Blinded By The Light

Let’s face it: We all spend too much time on our digital devices, and that’s only gotten worse due to the pandemic.

That means more exposure to blue light: high-energy, short-wavelength light emitted from digital screens as well as the sun.

Overexposure can cause digital eye strain (DES), with symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and eye irritation. This, in turn, can lead to sleep disorders and age-related vision problems, says William T. Reynolds, O.D., president of the American Optometric Association. Spending two or more hours in front of a screen poses a greater eye strain risk, he says.

“Many visual symptoms are temporary and decline after stopping use of the digital device,” he says. “However, some people experience continued reduced visual abilities, such as blurred distance vision, even after not working at a computer.”

To combat this problem, more and more people are turning to blue light glasses, whether prescription or nonprescription. Their lenses do help protect eyes somewhat by reducing the amount of blue light entering them, says Dr. Reynolds.

But, since the product is new, the little research that has been done on blue light glasses offers mixed reviews on their efficacy. While a study by Points de Vue, the International Review of Ophthalmic Optics, found that they may help eye health, the study acknowledged a lack of strong evidence of the correlation between blue light and eye strain. 

Still, some proponents claim their eyes aren’t as tired at day’s end when they wear them. They can focus easier on screens, experience less frequent headaches and eyestrain, and sleep better.

“While there have been anecdotal reports of individuals claiming these benefits, there is no proven scientific evidence that supports these claims,” says Dr. Reynolds. 

Some well-controlled studies show that reducing not only blue light but total light exposure yields an equal or better improvement in DES symptoms. Yet, a 2017 study by The College of Optometrists found that participants wearing the glasses had about a 58 percent increase in their nighttime melatonin levels, leading to better sleep.

“Our bodies associate blue light with daytime. So, exposure to the light when you’re going to bed can contribute to sleep dysfunction,” says Dr. Reynolds. “The glasses can be useful at night when blue light from screens can disrupt natural sleep patterns.”

Seeing Blue

If you’re on the fence, consider this: In addition to potentially protecting your eyes, blue light glasses can make a fashion statement. Take, for example, styles by Blenders Eyewear. The San Diego company, which manufactures its products locally, offers affordable plastic pairs in colorful and neutral styles. blenderseyewear.com