Blue light glasses have been gaining popularity over the past year, but do they really help? Learn more about these particular frames and whether they’re actually worth buying.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are designed to block out the blue light waves that are emitted by our electronics. These short, high-energy wavelengths are known to play a key role in maintaining our body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is why many scientists believe that the blue light from your devices can throw off our natural sleep patterns. But some scientists believe that the impact of these wavelengths goes far beyond our sleep patterns and can also damage our vision. Some studies suggest that exposure to blue light may, in fact, have the potential to cause retinal damage over time and lead to macular degeneration at high doses.
Do They Work?
Many people who have tried blue light glasses believe in the benefits of the technology. You can find a number of testimonials online from people who swear by them for reducing eye fatigue, eye irritation, and even headaches. On the science end of things, there’s not a lot of research to prove that these glasses make much of a difference, but there are differing opinions with many eye professionals touting their ability to add more protection for the eyes.
Will They Work for Me?
If you work on a laptop or spend hours each day using your phone, blue light glasses might be able to provide some benefits to you by filtering out the wavelengths associated with the light. On the other hand, if you are experiencing eye strain, blurry vision or headaches and you don’t spend much time in front of a blue light-emitting device, your symptoms might be a sign of another underlying problem. Regardless of the direct cause, it’s important to talk to an optometrist when you start to experience any of the above symptoms on a regular basis. They will test your eyes, assess your symptoms, and provide you with the right treatment option for your needs.
If you spend hours in front of a screen or are experiencing eye strain, blurry vision, or headaches, come see us at Laurier Optical. Blue light from your devices could be the culprit, but we’ll make sure it’s not something more serious. If you need a specialty pair of glasses, we can also help. We stock all the latest, innovative eyewear and contacts for a whole range of vision conditions.