The sun emits various shades of visible light rays, including blue light. Before the advent of technology, the sun was the only source of this short-waved light. However, with the increasing use of smartphones, televisions, laptops, and LED light bulbs, blue light exposure has increased substantially. This has a significant effect on your sleep-wake cycle, as well as the health of your eyes. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to mitigate some of the negative effects of unnatural blue light, such as blue-light-blocking glasses. Here are a few things you should know. 

Common Questions About Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

How does blue light affect you? 

During the day, blue light helps boost mood, improves concentration and attention, and promotes quick reaction times. While these effects are all helpful during waking hours, they interrupt healthy sleep cycles by reducing melatonin secretions. This interferes with the body’s biological clock, or circadian rhythm, resulting in less restful sleep and accompanying health issues, such as irritability, lethargy, and moodiness. Additionally, because blue light is characterized by short, high-energy wavelengths, it scatters more easily, making it harder for the eyes to focus. This can lead to digital eye strain, a condition that causes headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. 

How can specialty glasses help?

Glasses with special blue light filters reduce blue light exposure to help mitigate the negative health effects noted above. They are especially helpful for individuals who use laptops and similar devices for work, or those who look at digital device screens frequently at night for work or pleasure. Some glasses come with anti-reflective UV coatings to shield the eyes from the sun’s invisible lightwaves as well. 

Can I get the glasses without a prescription?

If you wear contacts, have had LASIK eye surgery, or do not need corrective lenses, a prescription is not required to obtain blue-light-blocking glasses. Individuals who wear corrective eyewear will need prescription blue-light-blocking glasses to see computer screens and other devices. Those who wear bifocals or progressive lenses can also benefit from prescription blue-light-blocking glasses because they provide a larger field of vision.

Is there anything else I can do to protect my eyes?

In addition to wearing glasses, reduce screen brightness at night and turn your devices face-down when you go to sleep to reduce exposure to blue light. Also, avoid electronic use at least one hour before bed, and expose yourself to more sunlight during the day. This regulates your circadian rhythm to offset any negative reactions to blue light.

If you spend ample time behind a computer or smartphone, take a few steps to protect the health of your eyes. Graham Optical in Greenwood, AR, offers a wide selection of designer frames, including Ray-Ban®, Michael Kors®, and Armani®, and they can outfit any of your glasses with special blue-light-blocking filters. Since 1964, they’ve provided a full suite of eye care services including exams and glaucoma testing, and they’re committed to making sure patients see the world clearly. Call (479) 996-2441 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more information on their offerings.