Even if you don’t have a job that requires you to stare at a computer for eight hours a day, you probably still spend a significant portion of your day looking at a phone, tablet, or TV screen. While technology has made life more convenient, the jury is still out on how it’s affecting health —particularly eyes. These devices emit blue light that makes it harder to fall asleep, contributes to digital eyestrain, and may even cause long-term eye damage. You can mitigate these risks by wearing glasses that block blue light.

The Risks of Blue Light

Blue light is emitted from nearly every man-made product with a screen, from LED televisions to smartphones and e-readers; but, it also occurs naturally. The light from the sun contains both UV rays and blue light, so it’s impossible to avoid. Studies have shown blue light scatters more than other types of light, so it’s harder to focus on. This contributes to digital eyestrain, which can make your eyes feel tired and fuzzy after a day of computer work.

This light also improves alertness and may boost your mood, memory, and cognitive function. That doesn’t sound like a bad thing until you realize you’re using your phone right up until you fall asleep or watching TV before bed. That blue light delays your body’s natural production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough research to determine the long-term effects of concentrated blue light on the eyes. A few limited studies have alluded it may cause or contribute to macular degeneration, an eye disease that impairs our central vision. Until further studies are done, however, it’s hard to say how it might affect eye health.

Blue Light-Blocking Glasses

For many people, digital eyestrain and lack of sleep are enough reasons to search for a solution. One option is to use filters on your screens, but you may also want to consider protective glasses. They’re available with and without a prescription. If you already wear prescription glasses, you’ll need to see your eye doctor.  

Most of the lenses are yellow or orange, and they filter out the blue light that devices emit. You can wear them all day if you work at a computer, or simply wear them at night before bed so you can enjoy reading an e-book or watching your favorite show before going to sleep.

If you’re concerned about blue light and its effects on your vision, you may want to consider blue light-blocking glasses. The eye doctors at Kato & Shoji Optometrists in Honolulu, HI, can provide you with a prescription for them and recommend other steps you can take to reduce your risk of digital eyestrain and long-term damage. Visit their website to learn more, or call (808) 735-8080 to schedule an appointment.