If you’re considering giving blue light glasses men a try, you may be concerned about their effects on your eyes or vision. But rest assured, GUNNAR lenses won’t damage either one!
Other than using blue light filters, other ways of limiting exposure include limiting digital devices at least 1 hour prior to bedtime and following the 20-20-20 rule.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light, part of the visible electromagnetic spectrum, has shorter wavelengths than violet and infrared light sources like sunlight and digital screens on smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices.
Long-term exposure can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep cycles by suppressing melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep, while simultaneously increasing alpha brainwave activity that promotes alertness. Furthermore, exposure may increase your risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and corneal growths.
Blue-light filters and yellow tinted lenses may reduce some of these negative impacts; however, no research has yet demonstrated whether or not filtering blue light helps alleviate eyestrain and fatigue or enhance visual acuity or contrast sensitivity.
Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Blue light glasses (also referred to as computer glasses or anti-blue light glasses) are intended to filter out HEV light from digital screens that causes strain on eyes, headaches and sleep disruption, protecting retinal cells while protecting eyes from damage.
Blue light glasses may be popular, but scientific evidence does not support their efficacy in relieving eye strain caused by digital screens. Instead, experts advise staying at least arm’s length away from screens and looking away every 20 minutes to relieve symptoms of digital eye strain. Adjusting lighting or using artificial tears for dry eyes may also provide relief from symptoms.
However, a small 2019 study demonstrated that wearing blue-light-filtering glasses before bed could improve both sleep quality and duration. If you’re curious to give this practice a try, consult your optometrist for guidance – some frames come equipped with built-in blue light lenses while others feature tints to limit exposure to blue light rays. In addition, standalone frames with these lenses can also be found online through websites.
Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?
Blue light lenses do not protect against ultraviolet rays, so sunglasses must be worn when viewing digital screens outdoors. Luckily, though, the amount of blue light emitted from digital screens does not cause irreparable damage to eyes or vision even with prolonged exposure.
Most blue light glasses block at least some of the blue light wavelengths that disrupt circadian rhythm and reduce melatonin production, as well as provide amber tinted lenses to further decrease screen brightness, thereby relieving eye strain and fatigue.
While limiting screen time can help mitigate its harmful effects, this isn’t always feasible for those working from home or spending extended time on their phones. A recent market test by Digital Performance Eyewear revealed that participants who wore blue light glasses experienced reduced symptoms of digital eye strain as well as improved sleep.
Are Blue Light Glasses Safe?
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports there’s little substantial evidence to show blue light glasses are effective at relieving digital eye strain or supporting healthy sleep cycles; however, they may provide some benefit to people struggling to fall asleep due to work-from-home screens or late-night habits.
These glasses feature orange or yellow tints to filter out many of the blue wavelengths responsible for distancing circadian rhythm and inhibiting your body from producing enough melatonin to aid with sleep. Many models also come equipped with anti-glare coating, which cuts back on light reflection from lenses for reduced eye strain during extended screen use.
Conclusion
If you already wear prescription glasses, most retailers featured in our guide offer blue light-blocking add-on lenses at an additional cost. It is wise to test any pair that interests you before buying it, wearing them throughout your regular workday and after hour’s activities to evaluate its comfort level, durability, and performance.