Have you ever had a massive headache after spending hours in front of a screen? That means you’re dealing with digital eye strain.
“Prolonged exposure to screens can cause digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches,” general practitioner Mo Janson MD told 21Ninety.
To alleviate your eyes from straining to look at your laptop, cell phone, or any other device, it’s time to look into blue light blocking glasses.
What are blue light blocking glasses?
“Blue light blocking glasses are like sunglasses for your digital screens,” ophthalmologist and founder of ElhalisMD.com Hussain Elhalis MD told 21Ninety. “They help reduce eye strain from too much screen time and can even improve your sleep if you’re a night owl who likes to scroll or watch TV before bed.”
There are two main types of blue light blocking glasses: clear and amber.
What is the difference between clear and amber blue light blocking glasses?
Clear blue light blocking glasses have lenses that are either completely clear or have a slightly yellowish tint, according to Dr. Janson. They’re meant for daytime use to help filter a portion of blue light while maintaining most of the natural colors you see.
On the other hand, amber blue light blocking glasses have a much more noticeable tint that can shift the colors that you see to look like they’ve been covered with an orange overlay.
“[Amber blue light blocking glasses] can be effective for evening use or when working in environments with intense artificial lighting,” Dr. Janson explained.
What are the benefits of wearing blue light blocking glasses?
Overall, there are three major benefits of using blue light blocking glasses: improved sleep, reduced eye strain, and maintaining a regular circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is basically made up of the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that happen in 24 hours.
“Blue light exposure, especially in the evening, can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin,” Dr. Janson explained
So if your sleep is thrown off your internal clock gets thrown off, too. That’s where the amber blue light blocking glasses come in handy.
As for eye strain during the day, that’s when you’ll want to throw on your clear blue light blocking glasses. Whether it’s artificial overhead light, cell phone light, or laptop light, they all emit blue light that can strain your eyes.
Dr. Elhalis concluded with an important point, “remember, these glasses are helpful, but it’s also good to take screen breaks and avoid using devices 1-2 hours before preferred sleep time.”
What to consider when shopping for a pair of blue light blocking glasses?
First and foremost, when you’re buying a pair of blue light blocking glasses, make sure that they’re certified to block a significant percentage of blue light.
“It’s advisable to try different types of blue light blocking glasses and determine what works best for you,” Dr. Janson explained. The general practitioner and optometrist both recommend trying a pair of blue light blocking glasses that are in the range of 30 to 60 percent.
Other than that, you want to make sure your glasses fit you comfortably enough for you to wear for long periods of time.
All in all, if you’re ever unsure on which type of blue light blocking glasses to buy, both experts recommend consulting with an eye specialist for the best solution for you.
Warby Parker Callen
Warby Parker’s Callen blue light blocking glasses are a customizable solution for digital eye strain. You have the option to add your prescription to create the perfect all-in-one glasses.
Uvex Skyper Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
Uvex Skyper’s Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses are perfect for evening screentime. The wraparound glasses block out up to 98 percent of blue light.
Eye Buy Direct St Michel Glasses
The Eye Buy Direct St Michel Glasses are lightweight for maximum comfort. These glasses can also be customized with your prescription. Or, you can go prescription free.
Ocushield Amber Anti Blue Light Glasses
Ocushield’s Amber Anti Blue Light Glasses feature anti-glare lenses that block out up to 100 percent of blue light. Best of all, these frames are FDA approved.
Ray-Ban 5285
The Ray-Ban 5285 are the designer pair of blue light blocking glasses on this list. You can even customize these glasses to include 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, too.
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