Before You Buy: Are Blue Light Glasses Worth It?

You may be thinking about buying blue-light glasses if your gig work has you spending many hours in front of a computer. Even those who do not sit in front of a computer spend a lot of time looking at screens. Are the benefits you receive worth the investment you make? We explore that question in this blog post.

What is the Purpose of Blue-Light Glasses?

Digital screens emit a type of blue light that some people claim can be harmful to the eyes. Blue-light blocking glasses contain a specialty lens that filters blue light from digital screens. Companies that produce and sell blue-light glasses claim that they protect eyes. They do this by reducing glare and decrease damage to the retina from digital screen exposure.

What Does the American Academy of Ophthalmology Say?

Ads from companies that manufacture blue-light glasses claim that light emitting from screens causes issues such as sleep disruption, eye strain, and potential eyes diseases up to and including blindness. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology disputes this. A spokesperson for the organization recently explained that it does not recommend blue-light glasses to patients. They found that no scientific study proves that screen time exposure causes the above issues except for the possibility of sleep disruption.

How You Can Protect Your Eyes without Blue-Light Glasses

Ophthalmologists do not dispute that prolonged screen time can impact eye health.They tend to favor other remedies over blue-light glasses. Here are some things you can try if you struggle with eye pain or fatigue during the workday:

• Implement the 20-20-20 rule: To help your eyes relax, make a point to look at something away from the screen for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. The object should be at least 20 feet away from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Position yourself at least an arm’s length away from your computer: Sitting too close to the computer is a common cause of eye strain. You can make it easier on your eyes by sitting an arm’s length, which is about 25 inches, away from your screen.
• Use eye drops: Add eyedrops to each eye whenever they start to feel dry during the day. Eyedrops provide lubrication that reduces eye soreness and fatigue.
• Contact lens wearers should occasionally give their eyes a break by wearing glasses.
• You can reduce eye strain by increasing the lighting in the room where you are working and adjusting the filter on your computer to a brighter setting.
• Stop using devices with screens at least two hours before bed to prepare your brain and body for the transition to sleep.

Keep in mind that productivity isn’t everything. You need regular days off to rest not only your eyes, but your mind and body as well. When you are working, be sure to take time to stretch your body and get away from the screen at regular short intervals throughout the day.

About the Author: Lisa Kroulik has worked as a freelance content marketing writer for 10 years. She loves the work and the lifestyle it affords. Learn more about Lisa’s work and availability through Writer Access.