Blue light glasses have been around for a few years now and have always been popular with people spend long hours staring at their computer screens – gamers and office workers mostly. The idea is that the blue lens on the glasses is supposed to cut out some of the more harmful light from the computer monitor and therefore, reduce the strain on the eyes and the muscles around them.
Reportedly, the global pandemic has had a massive impact on sales of these glasses the world over. People are spending more time on their computers and phones, and less time going out due to lockdowns and social distancing regulations. Videoconferencing has taken the place of many things – meetings, conferences, social outings, concerts and even theatre.
A Lack Of Research
There is not a lot of research done on the subject of blue light glasses and whether or not they actually do prevent eye problems. This is because the glasses are still a fairly new concept and the long-term impact of them hasn’t been tested yet. It’s not to say that they don’t help ease the strain – many people claim they feel a lot better when they wear them – but the evidence is mostly anecdotal.
Blue light is a large part of our current lifestyle. We spend many hours staring at our computers, tablets and smartphones, whether we’re working or play to win jackpots – all of which have this harmful blue light. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the UK College of Optometrists both say that it is the way and the amount that we use these devices that is the problem, and do not recommend wearing blue lens glasses as a way to let us use devices for longer.
Many optometrists around the world accept that as a general rule, people should not expect blue light glasses to be a cure-all. However, some individuals can really benefit from the use of them. It all depends on your particular body and your eyesight.
Better Sleeping Patterns
It has long been said that the lights from screens – especially computers and smartphones – can prevent us from falling asleep. This is because the blue light tricks our brains into thinking that it is still daylight and our bodies don’t begin the process of relaxing and preparing for sleep if we are looking at our phones or laptops before bedtime.
Studies have shown that people who use blue light glasses find it far easier to fall asleep because their bodies do start to produce melatonin at the correct time. This allows people to continue to be productive at night without suffering from a lack of sleep later on. These same studies are why a number of devices have a night mode now, which switches the light coming from the screen to a much warmer tone.The flip side to this argument is, of course, to simply reduce your screen time in the evenings. Switch to reading a book rather than scrolling through social media just before you go to bed. It will save you the need to buy blue light glasses.
