You are probably doing this right now - looking at a computer, phone or tablet that is emitting blue light.
Staring at any of these for an extended period of time can lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a unique type of eye strain that causes symptoms such as dry eyes, redness, headaches, and blurred vision.
One solution proposed by eyewear manufacturers is blue light blocking glasses. They are said to block potentially dangerous blue light emitted by electronics. But whether these goggles actually reduce eye strain is up for debate.
Blue light is a wavelength that naturally occurs in light, including sunlight. Blue light has a shorter wavelength compared to other types of light. This is important because doctors have associated short-wavelength light with an increased risk of eye damage.
While many electronic devices, including light bulbs, emit blue light, computer screens and televisions generally emit more blue light than other electronics. This is because computers and televisions usually use liquid crystal displays or LCDs. These screens may look very crisp and bright, but they also emit more blue light than non-LCD screens.
However, Blu-ray isn't all that bad. Because this wavelength is created by the sun, it can increase alertness, signaling it's time to get up and start the day.
Much of the research on blue light and eye damage has been done in animals or under controlled laboratory conditions. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly how blue light affects people in real life scenarios.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the blue light emitted by electronic devices does not cause eye disease. They prefer to use other methods to improve their sleep, such as avoiding screens altogether for an hour or two before bed.
To reduce the damage and potential negative effects of prolonged exposure to blue light, eyewear manufacturers have developed eyeglass lenses with special coatings or tints designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes.
The idea behind blue light blocking glasses is that wearing them can reduce eye strain, eye damage and sleep disturbance. But there isn't a lot of research to support the claim that glasses can actually do this.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing glasses instead of contact lenses if you spend a lot of time looking at electronic devices. This is because wearing glasses is less likely to cause dry and irritated eyes with prolonged use of contact lenses.
Theoretically, blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain. But this has not been conclusively proven by research.
A 2017 review looked at three separate trials involving blue light blocking glasses and eye strain. The authors found no reliable evidence that blue-light blocking glasses are associated with improved vision, less eye strain, or improved sleep quality.
A small 2017 study involved 36 subjects wearing blue-light glasses or taking a placebo. Researchers found that people who wore blue light glasses for two hours of computer work experienced less eye fatigue, itching, and eye pain than those who did not wear blue light glasses.
In a 2021 study of 120 participants, participants were asked to wear blue-light blocking goggles or clear goggles and complete a task on a computer that lasted 2 hours. When the study ended, the researchers found no difference in eye fatigue between the two groups.
Prices for over-the-counter blue light blocking glasses range from $13 to $60. Prescription blue light blocking glasses are more expensive. Prices will depend on the type of frame you choose and can range from $120 to $200.
If you have health insurance and need prescription blue light blocking glasses, your insurance may cover some of the cost.
Although blue light blocking glasses are available from many retail outlets, they are not endorsed by the major eye professional societies.
But if you want to try blue light blocking glasses, keep a few things in mind:
If you're not sure if blue light blocking glasses are right for you, or if they're right for you, you can start with a pair of inexpensive glasses that are comfortable to wear.
The effectiveness of blue light blocking glasses has not been confirmed by numerous studies. However, if you sit at a computer or watch TV for an extended period of time, you can still try them to see if they help reduce eye strain and improve symptoms such as dry eyes and redness.
You can also reduce eye strain by taking a 10-minute hourly break from your computer or digital device, using eye drops, and wearing glasses instead of contact lenses.
If you are concerned about eye strain, talk to your doctor or ophthalmologist about other helpful ways to reduce any symptoms of eye strain you may be experiencing.
Our experts are constantly monitoring health and wellness and update our articles as new information becomes available.
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Post time: Jan-23-2023