What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Today’s digital world has led to a dramatic increase in the amount of time people spend in front of digital screens.

While technology offers many advantages, there are also risks associated with excessive screen time. With so many people relying on their digital screens to work, study, stream entertainment, play games and socialize, these risks are nearly impossible to avoid.

Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to combat these issues head-on. At Laguna Eyes Optometry in Laguna Beach, we'll help you find your perfect pair for ultimate eye comfort and eye health.

But First, What Exactly Is Blue Light?

Sunlight consists of a rainbow of colors, known as the visible light spectrum, which ranges from red to blue light. The blue light, also called high energy visible (HEV) light, has the shortest wavelength and carries the highest amount of energy.

In appropriate doses, natural blue light exposure can be beneficial to your physical and mental health. It can improve your memory and mood, boost alertness and regulate your body’s natural sleep/wake cycle.

However, many people are exposed to more blue light than ever before. In addition to the natural blue light emitted by the sun, all digital screens emit a low level of blue light, which can lead to symptoms of digital eye strain: headaches, eye fatigue, blurry vision, dry eyes and neck pain.

Prolonged blue light exposure has also been linked to insomnia, and scientists are now investigating whether there’s a link between blue light and eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts.

What Do Blue Light Glasses Do?

Blue light glasses contain specialized lenses that filter out blue light to reduce the negative effects associated with blue light exposure.

Because blue light has a high frequency energy, the eyes can’t focus as sharply and as easily as the other colors on the light spectrum. The scattered light causes a glare on the screen that impacts the clarity of your vision, leading to eye strain and fatigue.

Blue light glasses contain yellow-tinted lenses to reduce glare, increase contrast and improve visual clarity, so you won’t have to worry about digital eye strain and headaches affecting your productivity or screen time experience.

Blue light glasses are available with or without a prescription and are customized to meet your visual needs and lifestyle.

When Should You Wear Blue Light Glasses?

Whether you spend hours on the computer at work, are writing a research paper for school or just scrolling through social media on your phone, blue light-blocking glasses can make a world of difference.

That’s especially true at night, when blue light exposure can affect your natural sleep cycle and make it harder for you to fall — and stay — asleep.

So before you turn on your screen, pop on a pair of blue light glasses. Your eyes will thank you later.

Think you can benefit from blue light glasses? Call Laguna Eyes Optometry in Laguna Beach today and we'll help you find the perfect pair.

Q: Are there blue light glasses for kids?

• A: Yes! Nowadays, children and teens are exposed to digital screens more than ever. Wearing blue light glasses can protect them from digital eye strain and may even help them fall asleep easier at night and sleep more soundly. That’s why many eye doctors recommend that kids wear blue light-blocking glasses any time they use a digital device.

Q: How long before bed should you avoid blue light?

• A: Blue light exposure before bedtime can delay the production of melatonin — the sleep hormone stimulated by darkness — signaling to your brain that it’s still daytime.So try to put your digital device away 2 to 3 hours before you plan to go to bed. This will give your body a chance to produce enough melatonin to help your body relax and fall asleep.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Laguna Eyes Optometry for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.