How Blue Light Glasses Work

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Blue light is of relatively new concern, based on the proliferation of screens in our daily lives. A popular solution to the exposure our eyes get to blue light is to wear—appropriately named—blue light glasses. These don’t block 100% of blue light, but they can reduce exposure to the point that they’re worth considering. You can ask your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA for more specifics, but if you’re curious about how they work, here’s some helpful information.

Filtering vs. Blocking Blue Light

Not all blue light glasses work the same way. For instance, you can’t shell out for a pair of Bono-like glasses and think they’ll help your eyes as well as shield you from blue light. (Anyway, Bono reportedly wears his trademark trendy lenses to help with a different eye condition.) Just be careful which lenses you buy. Some lenses filter a percentage of blue light while still allowing some to pass through, making them ideal for daytime use. Others are designed to block almost all blue light, typically featuring a yellow or amber tint. These stronger lenses are often recommended for evening use to help reduce melatonin disruption.

Lens Coatings and Materials

Most blue light glasses use special coatings or embedded materials that selectively absorb blue light wavelengths. Unlike standard anti-reflective coatings, which reduce glare from screens and overhead lighting, blue light coatings specifically target the high-energy visible light range. Some advanced lenses also include anti-glare and anti-fatigue technology to enhance visual comfort.

Blue light glasses aren’t a replacement for common sense. Obviously the tip of your nose shouldn’t hit the computer screen, for instance. But they can be useful. If you struggle with eye comfort or eye strain, blue light glasses shouldn’t be your first step; a visit to your optometrist for an eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA is what you need. Contact us today to book it!

Do Blue Light Glasses Actually Work?

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Have you heard of blue light glasses? They aren’t really blue, but the makers of blue light glasses claim that the lenses block a large percentage of the blue light that’s emitted from screens. It’s a good idea. With more people spending hours in front of screens, there have been more reported incidences of troublesome eyes, according to optometrists in Pittsburgh, PA. But just because blue light glasses makers make these claims, does that mean they really work? And is blue light such a big deal that you should invest in blue light glasses?

What is Blue Light and Why is it a Concern?

You can’t see blue light, but it’s definitely there. In fact, if you’re reading this, you’re being exposed to blue light right now. Or rather, your eyes are, since your eyes absorb light. If they didn’t, you’d be blind as a bat, because light is the reason that we can see anything. Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light emitted by digital screens, LED lighting, and even the sun. Excessive screen time—and the resulting exposure to blue light— can contribute to dry eyes, eye discomfort and even potential sleep disturbances.

Can Blue Light Glasses Reduce Eye Strain?

While blue light glasses may provide some relief, taking regular breaks and adjusting screen settings is also an effective way to reduce discomfort. Still, technology is so new that science really doesn’t have long-term data on this. After all, most of us can still remember years in our childhood where home computers didn’t even exist. End result? It’s too early to have a definitive answer to this question.

Do They Help With Sleep?

Exposure to blue light in the evening does suppress melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Avoiding blue light a few hours before sleep may be beneficial for those who struggle with sleep disruption due to screen use.

If you suffer from eye strain or dry eyes, don’t try to self-diagnose. Get an eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA at Lappen Eye Care.

Myths and Facts about Blue Light and Your Eyes

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Myths and Facts about Blue Light and Your Eyes

Are your eyes bothering you? If so, you should see an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, to see if there are any underlying issues. It could be dry eyes, allergies, or blue light from your digital devices. There are plenty of myths about blue light from digital devices, so keep reading to learn more!

Myth: Blue Light from Digital Devices Is Always Harmful to Your Eyes

Fact: Continual exposure to blue light over long periods of time could possibly result in damage to your retinal cells, causing vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. However, there is nothing conclusive that shows blue light from digital devices is always harmful to your eyes.

Myth: Blue Light from Digital Screens Causes Permanent Eye Damage

Fact: Blue light does have the potential to cause eye strain, but that strain alone won’t cause any permanent damage to your eyes. However, high-intensity blue light from any source could potentially be hazardous to your eyes. But there isn’t any official scientific evidence at this time that indicates blue light from a digital device causes permanent eye damage.

Myth: Blue Light Screen Filters Protect You from All Eye Issues?

Fact: Blue light screen filters and blue light-blocking glasses won’t protect your eyes from all eye issues. However, they can help reduce eye strain while helping to keep your circadian rhythm balanced. Schedule an eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA, to see if you are a candidate for blue light-blocking glasses.

Do You Need an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA?

If you need an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, please Contact Lappen Eye Care today. We have a local optometry practice and optical boutique with highly skilled eye doctors and a large selection of eyewear and sunglasses. And we only use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and technology to ensure you receive the best eye care available.