Many people can remember when they were younger and their parents only allowed a couple of hours of screen time per day. In today’s world, with many of us working on computers, those “couple hours of screen time” are a thing of the past.
One of the things made to combat the hours upon hours staring at a computer screen was the invention of blue light glasses. But do blue light glasses actually work? We’re not doctors by any means, but we did go on quite the journey to design our line of eyewear. Let’s take a look at some of the things we found out while handcrafting our blue light glasses.
How Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
The average person is pushing 11 hours a day of screen time now. This means that you’re often staring at blue-violet light or high-energy visible (HEV) light for a large portion of your day. HEV is the wavelength that most closely resembles the sun’s blue light. We all know how painful it is to stare at the sun so how are we staring at a similar wavelength for so long per day without a blink of an eye? Of course, artificial blue light found in computers, tablets, phones, etc. isn’t quite as strong as the sun’s blue light, but it can add up over time.
Blue light glasses were first invented in the 1960s to assist with this growing issue but became popular beginning in the early 2000s. They work by blocking a percentage of blue light with a special coating on the lenses that reflect it away from your eyes. This design helps reduce digital eye strain and prevent circadian rhythm cycle disruption, which can affect your sleep and overall well-being. The percentage of blue light blocking can vary depending on the pair of glasses. The color of filter lenses can also vary. Some blue light lenses appear more yellow while others remain relatively clear. Both are effective at filtering blue light but a more yellow tint often indicates a higher blocking percentage.
Are There Benefits To Wearing Blue Light Glasses?
The main benefits of blue light glasses include decreased eye strain and improved sleep. This brings us to our question, do blue light glasses work? Since the conception of blue light glasses, there have been and still are large debates and studies being conducted within the medical community about these benefits. Some evidence remains in conclusion mostly because many individuals experience different reactions to artificial blue light. Effects also differ depending on how long an individual is actually looking at artificial blue light. Some people aren’t noticeably bothered by it while others are constantly getting headaches or sleeping poorly because of it. Some signs that you may be experiencing eye strain might include: Shoulder, back, or neck pain; Eye discomfort or strain; Headaches; Blurry or double vision; Dry eyes; Eye fatigue, redness, or itching; And tearing.
While much is still to be discovered when it comes to the benefits of wearing or not wearing blue light glasses, there is conclusive evidence that wearing blue light-blocking glasses can significantly help you sleep better at night. This is particularly true for those who work mainly on a screen Monday through Friday. Of course, if you’re experiencing eye strain or are having trouble sleeping, your eye doctor will be the best person to consult to find a solution that works for you.
Do You Need Blue Light Blocking Glasses?
Whether or not you need blue light glasses largely depends on your own preferences and personal experience with working on screens. But the bottom line? There are no downsides to wearing blue light glasses. If nothing else, they’ll help you sleep better and potentially reduce any eye strain.
Tips For Working Daily on Screens
If you’re one of the many people who work primarily from screens for your job, we’ve put together some tips to help you avoid those screentime woes.
Practice the 20-20-20 rule. This is just a good rule to follow regardless if your eyes are bothering you or not. This rule states that for every 20 minutes of using a digital screen, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Turn on the night shift on your electronics. Many computers, tablets, and phones have a feature called night shift which filters out artificial blue light. This is especially helpful for those who are looking at screens before they go to bed.
Add a blue light filter to your regularly prescribed glasses. If you already wear glasses, there are often options available for you to add a blue light blocking technology into your daily prescription glasses.
Bluelight Glasses From Shinola
If you’re in the market for a screen solution, our eyewear line has you covered. Not a glasses wearer but want the benefits of blue light blocking? We have a signature frame paired with a durable, scratch-resistant CR39 lens with blue-light blocking tech for you. Are you a glasses wearer already? A licensed optician can also help you put your Rx in these prescription-friendly frames. From the material to the design, Shinola blue light glasses are built for the kind of everyday use that only quality frames and lenses can endure. Shop Shinola eyewear and blue light glasses today for a stylish solution to screen-centered work.