What are Blue Light Glasses Used For?
Let’s be real: You’re probably reading this on a screen. Maybe you work on a computer device for hours every day or scroll on social media in your leisure time after work.
If your eyes feel strained by the end of the day or you’re having a hard time going to bed on time, blue light glasses might be the upgrade you need.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what blue light glasses are used for, how they help, who they’re ideal for, and how to pick the right pair.
Let’s get started.
What Is Blue Light?
The white light spectrum consists of several colors. Blue light lies in the high-energy, low-wavelength part.
Primary sources of blue light in our routine life include:
- The sun
- Digital devices like laptops, mobile phones, tablets
- Fluorescent lights
What significance does blue light hold in our lives? Blue light helps us stay alert during the day. But once the Sun has set, exposure to blue light tricks our brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
What are Blue Light Glasses Used For?
Blue light glasses are primarily used to keep most of the blue light from reaching our eyes.
They have a special lens or filter that blocks the high-energy blue light.
You can get blue light glasses:
- With or without a prescription
- In amber/yellow tints and clear lenses
Here’s what they’re typically used for.
Reducing Digital Eye Strain
If your eyes don’t feel comfortable after long hours of screen work or leisure, you’re probably experiencing digital eye strain.
This can manifest in the form of:
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
How can blue light glasses help? These glasses cut the glare and minimize the amount of harsh blue light that reaches your eyes from digital screens.
By wearing them during screentime, you can avoid the negative symptoms associated with digital screens.
Improving Sleep Quality
Blue light in the evening affects how your body produces melatonin, the natural hormone that helps you sleep at night.
A Harvard study found that blue light can delay your circadian rhythm by 3 hours. So, the next time you have trouble falling asleep on time, try wearing blue light glasses before bed (Especially if you use screens).
Get amber-tinted blue light glasses for evening and night use. They block most of this high-intensity light that keeps your body from relaxing.
Maybe Preventing Long-Term Eye Damage
We have mixed opinions on this one; some experts say long-term exposure to blue light could lead to macular degeneration.
However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Blue light from computers will not lead to eye disease”.
While experts are divided, we can’t argue against the fact that these glasses do help with screen glare.
Improving Visual Comfort
You'll love this benefit if you’re a writer, a gamer, a coder, or anyone who has to spend time in front of a screen for hours.
Blue light glasses can make long screen sessions easy on your eyes. With less fatigue and squinting, you might feel a boost in your productivity.
Who Should Use Blue Light Glasses?
The range of people who may want to wear these glasses is broad. Essentially, anyone who spends a significant portion of their day in front of screens is a good candidate.
Some examples would be:
- Freelancers/remote workers
- Gamers
- Night owls
- Anyone with light sensitivity and dry eyes
However, of course, they’re not a cure-all. Your eye health and sleep quality also depend on other small decisions you take in your routine, such as:
- Cutting off screentime before evening
- Practicing the 20-20-20 rule (Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away)
Choosing the Right Blue Light Glasses
Not all blue light glasses are right for you. Selecting the right pair starts with understanding your needs and preferences.
When to Use Amber-Tinted Blue Light Glasses
If you want to improve your sleep cycle, glasses with clear lenses won’t work as they don’t block enough blue light.
Use a pair with amber tints, or glasses with at least 95% blue light blocking capability. Wearing them helps preserve melatonin production before bed.
The trade-off? The colors behind these glasses look warmer, so if you do color-sensitive work like graphic design, they’re not ideal for you.
When to Use Clear Lenses
Blue light glasses with clear lenses block 20 - 40% of the blue light while keeping colors natural. They’re ideal for work, gaming, and casual scrolling.
You can also get a pair of blue light glasses with native UV-protection, so you don’t have to buy shades separately for outdoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about the uses of blue light glasses.
What are the Benefits of Wearing Blue Light Glasses?
They may reduce eye strain, reduce glare from the screens, and help you sleep on time by allowing normal production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
When Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses?
Wear them when using screens to reduce eye strain and glare. Use them at night or in the evening to minimize blue light’s impact on your circadian rhythm.
Who Can Wear Blue Light Glasses?
Anyone can wear blue light glasses safely, including kids. They’re suitable for people who spend a lot of time in front of screens, especially after sunset.
Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses When On My Phone?
Yes, because phones emit blue light, too. Evening use may help you sleep better. Use them during the day to reduce eye strain.
Conclusion
High-quality blue light glasses with the right tint can help in several ways; reducing eye strain and improving sleep quality are two prominent benefits.
You can use blue light glasses to protect your eyes from this high-intensity light. Wear them when you’re in front of screens, if you use devices in the evening or at night, or if you have light sensitivity.
However, these glasses can’t fix everything. You need to pair them up with healthy habits like practicing the 20-20-20 rule, giving your eyes regular rest, and avoiding screens before sleep.
