It is no secret that the average person is spending more and more time glued to a screen, whether it is their phone, tablet, computer or TV. But it is perhaps lesser known that these screens can be harmful to our eyes and general wellbeing.
Modern devices have screens that emit a high energy part of the visible spectrum of light that we perceive as blue light. Blue light is everywhere, but if we are subjected to it constantly, especially at night, it can affect things like concentration, mood and even our sleep. This is where blue light glasses come in.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
You've probably seen blue light glasses before, but you may not realize the many different uses they have in our lives. From protecting your eyes from computer monitor glare, to helping people sleep better at night who use devices 24/7, there are lots of benefits to using these blue light glasses.
They're relatively inexpensive, and you might even be able to find some at your local drug store or supermarket. If you're worried about developing eye problems or other symptoms from long-term exposure to blue light, you may even consider buying a pair for yourself, and try to use them while you're working.
How Do Screen Glasses Work?
Computers cause a lot of eye strain, which is one of the main causes of vision problems. Some of the symptoms of computer eye strain can include headaches, dry eyes, squinting, or even pain in the eyes. These symptoms are caused by the way the eyes work when exposed to too much light by the computer monitor. Blue light glasses can help to cut down on these symptoms or cut down on how often they occur.
Promote Healthy Sleep
Our bodies need a good amount of sleep each night, and nowadays the computer is often the culprit when it comes to affecting this regime. One way to combat this is with blue light glasses. By wearing these glasses, you can help your body regulate its natural melatonin production, which is the body's natural hormone responsible for sleep.
Blue light, especially in the evenings and late at night, can actually send signals to your brain that it is still daytime, so your body won't release that all important melatonin needed to help us go to sleep.
Blue Light Prescription Lenses
If you already wear glasses and want blue light filters in the lenses, you first need to see an optometrist or a company that specialises on blue light prescriptions. This will allow you to discuss the safety and comfort of prescription lenses or contact lenses. Your optometrist can also tell you the benefits of blue light glasses. He or she will be able to tell you whether or not you can safely wear this technology on your computer monitor.
Watch Your Screen Time
If you have eye strain due to computer monitors, then you should try to cut down on the amount of time that you spend in front of the computer. Wearing blue light blocking glasses will definitely help, but you should also think about how long you are spending in front of screens.
These special blue light filtering lenses will help protect the delicate eye structures from any damage that could result from frequent exposure to blue light. They can really take the edge off long sessions in front of the computer, tablet or mobile phone.