Blue Light Glasses: Do They Really Work?

You've probably seen blue light glasses popping up everywhere lately. But what exactly are they and do they really work? Blue light is a type of light that's emitted from screens, like your computer, phone, or TV. Too much blue light exposure can cause digital eye strain, which can lead to eye fatigue and headaches. It can also disrupt your sleep cycle if you're exposed to it at night. That's where blue light glasses come in. By filtering out the blue light, they help reduce eye strain and fatigue. They also allow you to keep working or scrolling through social media without disrupting your sleep cycle. But do they really work? Let's take a closer look.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a type of light that's on the shorter wavelength end of the visible light spectrum. That means it has more energy than other wavelengths of light. And when that blue light hits your eyes, it scatters more than other colors of light. That scattered blue light is what causes eye strain, dryness, and even headaches.

But blue light isn't all bad. In fact, it's an important part of our natural wake-and-sleep cycle. Sunlight is the main source of blue light, and during the day, it helps keep us alert and focused. But at night, blue light signals our brains to start winding down for sleep. The problem is that screens emit blue light 24/7, which can disrupt our natural sleep cycles and lead to sleep deprivation. 

How Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

Blue light glasses work by reducing the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. There are two main types of blue light glasses: those with clear lenses and those with yellow-tinted lenses. Both types claim to filter out harmful blue light while still allowing beneficial blue light to reach your eyes. However, there's little evidence that either type of lens is any more effective than the other.

Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?

There is some scientific evidence that suggests blue light glasses can help reduce digital eye strain and fatigue. One study found that participants who wore blue light glasses for two hours while using computers showed significantly less eye strain than those who didn't wear the glasses. Another study found that participants who wore blue block out lenses had less difficulty focusing than those who didn't wear the lenses. However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of blue light glasses.

If you're looking for a way to reduce digital eye strain and fatigue, blue light glasses may be worth a try. While more research is needed to confirm their efficacy, there is some evidence that suggests they may help reduce symptoms associated with too much screen time. If you decide to give them a go, make sure you choose a pair that's comfortable to wear and designed to filter out at least 90% of blue light.