our melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland. It helps control your sleep-wake cycle.
Research suggests that wearing blue light blocking glasses before bed can effectively treat melatonin suppression.8
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain (DES), is a group of eye health and vision problems. They result from prolonged computer, cell phone, tablet, or e-reader use.
Common symptoms include:
There are numerous causes of these symptoms, including
Notice that blue light is NOT listed as a cause of digital eye strain.
Only a few studies have attempted to measure the effect of blue-blocking filters on digital eye strain. However, the studies that have come out and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggest no evidence that computer screen light is damaging to your eyes.
In addition, blue light filters do not provide any relief for digital eye strain.
In fact, according to the AAO:
“It’s not necessary to spend money on special eyewear for computer use. Here’s why:
— American Academy of Ophthalmology
If you’re looking to help improve your symptoms of digital eye strain, blue light blocking glasses are NOT recommended.
DES affects many people, especially those who work online. Here are some tips to help minimize symptoms of DES.
Digital eye strain is not caused by blue light. It is caused by the ways we use our digital devices. Here are some methods you can use to combat digital eye strain:
Your computer screen should be an arm’s length away — approximately 25 inches, or at the point where your palm rests flat against the screen. The monitor should be positioned at a slight downward angle (about 15-20 degrees from your eye level to the center of the screen).
Maintain good posture with your feet flat on the floor and back straight. Your chair should have a backrest. Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms flat with your wrists on the keyboard.
Using reference materials, such as textbooks, a notebook, or a second monitor, should be at the same height as your monitor.
One of the biggest causes of digital eye strain is not blinking. Our blink rate can reduce up to 50 percent when focusing on digital screens. Try to blink as often as possible to reduce dry eye and other symptoms.
You can adjust your screen settings, buy anti-glare coatings, or ensure your computer screen is high-quality. This will reduce the amount of light reflected from your screen.
Using drapes or blinds on windows and low-wattage bulbs in your work area can help reduce glare and contrast. Avoid using screens in situations of extreme brightness or darkness.
Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You should also rest your eyes for 15 minutes after every 2 hours of computer use. This helps prevent eye fatigue.
Reading small letters can strain your eyes and cause headaches. Increasing your font size can help combat this.
Removing dust and smudges can help reduce glare.
If you are experiencing any digital eye strain symptoms, we suggest speaking with your local ophthalmologist.
They can check your eyes for undiagnosed vision problems, recommend best practices, and suggest any products that may help improve your condition.
Here’s what science says about blue light blocking glasses in regards to your eye and overall health:
If you’re interested in purchasing a pair of blue light glasses, read our review of the Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses
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