Blue light blocking glasses are not only a modern day necessity, but the next must-have accessory when we're working (from home or the office). And if your WhatsApp groups are anything like mine, they've probably been bursting with selfies of your mates wearing blue light glasses for quite some time now. It's no surprise: their promise of easing the eye fatigue and strain caused by near-constant use of digital devices – all while upgrading your video call #lewk in an instant – is a tempting one. And sales of the best blue light blocking glasses have doubled since the beginning of the pandemic as a result.
Don't be mistaken: just because lockdown is over (thank GOD), it doesn't mean our screen time has diminished. Working from computer screens five days a week plus the FaceTiming of loved ones, the watching of Bridgerton, the checking of our phones and the internet shopping we're doing for spring dresses and spring jackets means we're still exposed to digital screens as much as we ever were circa June 2020.
Though cutting your screen time altogether is clearly the best way to reduce the negative impacts of blue light exposure on your eyes, that's ahem not always realistic. So, blue light blocking glasses could be beneficial to your eye health.
Do I need blue light glasses?
While the jury is still out on the long-term effectiveness of glasses with blue light protection, there are many reasons why investing in a pair of blue light glasses could be a good idea. Sure, prolonged exposure to any kind of light is bed for your eyes, but harmful blue light is the worst of the bunch.
Blue light wavelengths are shorter than those of other types of light (like red or yellow), means means they’re more high-energy. Plus, blue light is not filtered out by the cornea or lens in our eyes, which means it can cause retina damage or long term eye conditions (like macular degeneration - ouch). In fact, one study found that removing blue light during periods of prolonged light exposure drastically reduces retinal damage.
Blue light is also the primary cause of a condition called computer vision syndrome - or digital eye strain, as it's more commonly known. The good thing is that this condition is temporary - but it can still be rather uncomfortable. It's defined by symptoms like dizziness, migraines, dry eyes and blurred vision caused by staring at a screen for a long time.
If you're still not convinced, you might like to know that wearing blue light lenses could also result in better sleep. One study found that blue light suppresses melatonin production, the hormone that controls your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. As such, wearing blue light glasses could help regulate melatonin production once more.
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Gallery31 PhotosDo blue light blocking glasses really work?
Blue light glasses - some with tint - aim to filter out blue light rays with anti-glare lenses which shield the fibres in your eyes. Many wearers report reduced headaches when wearing them, though some studies have suggested this could just be a placebo.
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