Do Blue Light Glasses Really Help with Eye Strain?

You may be wondering if blue light glasses really help with eye strain, or if it’s just a bunch of hype to charge more for glasses. Chanel’s square blue light glasses are currently trending, as are other high-end fashionable blue light glasses.

As someone who is on the computer for an extended amount of time daily, I can attest to the fact that blue light blocking glasses do indeed help!

In our screen-dominated world, we’re exposed to blue light more than ever before. From smartphones and computers to tablets and TVs, digital devices emit significant amounts of blue light that can impact our eyes and overall well-being.

Enter blue light glasses—a popular solution for combating the effects of prolonged screen use. But what exactly are blue light glasses, and how do they help with eye strain?

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that is naturally emitted by the sun and artificially produced by digital screens and LED lighting.

While some exposure to blue light during the day can boost alertness and improve mood, excessive exposure—especially in the evening—can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and contribute to digital eye strain.

This digital eye strain can also lead to headaches and migraines in people that are sensitive to it, like me.

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are specially designed eyewear that filters or blocks a portion of blue light emitted by digital screens.

They often feature lenses with a coating that reduces glare and minimizes the amount of blue light reaching your eyes. The lenses are not blue, and they don’t make anything appear blue.

Sometimes you’ll see yellow lenses, but most glasses these days have a coating that is barely detectable.

Available in prescription and non-prescription options, these glasses have gained popularity among people who spend long hours in front of screens for work, study, or entertainment.

I tend to purchase them by the pack on Amazon, because I always lose my readers. I recently got the set below for just $13. Click here to see them on Amazon

Benefits of Blue Light Glasses

Reducing Digital Eye Strain

One of the primary benefits of these glasses is their ability to alleviate digital eye strain. Symptoms of digital eye strain include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck or shoulder pain—all of which can result from staring at screens for extended periods. Blue light glasses reduce the intensity of blue light, making it easier for your eyes to focus and reducing discomfort.

Improving Sleep Quality

Excessive blue light exposure, especially before bedtime, can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Blue light glasses can help mitigate this issue by filtering out the disruptive wavelengths, allowing your body to maintain its natural sleep rhythm. Wearing these glasses in the evening can lead to better sleep quality and improved overall health.

Enhancing Visual Comfort

By reducing glare and blue light exposure, these glasses make screen use more comfortable, particularly for those who work on computers or spend long hours gaming. The added comfort can improve productivity and focus, as well as reduce the fatigue associated with prolonged screen time.

Preventing Potential Long-Term Eye Damage

Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of conditions like macular degeneration over time. While research is ongoing, blue light glasses offer a proactive approach to reducing exposure and protecting your eyes for the long term.

Are Blue Light Glasses Right for You?

If you find yourself experiencing discomfort (headaches, eye strain, etc.) during or after screen use, struggling with sleep disturbances, or simply wanting to protect your eyes, blue light glasses might be worth considering.

They are particularly beneficial for those who spend more than two hours a day in front of screens—a group that includes most people in today’s digital age.

Blue Light Glasses are Worth a Try!

Blue light glasses are more than just a trendy accessory; they are a practical solution for managing the challenges of modern screen use and excessive screen time.

By reducing eye strain, enhancing visual comfort, improving sleep quality, and potentially safeguarding long-term eye health, these glasses can make a noticeable difference in your daily life. I’ve personally made a switch to making sure all my readers have the blue light filter coating and no longer get headaches from staring at my screen all day.