Blue Light Glasses can be a helpful tool whether you’re looking for a way to prevent migraines or reduce the blurry vision that comes with long hours of digital usage. But is it worth the expense?
Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Whether working on a computer, watching TV, or playing video games, you may be at risk of digital eye strain. Unfortunately, 70 percent of Americans experience this problem. This can cause headaches, blurred vision, and tired eyes.
You can, thankfully, take some actions to prevent or lessen digital eye strain. Having a consultation with an eye doctor is the first step. They can determine whether you are experiencing digital eye strain and recommend the best solution.
Another option is to purchase a pair of blue light glasses, you can visit sites like Felix Gray. These glasses will filter out the blue light emitted by the computer. They also will provide a wider field of vision to reduce strain on your eyes.
You can also take breaks from the screen. For example, try to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes. This will help to relax your muscles and re-moisten your eyes. It’s also a good idea to close your eyes for a couple of seconds each time you use the screen to refresh them.
If you already wear prescription eyeglasses, discuss the changes you make with your eye doctor. Fortunately, many prescription eyeglasses come with blue light-blocking coatings. They can be added to almost any prescription glasses for only a few dollars. You can also consider purchasing anti-reflective, anti-scratch, or bifocal coatings.
Disrupt Sleep Patterns
Using blue light glasses can help you improve your sleep. However, you may need a better night’s sleep because of the blue light from your computer, phone, or tablet. It can interrupt your sleep patterns, disrupt your circadian rhythm, and suppress melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
Blue light has been shown to increase cortisol, a hormone that increases alertness. This increased cortisol shuts off sleep. However, blue light can also increase melatonin, a hormone in your brain that helps you fall asleep. But, high levels of melatonin disrupt your sleep.
The same researchers who found that blue light promotes alertness saw that wearing blue light glasses before bedtime can help improve sleep. However, the glasses must be worn at the right time. They must be worn 90 minutes before your Melatonin Window when your body releases melatonin to help you fall asleep.
One way to protect your sleep is to turn off your electronic devices after dark. This includes turning off your phone, laptop, tablet, or another device. You can also set the “night mode” on your smartphone. This will block the blue light but still let you use it during the day.
Reduce Blurry Vision
Whether you have a problem with blurry vision, dry eyes, or headaches, consider using blue light glasses to help reduce the symptoms. These glasses have a special coating to block harmful blue light from reaching the eyes. These glasses are safe for all-day use and can relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
According to a new study, blue light glasses may reduce computer vision syndrome symptoms (CVS). CVS occurs when people spend long hours staring at a computer screen or other electronic device. The symptoms include headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.
A double-blind, randomized study of 120 symptomatic computer users occurred in 2021. The participants were split into two groups, one wearing blue-light-blocking spectacles and the other wearing regular clear lenses.
Those wearing blue light glasses reported less eye strain and improved sleep quality. In addition, the hormone melatonin, which controls sleep cycles, was also present in higher amounts in those not exposed to blue light.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, limiting screen time at night is the best way to prevent digital eyestrain. The 20-20-20 rule, which states that you should spend 20 seconds per 20 minutes gazing at an object 20 feet away, is advised by the organization. The Vision Council has also recommended this rule.
The National Eye Institute has published research suggesting that blue light can negatively affect macular health. Therefore, the organization recommends that people using screens for more than six hours a day consider using a blue light reduction technique.
Prevent Migraines
Choosing the correct type of blue light glasses can help prevent migraines. Blue light glasses are made to filter the blue light that screens emit. You can also download software to adjust the levels of blue light emitted from your computer screen.
Many factors can trigger migraines. Many of these include weather changes, alcohol, and medications. But the most common triggers are flickering lights and blue light. You may not be able to control all of these factors, but you can minimize their impact of them.
Some glasses block specific wavelengths. These include the FL-41 glasses, the most clinically-proven blue light-blocking lenses.
Blue light emitted from LED light bulbs and fluorescent lighting has been shown to cause migraines. Blue light is also present in the sun. It is also present in smartphones and computer displays.
Blue light can cause migraines because it increases pain sensitivity in the center of the brain. In addition, blue light makes the eyes work harder to see the contrast. Using blue light glasses can help prevent migraines and reduce the severity of attacks.
There are also newer FL-41 glasses that block other wavelengths as well. They are also a wise option for people who are photophobic. You can also use Transitions lenses to help change the level of light coming into your eyes.
