Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Blue light, previously unknown, has become ubiquitous in our lives.
In the last few years, many studies have been published warning of the potential harmful effects of blue light ; especially since we spend an average of 5 to 7 hours per day in front of our screens including smartphones, computers, tablets…
What to raise some concerns for our eyes.
What is blue light? Do blue light glasses work? Despite the few positive aspects that blue light may possess, we have much to learn about the potential dangers.
Why is Blue Light that Special?
Blue light is a wavelength in what we call the “ultraviolet” range, which is from 415 to 455 nanometers in the light spectrum.
Blue light can be found everywhere, including in natural light.
This light, particularly more energetic than other, can strike the retina with more power.
However, OLED screens have proportionally more. The LEDs of interior lighting too, that's why specialists advise to buy "warm white".
- The toxicity of blue light is real
The effects of blue-violet light on retinal cells have been demonstrated:
In 2013, a study by the Vision Institute showed that blue-violet light could destroy retinal cells in pigs, causing damage comparable to that of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
"We don't know what the effects of dark blue light are in real conditions, but we can think that it is certainly toxic, especially in children and teenager whose cornea and lens, which are clearer, allow almost all of the blue light to pass through," says Prof. Gilles Renard, scientific director of the French Ophthalmological Society.
Repeated exposure could have cumulative effects over time, creating a potential long-term risk. The youngest are therefore the ones who are really concerned.
- Only some screens are a problem for the eyes
In everyday life, our screens can expose us to blue-violet wavelengths, it is true, but not all of them. Only the most recent LED technologies produce a light spectrum composed of more blue light than natural light, and not all are equivalent.
- What are they made of?
Blue light glasses are made of the same materials as corrective glasses, with synthetic resin most of the time. The filter of these glasses is essential because it reflects part of the blue-violet waves and prevents them from penetrating the eye.
Benefits of Blue Light Glasses
Blue light blocking glasses could reduce the effects of prolonged exposure to blue light in a number of ways.
- A better sleep
Blue light is essential to our sleep cycle because it naturally regulates our circadian rhythm, the internal process that manages the sleep-wake cycle.
In the morning, the blue light emitted by the sun helps us wake up and increases our energy. At night, the low level of natural blue light signals the body to produce melatonin to promote sleep.
However, when exposed to artificial blue light at night (by playing video games or even texting before bed), the body receives mixed messages.
Since this influx of blue light tells the body not to sleep, it interferes with melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep and get a good night's rest.
This is why researchers advise against looking at digital screens before bedtime.
By blocking blue light, even if only partially, wearing blue light blocking glasses would help maintain the circadian rhythm and therefore promote a good night's sleep.
- Reduce eye strain
Eye strain is a common problem that occurs when a person's eyes become exhausted from sustained or intense effort.
It usually occurs when staring at computer screens or other digital devices for long periods of time. Computer users or any console gamers have already felt eye strain.
Eye strain is characterized by several unpleasant symptoms, including watery eyes, dry eyes, tingling eyes, headaches, increased sensitivity to light, problems concentrating, or pain in the eyes, neck or shoulders.
Unfortunately, these symptoms can worsen over time, making the sufferer particularly vulnerable to long-term problems such as eye disease.
Because the cornea and lens cannot filter out all the blue light before it reaches the retina, this light can damage the photoreceptor cells that line the back of the eye.
It is difficult for the cornea and lens to filter blue light because of its short wavelength. By dispersing in the eye, this type of wave reduces the contrast and complicates the focusing.
Blue light blocking glasses succeed where the eye fails, by filtering all blue light before it reaches the retina. Thus, they could not only reduce the discomfort of temporary symptoms of visual fatigue, but also benefit to eye health in the long term.
- Allow to play for long periods of time
More than ever, we depend on our electronic devices to work or study from home. Therefore, as we spend more time in front of screens, we are likely to experience symptoms of digital eye strain.
These uncomfortable symptoms (headaches, sore or stinging eyes, and posture-related pain) can greatly impair our ability to work effectively.
On the other hand, by preventing the onset of these symptoms, blue light blocking glasses would help us work comfortably for long periods of time.
If this is true, these glasses could give you a lot of freedom in your work or school schedule, which would no longer be affected by the consequences of your digital eye strain.
Here, at GMG Performance, we propose effective blue light blocking glasses with transparent lenses and at an affordable price!
Start protecting your eyes when you spend time in front of your screens, and you will see that it works!
And if you need help to pick the right pair of blue light glasses, check out the article we wrote for the occasion!