It’s no secret that too much screen time can have a negative effect on your health. The problem is that our computers, tablets, and smartphones can be essential for school or work, so cutting down that time spent with electronic devices, computers, and televisions may not be possible. If you or your kids have been experiencing headaches after being on the computer for long periods of time or are having trouble falling asleep after using electronic devices during the day, blue light glasses may be a great solution.
At Vision Pro Optical, we’ve noticed more of our patients are talking about blue light and asking questions about it, so we wanted to address some of the most common questions we receive from patients. Read on to learn more about blue light, how it can be harmful, and how blue light glasses can help.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is everywhere, even in sunlight, which was the major source of lighting before the introduction of artificial electric lights. However, backlit screens that we look at every day emit blue light, and frequent, prolonged exposure to this artificial blue light can take its toll on the eyes.
Why is Blue Light a Concern?
Blue light wavelengths can be beneficial during the daytime because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood. However, too much blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm — the body’s internal clock — leading to insomnia and restlessness, especially if you use your devices right before bed. Studies have shown that blue light suppresses melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Too much screen time can also lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, which can cause headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
How Can Blue Light Glasses Help?
Blue light glasses filter the harmful blue light from your devices and make for an easier reading or viewing experience. They can help reduce eye fatigue from too much screen time, as well as help reduce insomnia by blocking out the blue light wavelengths that interrupt your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep.
Get Blue Light Glasses at Vision Pro!
You and your family are probably spending a lot of time on your phones, computers, or tablets, for academic, job-related, or recreational purposes. Staring at a screen may be unavoidable no matter what you do, but some of the side effects of too much screen time can be alleviated by blue light glasses.
If you’re worried about the effects of harmful blue light, there are options for you at Vision Pro Optical! We have a wide selection of frames for you to choose from, and many of them can be upgraded to include blue light filtering lenses. Call your nearest Vision Pro location or request an appointment today!
