The average person spends between seven and sixteen hours a day looking at screens, which is an incredible increase from only a few years ago. Blue light glasses have become a popular option to try to reduce the blue light that enters your eyes, but could blue light sunglasses actually work?
Blue light sunglasses work as sunglasses, and as the Sun does emit some blue light waves, wearing them won’t hurt. However, the blue light sunglasses you buy at the store likely don’t actually filter much blue light and rather depend more on the “sunglasses” part to convince people they do something.
If you want to learn what blue light actually is, how it can be beneficial and damaging to your body, and why reports have shown that most blue light sunglasses don’t actually work, keep reading! We will go through the ins and outs of blue light glasses right now, so you can confidently decide if they are right for you.
What Are Blue Light Sunglasses Supposed to Do?
Because we know that too much blue light can be detrimental, many people have opted for blue light glasses, which they wear throughout their workday, while watching television, or simply after hours looking at a phone.
Blue light sunglasses are supposed to minimize the amount of blue light entering your eyes to keep your retinas happy and help you sleep at night.
While blue light glasses companies continue to claim that these sunglasses will help keep you safe from extensive blue light exposure, some reports have been released recently that show blue light glasses don’t do as much as they say they do.
Do Blue Light Sunglasses Work?
There are several types of blue light glasses, clear or yellow, orange, or red-tinted.
Companies claim that the more colored the lens, the better the glasses will protect your eyes from blue light, and while these seem to be true, they don’t tell you that most blue light sunglasses don’t really work at all.
The clear blue light glasses probably aren’t doing anything, but if you opt for red-tinted blue light glasses, which are usually more expensive and can be harder to work with when they’re on, you are most likely somewhat reducing the amount of blue light that hits your eyes.
The truth is that even if blue light sunglasses are not working as much as companies claim, they will not damage your eyes, so you can still use them while you rest by the pool and simply hope they are doing something. And they are; they’re functioning as sunglasses.
No matter which kind of blue light sunglasses you choose, it’s important that you do not wear them all day and don’t wear them when you’re inside.
The Sun Emits Blue Light Too
Before we dig into how and if blue light sunglasses work, it’s first important that you understand what blue light actually is. Blue light rays are short, powerful waves that are emitted from every screen you use, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions.
Reports have shown that although blue light is less harmful than UV rays from the sun, too much blue light can be bad for your eyes and your physical health; however, contrary to popular belief, there are also some blue light rays coming from the sun! This is why it can definitely be a good idea to wear blue light sunglasses, especially if you do a lot of reading/watching on screens.
Is Blue Light Bad For You?
Too much blue light can certainly be bad for you. Blue light is not new to the world with technology; in fact, blue light is also emitted from the sun and most lightbulbs.
However, because screens have become a constant in our lives, our eyes are receiving more blue light than ever before, and reports have found that it can be quite damaging.
Blue light can be bad for you in several ways:
- It can increase eye strain.
- Create dry and itchy eyes.
- Inhibit falling and staying asleep.
- Cause headaches and migraines.
Now, it is also important to note that some optometrists claim there are quite a few benefits from blue light as well.
Are There Any Benefits to Blue Light?
Some blue light can actually be good for you! A healthy dose of blue light throughout the day can benefit your body in several ways:
- Help keep you alert and awake.
- Increases memory and cognitive function.
- Elevates your mood.
- Keeps your circadian rhythm on track.
These advantages to seeing blue light only work if you do not overdo it. You should still take frequent breaks from looking at your screen, get outside when you can, keep your eyes moist, and turn off any screens at least an hour before you want to sleep.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to blue light sunglasses, they are probably not working as well as you had hoped at reducing the blue light that hits your eyes. It is more of a gimmick than a necessary tool for most.
However, they are in no way detrimental to your eyes, so as long as you are still taking breaks from the sunlight and reducing your blue light intake when you can, they are a good option to have on hand.
