Are Blue Light Filtering Lenses Worth the Buzz?

If you’ve felt your eyes burn after a long day staring at screens or struggled to fall asleep after scrolling your phone late into the night, you’re not alone. Blue light could be the culprit, but luckily, blue light filtering lenses are here to save the day. So, how do you choose the right pair for your needs? Let’s dive in the blue.

Blue Light Filtering Lenses: Here’s How They Work

Blue light filtering lenses are specially designed to block or reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. Blue light is a high-energy wavelength emitted by digital screens like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Excessive exposure can cause digital eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt your sleep patterns. According to The American Optometric Association, prolonged exposure to screens can lead to discomfort, particularly if we don’t take preventative measures.

These lenses use a filtering technology to absorb the harmful portion of blue light, not only helping you feel less strain but also ensuring your long hours in front of a screen aren’t taking a toll on your wellbeing. Some lenses even come with an anti-glare coating, making them perfect for long workdays or gaming marathons.

The Vision Council highlights that limiting exposure to harmful light during a child’s growth years can be vital for visual development

Blue Light Glasses vs. Reading Glasses

Here’s where it gets interesting. While both blue light glasses and computer glasses aim to protect your eyes, the primary difference lies in their names.

Blue Light Glasses: Specifically block blue light wavelengths from digital screens to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. Can include added functionalities like anti-glare and custom prescriptions tailored for screen distances.
Reading Glasses: Can also include add-ons like anti-glare and prescription lenses, but do not filter screen exposure to blue light, having no effect on your quality of sleep and providing less protection against eye strain.

What Does the Research Say?

You might be wondering, is this just another trendy product? While research on long-term benefits is still evolving, there’s evidence suggesting real, measurable perks.

Still, optometrists agree that pairing these glasses with mindful habits, like regular breaks and limiting late-night screen exposure, is key to maximum benefit.

How to Pick the Right Blue Light Glasses

Choosing blue light filtering lenses doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s what to keep in mind before you hit “buy.”

Purpose of Use: Work, study, or gaming? Consider your primary activity for tailored functionality.
Frame Style: If you’re going to wear these regularly, opt for frames that fit your style. Fashion meets function!
Optical Clarity: Look for lenses with minimal color distortion and an anti-glare coating for optimal vision.
Prescription Needs: Need corrective lenses? No problem! Most brands offer prescription blue light glasses as well.

Tips to Reduce Blue Light Exposure (Even Without Glasses)

While blue light glasses are an amazing tool, you can also adopt simple habits to protect your eyes.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
Decrease Screen Brightness: Opt for a softer brightness level, particularly in dimly lit rooms.
Use Night Mode: Most devices now offer a blue light filter or “night mode” setting you can enable in the evenings

Best Blue Light Glasses for Work, Study, and Gaming

From office hustlers to late-night gamers, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few go-to options worth considering:

For Work: Sleek, lightweight glasses with anti-glare coatings. Perfect for Zoom calls and presentations.
For Study: Look for contact lens compatibility and scratch-free frames for deskside durability.
For Gaming: Bold frames with enhanced contrast features to immerse you in vibrant graphics without extra strain.

Blue Light Lenses: A Must-Have

The bottom line? If you spend hours in front of screens, blue light filtering glasses can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.

Still unsure? Book an appointment with your local Stanton Optical eye care specialists and discuss our TruBlue Light Filtering Lenses. Designed to protect your eyes, improve sleep, boost productivity, and make long gaming or work sessions a lot more comfortable, our TruBlue Lens upgrade can be added to any vision corrective prescription. Because taking this small step now could save you from bigger issues down the line.

References:
American Optometric Association – Battling Blue Light
The Vision Council – Protecting Sight and Health in a Multi-Screen Era