According to research, up to 30 percent of adults spend most of their time on digital devices. This is why many people experience digital eye strain, frequent headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and more. The most commonly used digital devices include:
- Televisions.
- Smartphones.
- Desktops.
- Laptops.
- Tablets.
- Video games.
People love the entertainment and connectivity provided by digital devices. However, you need to consider what this increased digital screen time means to your eye health. You should start thinking about how best to protect your eyes from high-energy visible light emitted from digital devices.
Do Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses Work?
Many people are purchasing special glasses to protect their eyes from the harmful effects of blue light on their eyes. Since the pandemic hit, digital screens are an even bigger part of people’s lives. Think about the video meeting and zoom calls you have to make, as well as the tempting Netflix binges. All that screen time can leave you with dry and tired eyes.
About Blue Light
Manufacturers and sellers of blue-light-blocking eyewear market the product as a great solution. They claim that blue light lenses minimize the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. Blue light is one of the many hues of the visible light spectrum and is the supposed cause of various ocular woes. You need to understand that there is much more to light than meets the eye, no pun intended.
Along with genetics, occupation, age, lifestyle, and diet, blue light is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Blue light lenses aim to block the harmful blue light rays, which cover wavelengths from 415 to 455 nm. These wavelengths are common in many modern technologies.
Blue Light Lenses
The sun naturally produces blue light, but so do digital devices. Fluorescent and LED lights, as well as compact fluorescent bulbs, produce blue light, as well. Therefore, blue light is almost everywhere. According to eye specialists, you may benefit from lenses with a special blue light filter. Such lenses can contribute to reduced eyestrain from staring at a digital screen for too long.
Blue light filtering glasses come with special lenses designed to filter out or block the blue light emitted by digital devices. Manufacturers claim that such lenses protect the wearer’s eyes from glare. They can also help minimize potential damage to the user’s retina from prolonged exposure to digital blue light.
How To Choose Digital Screen Protection
People cannot seem to escape or hide from blue light even when they go indoors. Chances are that you always find yourself sitting in front of a television, PC, or using your smartphone. If this is the case, you should ask your eye doctor to recommend a good pair of blue-light-blocking lenses for indoor use.
However, you need to understand that the blue light generated by the sun is much stronger. It is more likely to cause you harm than digital blue light. Therefore, you need to do more than simply protecting your eyes from digital blue light. The type of protective lenses you choose should let in the good light while blocking the harmful blue light.
To learn more about blue light filtering lenses, visit Village Optical at our offices in New Hyde Park, New York. You can also call (516) 352-2316 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.