In our technologically advanced world, eyeglasses are no longer just about vision—or stylish frames. A common new function in some eyeglasses is their ability to block blue light.
You can wear blue light glasses whenever you like, but they can be particularly helpful when you’re using screens for an extended period of time because many digital screens produce blue light.
You can go beyond the basics for lenses to get extra support for other specific needs in your life. You might be surprised to learn how your eyeglasses and sunglasses can be adjusted to meet your personal needs for more than just style.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is a short-wavelength and high-energy light wave. It’s primarily emitted by the sun, and for most of our history, that’s where we’ve been exposed to it. But it’s also emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, computer screens, or anything that uses LED lights.
Blue light can have an effect on your sleep patterns. When the sun’s out, we want to stay awake, and when it’s gone for the day, we want to sleep. So, our body begins suppressing melatonin production when exposed to blue light.
With digital devices becoming more popular, many kids and adults are becoming more exposed to blue light. Unlike the sun’s blue light, which fluctuates and dissipates with the natural day-night cycle, the blue light from our devices can be constant and often concentrated, which can have negative effects on our bodies.
How Does Blue Light Affect You?
Because it suppresses melatonin production—the chemical that helps us fall and stay asleep—blue light exposure can lead to insomnia and other sleep problems, which can have a significant effect on your health over time.
Over time, sleep deprivation can cause:
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
- Immune system weakness
- Increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes
- Weight gain due to changes in appetite and metabolism
- Poor balance and coordination, which can increase your risk of accidents and injuries
Reducing your nighttime screen exposure and wearing blue light glasses when you look at screens for prolonged periods of time can help you avoid sleep deprivation caused by blue light.
How Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Blue light glasses have lenses that act like a filter for blue light. The lenses either block or absorb the blue light wavelengths while letting other wavelengths through. This filtering effect can be achieved through a special lens coating or other changes made to the material of the lens.
No matter the technique, the goal is the same: to create a visual buffer between you and blue light. It’s like putting on sunglasses indoors, but instead of shielding your eyes from bright sunlight and UV rays, you’re blocking a specific light wave that can disrupt your eyes and sleep.
Lens technology doesn’t just stop there. Some pairs of blue light glasses come with an anti-glare material, which can help make long hours at the computer more comfortable. Others can enhance the contrast of what you’re seeing, which can help reduce feelings of eye strain.
These glasses come in both prescription and non-prescription forms, so you can get the support that suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
When Should You Wear Blue Light Glasses?
While you can wear blue light glasses whenever you’d like—even all the time if you choose—it isn’t necessary to wear them nonstop. Here are the situations where we recommend wearing blue light glasses:
- When you’re using screens for a long period of time. Whether you’re working at your desk, playing a video game, reading an ebook, or watching television, these glasses can protect you from the blue light being emitted by your devices.
- When you’re getting ready for bed. By wearing these glasses later in the day, you can help your body adjust to producing melatonin when you’re getting ready to sleep, and this can make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
- When you’re in any environment with plenty of LED lighting—LED lights can also produce blue light.
Let’s Find the Right Glasses for Your Needs
Blue light glasses can be a simple but elegant way to protect your eyes from blue light, and they can be a valuable addition to anybody’s eyewear collection. At Dr. Zargar Eyecare, we would love to help you find the right lenses for your specific needs. Book an appointment and visit us for an eye exam to get personalized support for your eye health and vision. We also offer styling appointments just to help you find the right glasses for your unique eyes and style.
