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As screen time spent staring at laptops and other digital screens continues to increase, so do questions and concerns around their overall impact on our eye’s health. While there is a lack of definitive evidence around whether or not blue light filtering glasses can actually reduce digital eye strain or provide general protection, a few reputable studies are beginning to shed some new light (pun intended). But first, let’s start with the basics.

 What is Blue Light? 

Blue light, as the name implies, is the visible light at the ‘blue end’ of the visible light spectrum. Blue light rays’ wavelength, much shorter when compared to colors closer to the red side of the spectrum, hits our eyes at a higher frequency. And while we’re all naturally exposed to blue light from the sun, along with the other colors of the spectrum, prolonged blue light exposure from ‘un-natural’ light sources may be harmful to the eyes.

Is Blue Light Harmful?

Studies have shown that blue light can compromise the body’s sleep cycle known as the circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production. This helps us stay alert and focused during the daytime, but it can interfere with sleep.

As mentioned earlier, the verdict is still out on digital eye strain, eye fatigue, and “protecting” your eyes from blue light emitted from a digital screen. However, a recent study by researchers at the University of Houston College of Optometry, published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, found that blue light emitted from electronic devices could contribute to a disrupted circadian rhythm and an overall reduction in sleep quality.

In another study, researchers at the University of Toronto compared the melatonin (the hormone associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle) levels of people exposed to blue light who were wearing blue light computer glasses to people exposed to regular dim light without wearing glasses. Both groups had mostly uniform levels of melatonin, suggesting that blue light is a significant suppressor of the hormone, in turn compromising your quality of sleep. It also suggests that shift workers and night owls could find protection in blue light blocking glasses.

How Can Blue Light Glasses Help?

Computers, televisions, phones, and tablets all emit blue light. Harmful blue light from screens signals our brain to stop producing melatonin. Without the production of melatonin, our sleep suffers. When it comes to how to protect your eyes from this light, blue light glasses are designed to filter and block the harmful blue light emitted from our devices. Wearing blue light filtering glasses may help you feel more refreshed after a long day of staring at your screen.

Can You Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses All Day?

In this multi-screen age, there's nowhere to turn without being subjected to blue light. The protective blue light coating is subtle and is easily applied to most glasses, even your everyday prescription glasses with no ill effects.

Other Ways You Can Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light

  • Avoid looking at bright digital screens two to three hours before bed.
  • If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices in the evening, try wearing blue-blocking glasses or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength from your digital device at night.
  • Get a good dose of sunshine during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night.

 The Verdict?

Even with some of the evidence still developing, there is a very high reward with minimal risk in outfitting your favorite pair with Revant’s blue light blocking coating. Get your daily pair equipped with our blue light blocking treatment today. Whether you’ve got polarized vs non-polarized, bold colors or plain lens colors, Revant has you covered for all your replacement lenses for glasses needs. Already have a pair? We’d love to hear about your experience! Get in touch!