Blue light - Is it Really Harmful?

Blue light protection glasses are soon becoming an essential part of today’s attire. With so much exposure to digital screens and the resulting increase in the number of eye-related issues point to damage. In this blog, we will discuss blue light, if it is really harmful, its effects, and how to protect yourself from it.

What is Blue light?

Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum that has a relatively short wavelength and high energy. It is emitted by the sun, as well as by various artificial sources, including digital screens, LED lights, and fluorescent bulbs. Blue light is often associated with the color temperature of light that appears bluish-white.

Not all blue light is damaging. Blue light from natural daylight is essential for our well-being and plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, mood, and cognitive function. However, excessive and prolonged exposure to artificial blue light, particularly from digital screens, has become a concern due to the increasing use of electronic devices in our daily lives.

The Origin of Blue light glasses

The origin of blue light-blocking eyeglasses can be traced back to advancements in lens technology and the growing awareness of the potential effects of blue light exposure on eye health. Blue light glasses were developed to address concerns regarding the increasing use of digital devices and the potential impact of prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by these devices.

The concept of blue light-blocking lenses started gaining traction as scientific research shed light on the potential effects of blue light on eye health and sleep patterns. Blue light, especially the blue-violet portion of the spectrum, is known to penetrate the eye more deeply and can potentially cause eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and contribute to long-term eye health issues.

Read More: Eye Strain: How To Relieve & Reduce Symptoms

What are the Harmful Effects of Blue Light:

While blue light plays a natural role in regulating our circadian rhythm and promoting alertness during the day, excessive and prolonged exposure to blue light, especially from digital devices, can have negative effects on our health. Here are some reasons why blue light is considered harmful:

1. Eye Strain and Discomfort: Blue light has a higher frequency and scatters more easily than other colors. When we constantly expose our eyes to digital screens emitting blue light, it can lead to eye strain, fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. 

2. Sleep Disruption: Blue light, especially in the evening and nighttime, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Excessive exposure to blue light before bed can interfere with the body's natural sleep signals, making it harder to fall asleep and potentially leading to insomnia.

3. Potential Retina Damage: Studies suggest that prolonged and intense exposure to blue light, particularly the high-energy blue light within the 400-450 nanometer range, can damage the retina. This has raised concerns about the potential long-term risk of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

4. Disruption of Circadian Rhythm: Blue light exposure at night can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can affect sleep quality and overall well-being. The body's internal clock relies on the balance between exposure to natural daylight during the day and darkness at night. Artificial blue light exposure can confuse this system, leading to irregular sleep patterns and potential health consequences.

How Do Blue Light Glasses Work:

• Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out or absorb a portion of blue light before it reaches the eyes. 

• The lenses are usually made with special coatings or materials that selectively block or reduce the transmission of blue light wavelengths. 

• These lenses can be incorporated into regular eyeglasses or can be standalone blue light glasses.

• The exact amount of blue light that blue light glasses filter depends on various factors, including the specific lens technology and the manufacturer. 

• Different blue light glasses may have different levels of blue light filtering capabilities. 

• Some lenses may target a specific range of blue light wavelengths, such as the high-energy blue-violet light while allowing the transmission of other beneficial blue light wavelengths.

How much blue light is filtered:

Most blue light filtering glasses aim to block a significant portion of blue light within the range of 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), which is the range associated with the highest energy blue light. Some blue light filtering glasses claim to block around 30% to 40% of blue light, while others may block up to 80% or more. The percentage of blue light filtration is typically mentioned by the manufacturer or retailer when describing the glasses' features.

It's important to note that blue light glasses do not eliminate all blue light. They aim to reduce the amount of blue light exposure and minimize its potential impact on eye health and sleep patterns. The effectiveness of blue light glasses can vary, and it's advisable to choose reputable brands and consult with eye care professionals for personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and lifestyle.

In addition to blue light glasses, there are other types of protective eyewear available for specific purposes. For instance, safety glasses are designed to protect the eyes from impact, debris, and other hazards in industrial or construction environments. Sports goggles protect athletic activities to shield the eyes from potential injuries. Sunglasses, apart from their fashion appeal, protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare. If you are looking for the best eyewear options especially blue light protection/ computer glasses look no further than EyeMyEye.com. Visit now for the best offers and discounts.

The level of protection provided by these different types of eyewear can vary depending on their specific design and intended use. It's important to choose the appropriate eyewear based on the activity and potential risks involved. Consulting with eye care professionals or experts in specific fields can help ensure that you select the right protective eyewear for your needs.