Blue light glasses, as the name suggests, have everything to do with neutralizing blue light. This is light that is emitted by the everyday electronics that we use such as TVs, phones, computers, laptops, and so on. We stare at these gadgets daily and therefore we risk some form of eye damage or eye irritation if this goes on for long periods. Some glasses have specifically been manufactured for blocking this blue light so that it does not damage our eyes. The blue light glasses can help your eyes so that they are not affected by this light in the long run. However, not much research has been done in this field, but for the time being the use of Blue Light Glasses is encouraged to help guard your eyesight.
In this article, we shall discuss the benefits that come with the use of blue light glasses. Here are such benefits that you need to know:
They relieve eye discomfort
This is one of the reasons one should think of acquiring these glasses. When we use devices like computers and phones excessively, they lead to a digital eye strain or what is also known as computer vision syndrome. When you buy and use glasses that have blue light filtering technology, you can be sure your eyes will not be strained at all. This is one of the best ways to improve your productivity and make your eyes feel less tired. Another good way of reducing eye strain is to reduce your interaction with the devices by taking adequate breaks.
You don’t need them and has gone on record as not recommending any kind of special eyewear for computer users. The organization says blue light from digital devices does not lead to eye disease and doesn’t even cause eyestrain. The problems people complain about are simply caused by overuse of digital devices.
There is evidence that some kinds of light exposure can cause eye damage under certain conditions. For instance, too much exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun does raise the risks of eye diseases, including cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. (Ref. The American Academy of Ophthalmology)
They help you sleep better
One of the biggest negative impacts of exposure to screens is poor sleep patterns. One of the characteristics of blue light is that it has high energy that increases your alertness. This reduces the production of melatonin by the body, hence making it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Long hours staring at digital screens can cause eye strain, and decreased blinking associated with computer use can cause dry eyes.
You can protect your eyes from strain if you work with computers all day:
- Sit about 25 inches (arm’s length) from the computer screen. Position the screen so you are gazing slightly downward.
- Reduce screen glare by using a matte screen filter if needed.
- Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- When your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to refresh them.
- Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
- If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.
- Many eye symptoms caused by computer use are only temporary and will lessen after you stop using the computer.
As such, when you buy and use blue light glasses, you will effectively get better sleep. Another very helpful tip to help you sleep better would be not to use the blue light-emitting gadgets 2 hours before you sleep. If you cannot adhere to such a routine, it would simply be better to buy and use blue light glasses.
Reduce the likelihood of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD is a condition that causes blindness when not treated early enough. When a blu-ray is blocked from reaching your eyes, you are safe from this condition. The likelihood of suffering from this condition is reduced when you buy and use blue light glasses. Other problems could come with the exposure of blue light to your eyes and this knowledge should help you take precautions early enough.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. AMD is very common. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD you lose your central vision. You cannot see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far. But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.
Two types of AMD
Dry AMD – Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. There is no way to treat dry AMD yet. 8 out of 10 of people who have AMD have the dry form.
Wet AMD – Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.
Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to an ophthalmologist. He or she can look for early signs of AMD before you have any vision problems.
Getting Blue Light Glasses
Having learned the above things about blue light and its effects on your eyes, it is time to make plans to acquire these glasses. The good thing with these glasses is that you do not need a prescription for you to buy them. You can find stylish blue light glasses even online. Single-lens computer glasses are good for you and you should make a point of acquiring these protective glasses for the protection of your eyes.
Blue light glasses are glasses that manufacturers claim can filter out blue light. The glasses have filtering materials or surface coatings on the lenses that block a portion of blue light. People who think that their eye and vision symptoms are due to blue light exposure may wear them to decrease their exposure to it.