If you find yourself in search of new eyewear, you may have encountered the term ‘blue light glasses.’ You may already be aware of these glasses and may even be experiencing their advantages. However, you might be questioning whether wearing them consistently is safe and beneficial.
Research indicates that wearing blue light glasses continually will not adversely affect your vision. Nevertheless, their effectiveness largely depends on the reason for their use. They may not necessarily alleviate all symptoms of digital eye strain, should that be your reason to purchase them.
If you experience symptoms of digital eye strain, it is important to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist.
Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
Before delving into whether it’s okay to wear blue light glasses all the time, it’s first important to understand their supposed benefits. There’s a common belief that these glasses can help reduce eye strain, but science hasn’t quite caught up with this claim yet.
According to a literature review from 2017, blue light glasses are marketed to ease eye discomfort, boost sleep quality, and protect against damage to the retina. However, a systematic review didn’t find firm evidence to support these claims.
The review looked at three studies and found no significant improvements in vision, eye fatigue symptoms, or sleep quality when comparing blue light-blocking lenses to regular ones.
One study did suggest that blue light glasses could enhance sleep quality, but there’s no research on how they impact macular health. This highlights the need for more thorough studies to assess blue light blocking lenses’ real effects and potential drawbacks.
So, What Good Are They?
Blue light glasses can potentially improve your sleep routine! They’re designed to shield your eyes from the blue light that electronic devices emit, which can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Some studies have shown encouraging results. For instance, one study found that adults who wore these glasses for three hours before bedtime noted an improvement in sleep quality and mood. Another small trial revealed that insomniacs who wore these glasses for two hours before bedtime had better sleep. On the other hand, another study found no improvement in sleep duration or quality after a week of wearing the glasses.
Poor sleep can lead to health issues like heart disease and obesity, and the blue light from your devices might be a contributing factor. Blue light can disrupt your sleep by decreasing melatonin, the sleep hormone. Blue light glasses with an amber tint could help by blocking blue light, thereby enhancing sleep quality and mood.
Can You Safely Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?
Rest assured, consistently wearing your blue light glasses poses no harm. There are no adverse effects associated with the extended use of these glasses.
Although their continuous use throughout the day may not be necessary, utilizing them in the evening before sleep can assist in maintaining regular sleep patterns.
Before continuously wearing blue light glasses, it is important to consider certain aspects. Not all blue light glasses are equally effective; some may fall short in blocking the entirety of harmful blue light. They must also fit appropriately and provide comfort for prolonged usage. Improperly fitting glasses can lead to discomfort and potentially increase eye strain. Therefore, it is important to discuss your options with your optometrist.
Alternatives to Reduce Blue Light Exposure
Putting on blue light glasses is just one method. There are plenty of options to reduce your exposure to blue light. Adjusting your screen’s brightness, activating night mode on your devices, and cutting down on electronic use before bed can all help.
Consider using anti-glare screens or taking regular breaks from your devices to alleviate eye strain. Try out the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, you should look away from your screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these glasses may not be the perfect solution for everyone. They could help, but they’re not a guaranteed fix for sleep issues, and they aren’t medical devices.
Adopting Blue Light Glasses in Moderation
Wearing blue light glasses throughout the day is perfectly safe, but it may not be necessary unless you find yourself in front of electronic screens for most of your day.
These glasses can help decrease fatigue, enhance sleep, and potentially mitigate digital eye strain. However, remember that more evidence is still required to establish their effectiveness fully.
ERC Optometry encourages you to maintain optimal eye health through regular eye exams. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a customized treatment plan to address any eye strain you may be experiencing or any eye-related issues.
