Do blue light glasses help with tired eyes? What scientists and real people say

The Increase in Eye Strain from Screens

If you work from home, go to school online, play video games late at night, or scroll through social media all day, you've probably had some kind of eye irritation.  Digital screens are becoming a big part of both our work and our free time. Because of this, more and more people are complaining about tired, dry, blurry, and even painful eyes.

The rise in screen time has led to a huge demand for blue light glasses.  These glasses are now sold everywhere, from fashion stores to optical stores, and they are marketed as a way to relieve eye strain from screens.  That does, however, bring up a crucial question: can blue light glasses really aid with eye strain, or are they just a modern placebo?

In this piece, we'll examine more closely at what science says about blue light, how these glasses operate, what real users say about them, and whether they really live up to the hype.

What is blue light, and why should we be worried about it?

Blue light is a type of light that comes from the sun and is also given out by digital screens, LED lights, and other modern light sources. It has a lot of energy and a short wavelength.  Natural exposure to blue light throughout the day helps keep your sleep-wake cycle in check and makes you more attentive. However, exposure to blue light at night or for long periods of time might make you feel bad.

The worry isn't that blue light is bad for you like UV rays are, but that it makes your eyes tired and keeps you from sleeping.  Staring at a screen for a long time might make your eyes tired because of the brightness, flicker, and blue-violet wavelengths.  When it's dark or late at night, your eyes have to work significantly harder. This might cause symptoms like:

● Eye fatigue and dryness

● More susceptibility to glare

● Trouble falling asleep after using a screen late at night

It's vital to know that blue light isn't bad for you in and of itself, but too much of it without pauses for your eyes, especially in dark places, may be very tiring.  Blue light glasses are meant to fill this space.

What Are Glasses for Blue Light?

Blue light glasses have unique lenses that block some of the blue-violet light that digital devices give off.  Some lenses are almost clear with a thin coating, while others are more yellow or amber in color.  The different types depend on how well they block blue light and if they have extra functions.

Modern models often have lenses that don't make you tired, coatings that don't reflect light, and even minor magnification to make reading or using a computer for a long time more comfortable.  Some are made for certain purposes, like as gaming, working under artificial light, or toggling between several screens during the day.

Many eyewear makers now provide collections of the finest glasses for screen time that include beautiful frames with blue light filtering. These are perfect for anyone who want both style and function.

Do blue light glasses really help with eye strain?

This is where the discussion gets more complicated.  From a medical point of view, there isn't a clear scientific agreement that blue light glasses directly help with digital eye strain.  The New York Times wrote in 2021 that although though these glasses are touted as necessary for people who use screens, studies does not clearly show that they help with sleep or reduce strain.

That being said, the story doesn't end there.

Feedback from the real world tells a different story.  A lot of people say they feel less weary after using blue light glasses, especially when they work late at night.  Some people say that the lenses help with dry eyes by making them blink more often, reducing glare, and making the screen look better.

Experts say that the benefits consumers feel may stem from more than just the blue light filtering feature.  For example, anti-fatigue lenses make it easier for your eye muscles to focus on things that are close to you.  Anti-reflective coatings cut down on glare on screens, which can also help with squinting and headaches that come with it.

In short, there may be some disagreement over how well blue light filters work in the lab, but it seems that the comfort they provide in everyday life is more important than what science now knows.

More Ways to Ease Digital Eye Strain

Blue light glasses can help, but they aren't the only thing you can do.  Wearing glasses is a good way to protect your eyes from screen fatigue, but it's even better to do a few other wise things as well.

The 20-20-20 Rule is a simple but effective way to do things.  Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.  This helps you get your focus back and eases the strain on your muscles from working up close.

Modern devices also have features like Night Shift (for Apple), Night Light (for Windows), or Dark Mode that lower the amount of blue light and glare on the screen when you use them at night.

Changing the lighting and position of your screen can make a big difference in how comfortable you are if you spend a lot of time at your desk.  Instead of glaring overhead lights, use gentle, ambient lighting. Also, place your screen slightly below eye level.

If you have dry eyes, which is a common side effect of using a screen for a long time, artificial tears, lubricating drops, and even reminders to blink can help. Excellent posture, ergonomic furniture, and taking breaks often are also very important for keeping your eyes and your general health in excellent shape when you spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

Who Should Think About Getting Blue Light Glasses?

Some people may find blue light glasses very helpful, even if they aren't necessary for everyone. These glasses might help your eyes if you work from home, are a freelancer, or are a student who spends a lot of time on the computer.  Also, gamers and coders who spend a lot of time in dark places or under intense artificial light may discover that they don't get as much glare and weariness.

Blue light glasses can be worth a try if you have moderate but persistent symptoms like blurry vision, sore eyes, or trouble sleeping after spending a lot of time in front of a screen at night.  When paired with other good screen practices, their real-world comfort can make a big difference.

People who often transition between devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets, may also benefit, especially if they operate in places that change a lot, like shared offices or classrooms.

In conclusion, it's helpful but not a miracle cure.

So, do glasses that block blue light help with eye strain?  The truth is that sometimes, for some people, especially in the right situation, it is true.

Scientific studies may not all agree with their promises, but people who use them in real life still say they are comfortable, decrease glare, and help with fatigue.  Blue light filtering alone probably doesn't make you feel better. Instead, it's probably a mix of characteristics like anti-fatigue lenses, contrast upgrades, and better visual ergonomics.

If you're not sure, it might be worth a shot, especially if you already feel pain when you use a screen or after using one.  Just keep in mind that they function best when you use them with other good habits, take breaks often, and think about how you use screens.

Look through Vooglam's blue light-blocking glasses to discover a pair that works with your style, habit, and digital needs.

Get screen-ready glasses for work and school to keep your eyes safe without giving up comfort or productivity.
You can take better care of your eyes in today's world of screens by using smart eyewear and making wise choices.