Digital eye strain is becoming more prevalent as our lives revolve around more and more screen-based devices. Whether browsing the internet, social media, emails, or text messages, all of it relies on us looking at a screen. According to the research commissioned by Vision Direct, the average U.S. adult will spend the equivalent of almost 44 years of their life staring at screens. With so much time spent on devices, do we need blue light blocking glasses, and if so, why?
Devices and Blue Lights
Our screen-based devices have become heavily relied on, exposing us to a constant glare of blue light. The visible light spectrum from the sun spans between red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet light. However, high-energy visible light such as blue light can be harmful. For example, blue light exposure at night can disrupt our sleep cycle and even cause insomnia. Additionally, there has been evidence suggesting that blue light plays a role in developing digital eye strain. As a result, blue-light-blocking glasses have gained traction to combat and prevent future occurrences of digital eye strain.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain includes several eye-related issues caused by the prolonged use of computers, phones, or tablets. Individuals can experience vision problems consisting of dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. According to the Vision Council, a survey conducted in 2019 found that 65% of 10,500 Americans experienced symptoms of digital eye strain. The amount of strain is often dependent on several factors, including:
- Light Conditions
- Distance from the Screen
- Sitting Posture
- Screen Glare
- Viewing Angles
- Duration of Time
- Existing Vision Issues
Our eyes cannot withstand long durations of time spent in front of digital screen devices. As a result, digital eye strain occurs when the visual demands of a task exceed the capacity of individuals to perform them comfortably. However, symptoms are only temporary and will fade over time once you are no longer in front of a digital device. Nevertheless, you must take actions to reduce and prevent digital eye strain symptoms, or they will continue and even worsen. One of the best methods to deal with digital eye strain is blue-light-blocking glasses.
Will Blue Light Blocking Glasses Help?
Blue-light-blocking glasses reduce the eye strain experienced while looking at a computer screen. They are designed with amber-tinted lenses to help absorb blue light waves and prevent them from being absorbed by the eye. However, using another color other than blue’s complementary color orange (amber) will not eliminate the blue light wavelengths, nor will using a clear filter since it cannot absorb wavelengths due to its lack of pigment.
In addition, blue light has high energy and shorter-wavelength than most of the other colors on the visible light spectrum. As a result, blue light tends to scatter or flicker more than different types of light and is not easily focused. As a result, looking at screens that emit blue light for long durations can cause eye strain resulting in a lack of visual clarity. By filtering out blue light, blue-light-blocking glasses can help you focus on the screen in front of you effortlessly and reduce the chances of any future eye strain.
Does Every Computer User Need Blue Light Blocking Glasses?
Not every computer user needs to use blue-light-blocking glasses; however, it is highly encouraged for users experiencing any level of eye discomfort from computer work or spending a couple of hours in front of a device. In addition, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of digital eye strain, such as tired eyes or dryness, it may be time to try blue-blocking glasses.
Closing
Digital eye strain is a real problem that many people experience in the office and at home. It can cause eye discomfort, including dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Instead of limiting your screen time or suffering eye discomfort, consider trying a pair of blue light blocking glasses. Give your eyes a break they need and say goodbye to eyestrain.
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