If you spend much of your day on a computer, phone or tablet, you may have heard about blue-light glasses. They are often promoted for tired eyes and better sleep. Here is a plain look at what blue light is, what current evidence says about these lenses, and what else may help if your eyes feel strained after screen time in Edmonton.
What Are Blue-Light Glasses?
Blue light is part of normal visible light. Sunlight is the largest source, and screens, LED lights and fluorescent lights also give off smaller amounts. Blue-light glasses have a lens coating or material designed to filter some of that blue light. They are available with no prescription, or combined with a prescription for glasses you wear for distance, reading or computer work.
What Does the Evidence Show?
Research so far has not shown strong evidence that blue-light filtering lenses reduce digital eye strain for most people, or that screens damage the eyes through blue light at the levels we normally use them. That does not mean the glasses feel useless to everyone. Some people find a light tint more comfortable in bright indoor lighting, and some prefer them in the evening. The key point is that they are a comfort option, not a medical treatment, and they do not replace an eye exam or a correct prescription.
Why Screens Still Leave Your Eyes Tired
Most screen discomfort comes from how we use our eyes, not just the light coming from the display. When we focus on a screen, we blink less often, which can make the eyes feel dry and gritty. Long periods of near focus, small text, glare, poor lighting, an uncorrected prescription and a workstation that is set too high, too low or too close can all add to tired, achy eyes and headaches by the end of the day.
Habits and Options That Can Help
Simple habits often help more than a lens filter alone. Follow the 20-20-20 habit: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often, adjust screen brightness to match the room, increase text size, and reduce glare from windows and overhead lights. Sit so the screen is slightly below eye level and about an arm’s length away. If dryness is a problem, ask your optometrist about lubricating eye drops that suit your eyes and contact lenses, if you wear them.
If you spend long hours at a computer, your optometrist may also talk about a separate computer prescription, lens options for near work, or treatment for dry eye. Blue-light filtering can be added to many prescription lenses if you would like it, as part of a plan based on your exam, rather than as a stand-alone fix.
When to Book an Eye Exam
Book an eye exam if eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, dry or red eyes, or trouble focusing keep coming back, or if your prescription may have changed. An exam can check your focus, eye coordination, tear quality and overall eye health, and rule out other causes of your symptoms. Eye exams for children under 19 and seniors are covered by Alberta Health Care, and comprehensive exams also screen for conditions that may not cause symptoms early on.
Visit Infinite Eyecare in Mill Woods
Infinite Eyecare is at 4275 23 Ave NW in Mill Woods, Edmonton. We offer eye exams for children, adults and seniors, help with glasses and contact lenses, and direct billing to most major insurers. If screens leave your eyes tired, or you are wondering whether blue-light glasses or another option makes sense for you, call us at 780-425-0003 to book your eye exam.
