Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Fluorescent Lights?

Fluorescent lights are a part of our routine life. They’re everywhere - think offices, homes, schools, and even public spaces. 

The problem is that these lights emit a significant amount of blue light. And long-term exposure to this high-intensity light can lead to several short-term and long-term issues, such as headaches, eye strain, and more. 

Blue light glasses block this particular wavelength before it can reach your eyes, potentially protecting you from the side effects. 

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into:

• How blue light glasses help with fluorescent lights
• The harms of long-term blue light exposure
• What type of blue light glasses you should use
• And more

Let’s dive in. 

What are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses have a special filter that blocks out the high-intensity part of the white light (The blue light). 

This blue light is a part of almost every type of light we’re exposed to in our routines - Mobile phones, tablets, LEDs, and even fluorescent lights. 

Many people use blue light glasses to protect themselves from the side effects of prolonged exposure to this high-energy light. 

Blue Light from Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights emit about 20% blue light (Around 430 nm to 490 nm wavelength). If you have light sensitivity, exposure to this wavelength range can be harmful for your eyes. 

This blue light paired with the high-intensity flicker of fluorescent tubes can lead to several issues. 

Eye Strain

Eye strain can manifest as blurred vision, fatigue, and discomfort after prolonged exposure to fluorescent lights. 

This makes protective measures like wearing blue light glasses relevant for people who’re constantly in fluorescent light environments. 

Headaches

Prolonged exposure to fluorescent lights can also lead to headaches in some people. It’s a type of headache that results from exposure to blue lights and the flicker from fluorescent tubes. 

This indicates that these lights can contribute to workplace discomfort, potentially affecting your productivity and well-being. 

Long-Term Risks

A study linked long-term exposure to fluorescent lights to eye diseases like macular degeneration. 

Given their prevalence, it’s crucial that you understand how to effectively manage fluorescent light exposure. 

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Fluorescent Lights?

Let’s address the elephant in the room in detail: Do blue light glasses help with fluorescent lights? Yes, here’s how:

Offer an Effective Blue-Light Filter

High-quality blue light glasses can filter most of the blue light coming out of a typical fluorescent light source (Up to 76%). 

The type of blue light glasses also matter. Yellow-tinted blue light glasses block a decent amount of blue light, whereas amber-tinted glasses are designed to filter most of it. 

This effective filtration of blue light can lead to better eye health, an improved sleep pattern, and better overall well-being. 

People Say They Feel Better 

Many people report that wearing blue light glasses in fluorescent-light environments helps reduce eye strain and headaches. 

Improved Circadian Rhythm

Blue lights serve a purpose: Keeping us awake during the day. When you expose yourself to fluorescent lights after sunset, your circadian rhythm gets disturbed. 

Wearing amber-tinted blue light glasses (They block most of the blue light) can help you sleep on time and wake up refreshed. 

Limitations

Although blue light glasses can help alleviate the symptoms associated with fluorescent light exposure, there are some limitations you should be aware of. 

Variable Effectiveness

As previously mentioned, not all blue light glasses offer enough blue light filtration. Brands with clear lenses only block 2 - 6% of the blue light, which isn’t enough. 

Mixed Research 

A pair of high-quality blue light glasses can filter this high-intensity wavelength. But, whether it significantly reduces eye strain or protects long-term eye health is still not a scientific fact. Research suggests mixed results. 

Specialized Needs

Of course, you can’t associate all headaches or eye strains to blue light exposure. For instance, standard blue light glasses won’t work on people with migraines or photophobia. 

In addition to blue light, red and amber lights can also trigger migraines, potentially making blue light glasses ineffective. 

Choosing The Right Glasses

Not all blue light glasses are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pair for yourself:

Filtering Capability

If you want to protect yourself from the side effects of blue light, get a pair with at least 50% filtration capability. 

In addition, the quality of the lenses matter. Select a brand that already has a good reputation and a lot of happy customers. 

Frame Design

If you select a short frame, some blue light may pass through. Get a frame with a wraparound design or a large frame. 

Consult an Expert 

Just because you’re experiencing eye strain or a headache doesn’t mean you have blue light sensitivity. 

If exposure to fluorescent lights makes you uncomfortable, consider seeing an eye specialist before buying a pair of glasses. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Let’s address some commonly asked questions about the effectiveness of blue light glasses against fluorescent lights. 

What Kind of Glasses Help with Fluorescent Lights?

Wear glasses with effective blue light filtering lenses. They soften the glow from fluorescent lights and help reduce the side effects associated with blue light. 

Do Blue Light Glasses Help with Artificial Light?

Yes, high-quality blue light glasses block most of the high-intensity wavelengths from fluorescent bulbs, offering better eye comfort and potentially reducing eye strain.

How to Stop Headaches from Fluorescent Lights?

Use warmer lighting, wear blue light glasses, and give your eyes regular breaks. If the headache persists, consult a specialist. 

Why Do Fluorescent Lights Bother Me So Much?

Fluorescent lights flicker and emit blue light, which can strain your eyes, induce headaches, or make you uncomfortable. 

Conclusion 

Fluorescent lights are everywhere - from workspaces to public places. You can’t avoid them. 

The issue is that a major portion of fluorescent lights is blue light. And long-term exposure to this light can lead to eye issues, sleep issues, and headaches. 

A simple and cost-effective solution to this are blue light glasses. But, do blue light glasses help with fluorescent lights? The simple answer is yes. 

However, you need to get the right kind of lenses. Ones that can keep the majority of the blue light away and provide effective filtration.