Blue light glasses are a popular item today for those of us who spend most of the day looking at screens, and let’s be honest, that’s the majority of us! Between working online, checking social media, and watching TV, blue light glasses can and do protect our eyes from the hours of blue light retention. But you might be wondering: Can blue light glasses be used for reading?
Blue light glasses can be used for reading when reading on a Kindle, e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or computer screen. They will protect your eyes from strain and reduce headaches. However, you do not need blue light glasses for reading when enjoying a printed book.
In this article, we are going to discuss what blue light glasses can be used for, when you will want to use them for reading, and when you can skip them altogether. So keep reading, because we have everything you need to know right here.
Does Blue Light Impact Reading?
Before we dig a little deeper into blue light glasses and how you should use them, it’s important to first understand exactly what blue light is.
Blue light comes from LED and other tech screens like smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. While it’s not inherently dangerous, too much blue light can cause damage to your retinas, eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and even a lack of sleep.
Since you might be doing your reading on one of these types of devices, and you might be reading for a very long time, you may find yourself experiencing unpleasant symptoms. Not using blue light glasses may make it harder for you to enjoy reading or get through all of your tasks if you’re reading for work.
Can Blue Light Glasses Be Used For All Types of Reading?
Blue light glasses can be used for whenever you are looking at a screen. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, TV, or e-reader, blue light glasses can be a helpful tool in keeping your eyes safe.
The great thing about blue light glasses is that you can wear them whenever looking at a screen without worrying about damaging your eyes. Although there is some to debate as to how well these glasses actually work, there is really no downside to wearing them.
Can Blue Light Glasses Be Used for Reading?
Experts recommend that you only use blue light glasses when actually looking at a screen. So while you absolutely can use blue light glasses when reading, you should only have them on if you are reading on an e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or computer.
Some e-readers, such as Kindle Paperwhite, do not have LED screens and therefore do not emit any blue light. When purchasing an e-reader, it would be in your best interest to opt for a device that does not have blue light as almost every other screen in your house already does.
If you are reading a printed book or magazine, it’s best to skip the blue light glasses as they are not only unnecessary, but because you will probably use them throughout the day on your other screens, it’s better to give your eyes natural light when you can.
Can Blue Light Glasses Also Be Reading Glasses?
If you need reading glasses, it’s important that you always use them when reading to protect your eyes from strain. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between your prescription and blue light glasses. There are several brands that have blue light reading glasses with various prescriptions to keep your eyes comfortable and safe.
What Kind of Blue Light Glasses Are Best for Reading?
If you often read on a device that emits blue light, getting blue light glasses is a great choice. But it’s important to know that there are several different kinds of blue light glasses, and some are better than others for reading.
Blue light glasses either come clear, or yellow, orange, or red-tinted. As the color becomes more pronounced, the glasses shield your eyes from more blue light.
While each of these options will work when reading, yellow-tinted glasses are really all you need for reading on a tablet, e-reader, or tablet screen. If the discoloration is distracting, you can also opt for the clear lensed option.
The Bottom Line
So, can blue light glasses be used for reading? Hopefully, you know the answer to this one now!
But in case you already forgot, yes, you certainly can use blue light glasses for reading. However, you should only wear blue light glasses when reading on a device that emits blue light such as a tablet, smartphone, or e-reader. Some e-readers don’t emit blue light, for those options and printed books and magazines, it’s best to skip the blue light glasses.
