Can Wearing Blue Light Glasses Hurt Your Eyes?

Whether someone accepts it or not, screens have become a part of an average human’s routine life. Even if you try to avoid them, some exposure is inevitable.

There are a few lifestyle changes you can make to protect your eyes and sleep from the harm of blue light coming from digital displays.

However, they may not be enough. Blue light glasses are often presented as a perfect solution to this conundrum. But before you wear them, you should know their potential side effects and how to side-step them.

If you’re wondering, “Can wearing blue light glasses hurt your eyes?”, you’re not alone. This post addresses the question from virtually every angle, so you’ll walk away with everything you need to get a comprehensive answer.

Let’s dive in.

Can Blue Light Glasses Hurt Your Eyes?

The short answer: No, they can’t hurt or damage your eyes in any way. Their only purpose is to block the low-wavelength blue light.

Blue light glasses aren’t a medical necessity or a cure for diseases. They simply offer a layer of protection, potentially alleviating the symptoms associated with blue light exposure.

The worst that can happen after wearing these glasses is mild discomfort, especially in the beginning when you’re not used to them.

Plus, with heavily-tinted lenses, there’s usually a slight color distortion, so you want to avoid them for tasks that require accurate color perception (Examples: graphic design, image editing, etc.).

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

They have a coating or a filter that blocks out a portion of the blue light wavelengths; they’re primarily designed to be worn in front of devices that emit blue light, such as:

TVs
Mobile phones
Tablets
Computers & laptops
Even fluorescent bulbs

Blue light glasses actually have different types depending on what color the lenses are, and how much blue light they block:

Clear lenses: Block a smaller portion, have clear lenses, don’t change your color perception
Slightly tinted lenses: Block a larger portion of blue light, have tinted lenses, and change how you see things slightly
Heavy-tinted lenses: Although they provide complete blue light protection, they can also change your color perception significantly

Why People Wear Blue Light Glasses

Young employee and too much work in the office

People don’t buy blue light glasses just because they look stylish. Here are the main reasons:

Reduce eye strain: Exposure to high-intensity blue light from screens can cause several symptoms, such as tired eyes, blurred vision, and discomfort
Prevent headaches: For some, filtering the blue light from screens can help with screen-related headaches
Improve sleep: You’re supposed to get blue light from the sun, so evening exposure can affect your circadian rhythm. These protective glasses may reduce or even eliminate this disruption

Are Blue Light Glasses Safe for Long-Term Use?

Yes, you can safely use blue light glasses every day, even for long hours. Unlike prescription glasses, there’s no risk of making yourself “Dependent” on these glasses.

They’re like earplugs; something you use to reduce noise pollution. If you wear them long-term, they won’t weaken your eyes or cause any health problems.

Who Should Be Careful When Using Blue Light Glasses

We’ve established that blue light glasses can’t hurt your eyes, but that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for everyone.

Here are some groups that might want to be mindful:

People with existing eye conditions: If you think you need blue light glasses and already wear prescription lenses, it’s better to consult an optometrist before moving forward
Anyone with unexplained eye pain: Glasses may mask symptoms. If you have constant discomfort, see an eye doctor instead of relying on filters

How to Use Blue Light Glasses Safely

Glasses on the phone are placed on the table

Here are a few practical tips to get the most out of blue light glasses:

Use them when you’re exposed to digital screens for long hours
Don’t skip basic eye care: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (Focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes
Wear them in the evening or night for maximum benefits: They’re especially helpful if you’re trying to avoid sleep disruption due to blue light exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s address some important questions.

Can Wearing Blue Light Glasses Cause Blurry Vision?

No, some people may notice slight blurriness if the lenses are of poor quality or overly tinted. Normally, these glasses don’t have anything to do with your vision.

Is It Bad To Wear Blue Light Glasses All Day?

No, you can wear blue light glasses all day safely; you can even use them outdoors, although they’re not a replacement for sunglasses.

Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Migraines?

Blue light-blocking glasses might help some people with migraines, but the results aren’t consistent. If bright, blue light isn’t a trigger for your migraines, wearing them might not help.

Can Blue Light Glasses Make You Uncomfortable?

There’s usually a small adjustment period with these glasses, which can last for a week or two. This is because your eyes are getting used to the new way of seeing things.

Do Kids Need Blue Light Glasses?

Not every kid needs blue light glasses. It depends on their screen time. Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play is a better option. If a child spends long hours on devices, consider getting them a pair.

Final Thoughts on Blue Light Glasses and Eye Health

So, can wearing blue light-blocking glasses hurt your eyes? Not really. They’re safe. For many, they offer multiple benefits without causing any significant side effects.

But let’s zoom out for a second: Eye strain and sleep problems aren’t always about blue light. It’s also about how and when you use screens. Long hours without breaks and locking your eyes on a screen without blinking enough are usually what make things worse.

Here’s a complete solution: Follow eyecare best practices, like taking breaks, limiting screen use before bed, and blinking enough while using devices.

Couple that with a good pair of blue light glasses and you have a recipe for a more comfortable digital experience and a sounder, deeper sleep.