Do Blue Light Glasses Make a Difference?
May 19, 2022
Computer screens and handheld electronic devices are a fact of life for most of us. We spend the majority of our days looking at the blue light that emanates from them, and at the end of the day, our eyes are tired, dry, and irritated. The blue light from digital screens adversely affects your eyes as well as your internal timing system that notifies you when you’re supposed to be asleep or awake. This is called your circadian rhythm, and our digital devices and their screens wreak havoc on it. Blue light glasses are the latest trend to address this problem, but do they really work?
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are spectacles that are specially made to filter the blue light from electronic devices. The manufacturers claim that they can reduce damage to the retina that can occur due to prolonged exposure to the light from your digital devices.
Are Blue Light Glasses Effective?
Research on blue light glasses isn’t conclusive as to their effectiveness. Although some individuals swear by them, some don’t seem to notice that they help. In addition, some ophthalmologists assert that the discomfort caused by staring at a screen for a long time isn’t actually caused by the blue light, but from eye strain and dryness. The dryness occurs because many people don’t blink enough when they’re working on the computer or on their digital devices, so their eyes can’t relax.
Are There Alternatives to Blue Light Glasses?
There are alternatives to purchasing blue light glasses, such as the following:
- Sit further from the screen. The closer you are to the computer monitor, the more likely you’ll be to strain your eyes and experience dryness.
- Lubricate your eyes periodically. Using eye drops periodically during the day will eliminate dryness.
- Turn off devices before sleep. Since blue light has been proven to disrupt your sleep during the night, get in the habit of turning off all the digital devices in your bedroom at least one hour before you retire for the night.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something that’s 20 feet away and look for 20 seconds.If you follow the 20-20-20 rule, your eyes will feel better.
Your eyes will feel better, they’ll be less dry, and you’ll reduce your eye strain.
Schedule An Appointment
If you’re having trouble with your eyes due to eye strain from digital devices, then call Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology in Falls Church, Virginia for an appointment. Our staff of ophthalmologists is among the best in the area and we can help you regain your good eye health. Call us today for an appointment, or you can schedule an appointment online at your convenience.
