Do you find yourself staring at your computer screen for hours on end? Staring at our devices for a long time can put a strain on our eyes, leaving us fatigue, tense, sleepless, and with a terrible headache.
It is not only because you are staring at the computer screen without a break, the main issue is what these devices are radiating, also known as bluelight. . Although it may sound harmless, being exposed to blue light for long hours without protection it is harmful to our eyes. That is where blue light blocking glasses come in handy.
WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
The spectrum of light that is visible to us contains an array of colours including blue and violet at the lower end of the spectrum and yellow and red on the higher end.
Blue light has a short wavelength but emits a lot of energy, which is why it is also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light. It is the same HEV light that makes the sky appears blue. Interestingly to know, blue light does not appear blue to the naked eye.
Sunlight is the biggest source of blue light , however, there are many man-made sources of blue light including TVs, laptops, computers, smartphones, and tablets The blue light coming from these gadgets are much brighter and of shorter wavelength, meaning it’s more bluish.
Even though these gadgets emit only a tiny amount of HEV light that the sun emits, the amount of time we spend in front of these devices can have an immediate and long-term impact on our health.
HOW DOES BLUE LIGHT AFFECT YOUR EYES?
Blue light affects our health in many ways, although it is not all bad, extreme exposure to it can be harmful. Exposure to blue light in the right amount can offer several benefits, it can keep us alert, improve our cognitive function, boost our memories, and elevate our moods. However, the wrong kind of exposure can have both short-term and long-term problems include:
- Sleep Problem
The human eye has a sensing mechanism that detects when it is daylight and when it is not. These sensors typically react to blue light and when there are a lot, our brains decipher that it is daytime. Therefore, blue light is directly connected to our circadian rhythm – the cycle that senses when our body is alert and tired.
Blue light is useful in the daytime as it helps improve attention, mood, and reaction times. According to Harvard Health, blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin in our bodies, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycles.
So, when you are exposed to blue light at night, your body does not secrete enough melatonin, and your brain continues to receive the signal that it is daytime, affecting your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
If you like to stay up late, be sure to wear blue light glasses to block this harmful light.
- Digital eye strain
Blue light can also result in digital eye strain, with its short, high-energy wavelength, blue light scatters far more easily and it is not as easily targeted.
So, when you are staring at electronic gadgets, the unfocused visual “noise” tends to reduce contract, which results in digital eye strain.
- Macular degeneration
Our eyes are not adept at blocking blue light. The cornea and lens can block UV rays from entering the retina, but blue light can easily penetrate there.
Constant exposure to blue light can increase the risk of macular degeneration (AMD), in order to properly block blue light, you will need blue light glasses.
BLUE LIGHT GLASSES CAN HELP
If your eyes feel strained after all that screen time, it is time to invest in a pair of quality blue eyeglasses, featuring lenses that can block blue light. These glasses are a must-have if you find yourself staring at a digital screen all day long.
Blue light blocking glasses will help reduce the possible damage to your eye while improving the symptoms of digital eye strain. Even if you do not wear prescription glasses, consider investing in a pair of glasses with blue light blocking technology to prevent further damages.
Here are some benefits of wearing blue light glasses:
The human eye is not built for modern digital gadgets. The eye’s cornea and lens are not great at filtering HEV light from reaching the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, which receives light.
Excessive exposure to blue light can damage the light-sensitive cells in the retina and can cause digital eye strain and, in some cases, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Blue light glasses can improve your focus and minimize eye strain, ensuring your eyes do not feel tired and thereby improving your productivity. By effectively blocking blue light, these glasses enable you to use your digital screens at night while still getting a good night’s sleep. With blue light blocking glasses, you can prevent serious conditions like AMD.
RECOMMENDED BLUE LIGHT GLASSES
USEFUL TIPS TO MINIMIZE THE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT
- Sunlight – Bathing to natural light may sounds ironic but exposure to natural light (including blue light) will aid in reinforcing the circadian rhythm. However, make sure to protect your eyes from UV rays and blue light by using suitable glasses.
- Give your eyes a break – When possible, take a break from staring at digital screens this will bring an instant relief to your eyes.
- Avoid using screens an hour before bedtime – Avoid using bright screens at least an hour before bedtime. This will ensure your circadian rhythm is not affected and you will get a good night’s rest.
- Reduce the blue light emitting from your digital devices – You can easily change the colour of your tablet, smartphone, or computer screen to reduce blue light. If your gadget does not have this feature, apps like Night Shift and Twilight can get the job done.
- Use blue light glasses – Using blue light blocking glasses is the easiest way to reduce the impact of blue light on your eyes and health.