Have you ever heard of blue light glasses? Maybe you’ve seen people wearing them while using their computers, playing video games, or even watching TV. Teenagers are telling their parents that they “need” these glasses but is it just a fashion trend? These special glasses are said to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of blue light. But do they really work, and are they good for preventing eye fatigue? What about if you have had LASIK? Can you still wear them?
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Understanding Blue Light:
Before we can figure out if blue light glasses are helpful, we need to know a bit about what blue light is. Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum, and it’s all around us. It comes from the sun, digital screens (like phones and computers), and even indoor lighting.
The Problem with Too Much Blue Light:
While blue light is a natural part of our environment, too much of it, especially from screens, can be a problem. Some people say that too much blue light exposure can lead to eye strain and eye fatigue. It might also affect your sleep by disrupting your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), making it harder to fall asleep at night.
How Blue Light Glasses Work:
Blue light glasses are designed to block or reduce the amount of blue light that enters your eyes. They have a special coating that filters out a portion of the blue light, helping to protect your eyes from the potential harm. Some blue light glasses are clear, so you can’t even tell they’re there, while others have a slightly yellow or amber tint.
Do Blue Light Glasses Help Prevent Eye Fatigue or Eye Strain?
Now, here comes the big question: Do blue light glasses actually help with eye fatigue? The answer is a bit complicated.
The Yes Side:
Some people swear by blue light glasses and say they’ve helped reduce their eye strain. These glasses can be especially useful for those who spend a lot of time in front of screens for work or play. By reducing the amount of blue light entering their eyes, they may experience less discomfort and fatigue.
The No Side:
On the other hand, some experts argue that there’s not enough concrete evidence to prove that blue light glasses are the magic solution for preventing eye strain and fatigue. They say that taking regular breaks, adjusting screen settings, and having good lighting in your workspace can be just as effective in reducing eye discomfort.
Do blue light glasses work?
So, what’s the verdict? Well, it depends on your personal situation. Yes, people who have undergone LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery can wear blue light glasses, just like anyone else. LASIK is a surgical procedure used to correct vision problems, particularly nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After LASIK, many people experience improved vision and reduced or eliminated reliance on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
However, it’s important to note that while LASIK can correct refractive vision issues, it does not address other aspects of eye health, such as sensitivity to glare or eye strain from extended screen time. Some people may still experience digital eye strain, which can result from prolonged exposure to screens emitting blue light, even after LASIK surgery.
Can I Use Blue Light Glasses After LASIK?
To alleviate digital eye strain or reduce the potential effects of blue light exposure, LASIK patients can use blue light glasses. Wearing blue light glasses after LASIK surgery can be especially beneficial for those who spend significant time in front of digital screens, whether for work or leisure. After staring at screens for a long time, trying blue light glasses might be a good idea. They could make a difference for you.
But remember, it’s essential to take other steps to protect your eyes as well. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain. Also, make sure your workspace has proper lighting and that you aren’t using screens in the dark.
Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of LASIK, but also any risks of LASIK that may pertain to your individual needs and circ*mstances.
FAQs
But while blue light glasses do help protect your sleep-wake cycle from blue light, they aren't so effective in preventing computer vision syndrome, eye strain caused by prolonged exposure to a device screen. Symptoms of CVS include: Dry, itchy eyes. Red eyes.
What do eye doctors say about blue light glasses? ›
“The companies that manufacture blue light glasses say that staring at screens can cause eye or retinal damage, but there is no research backing this up,” Dr. Thaker explains. “The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that you don't need them, and it doesn't recommend any special eyewear for computer users.”
Do blue light glasses actually have benefits? ›
Research has consistently indicated a connection between disrupted sleep and susceptibility to depression and anxiety. Blue light lenses can effectively regulate our sleep-wake cycle and indirectly support mental health. These lenses promote healthier sleep patterns and overall well-being.
When should you not wear blue light glasses? ›
You should not be wearing your blue light glasses when your are outside in natural sunlight. Blue light glasses are designed to help filter out artificial blue light wavelengths, not natural blue light wavelengths.
Are blue light filter glasses bad for your eyes? ›
The short answer is no, blue light glasses will not damage or hurt your eyes. In fact, they are built to do the opposite. The real problem is the excess blue light we receive from our screens, which has been scientifically proven to cause digital eye strain, disruption to sleep cycles, and mental fatigue.
Are blue light glasses a gimmick? ›
“They mostly don't work for the things that they're advertised for,” says Dr. Craig See, an ophthalmologist with the Cleveland Clinic. Blue light glasses are largely marketed as a solution to eye strain and as a protectant for the retina. Their effectiveness is not backed up by the science, however.
What happens if you wear blue light glasses all the time? ›
You shouldn't experience any negative effects from wearing blue light glasses all the time. Though it's worth mentioning, you could notice some subtle vision changes because of the blue filter in the lenses. Blue light isn't the only thing linked to digital eye strain.
Is there a point to wearing blue light glasses? ›
Blue-light-blocking glasses have filters in their lenses that block or absorb blue light, and in some cases UV light, from getting through. That means if you use these glasses when looking at a screen, especially after dark, they can help reduce exposure to blue light waves that can keep you awake.
Are blue light glasses covered by insurance? ›
The answer depends on your insurance plan and specific circ*mstances. Some insurance plans cover blue light filtering lenses, and some may cover them if you meet certain criteria, like having a medical condition that necessitates their use or a job that involves a lot of screen time.
Are blue light glasses prescription worth it? ›
Several studies suggest that blue light-blocking glasses do not improve symptoms of digital eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light-blocking glasses because of the lack of scientific evidence that blue light is damaging to the eyes.
It's completely safe (and a great idea) to wear blue light glasses all day, to avoid as much blue light exposure as possible. Stoggles offers safety glasses with blue light filtering lenses that are safe, effective, comfortable, and definitely stylish enough to be worn all day.
Is it OK to drive with blue light glasses? ›
While blue light glasses won't correct your vision, they may help you see more clearly while driving at night. Luckily, the coatings and tinted lenses on blue light glasses don't only block the blue light from screens. They also reduce glare by scattering the blue light from these light sources.
Should you wear blue light glasses while watching TV? ›
You should definitely wear a precision pair of blue light blocking glasses when watching the TV, this includes watching daytime television shows. There is too much high intensity blue light present from television screens so you need to filter it down to protect against digital eyestrain and headaches.
What are the disadvantages of blue light? ›
Constant exposure to blue light over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye.
Why don't blue light glasses work? ›
Blue light-filtering lenses typically block only about 10% to 25% of blue light, and screens don't emit much anyway, said Rosenfield, who wasn't involved with the new research. “The sun is far and away the biggest source of blue light.
How to tell if blue light glasses work? ›
You can start by noticing the reflection that is reflected off the lens of your glasses once you wear them. If it is the reflection colour is blue, then that means your glasses are reflecting some amount of blue light. If not, then they are probably not useful.
Do blue light glasses need to be prescribed? ›
Blue light blocking glasses are specifically-purposed eyeglasses developed to be used when looking at digital screens. They help reduce eye strain, improve sleep cycles and prevent headaches and migraines, but can we wear blue light glasses without prescription? The answer is yes!
How can you tell if someone is wearing blue light glasses? ›
Use The Lens Reflection Test
A good test at home is to pop your computer glasses on and see what colour the light is that is reflecting off the lenses. If it's blue light that's reflecting off them then you know they are filtering some blue light.
Should you get blue light in your glasses? ›
“The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light-blocking glasses because of the lack of scientific evidence that blue light is damaging to the eyes. ”
