Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Everything You Need To Know
Blue Light Blocking Glasses – What’s the Big Deal, Anyway?
“Blue-light blocking” has become a hot topic in recent years as technology continues to develop and our screen time increases more and more, but what’s it really mean? What’s the big deal about blue light, and do you really need blue-light blocking glasses?
From my 7-year-old niece to my 76-year-old grandmother – everyone I know, and everyone you know, is being exposed to more and more blue light all the time. And as thankful as we are for technology in the modern world, we all know that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Researchers are finding that overabundant exposure to blue light may lead to eye health issues, like:
-eye fatigue/headaches
-eye strain
-early onset age-related macular degeneration
All of us are at risk for eye damage from blue light, no matter our age, so talking about how to protect our eyes from blue light is, frankly, a must in this day and age. To understand it a little better, let’s take a look at a few basic facts you might not know about blue light and the way it can affect us.
The Realities Of Blue Light
Blue light is actually good for you (sometimes):
Most people associate blue light with digital devices, but the truth is, blue light is all around us. While digital screens and fluorescent lights give off artificial blue light, natural blue light is part of the UV light sourced in the sun, and we all come in contact with it daily. Both natural and artificial blue light is proven to have some good effects on us, like boosting our mood and alertness, aiding memory and cognitive function, and helping regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. So…blue light is actually good for us, but can hurt us too? Well…yea.
Sunlight is a great example of this. We all know we need the sun for certain vitamins and emotional health, but we also know that too much exposure to UV light can be harmful. It’s a balance of getting the right amount but also protecting ourselves from potentially negative effects. The same is true of blue light. We aren’t saying you need to cut all technology out of your life, we’re just saying your exposure to it needs to be moderated and balanced out by the right protection.
It’s not enough to just limit your screen time:
Like we said previously, blue light can be found everywhere, not just from your iPhone or laptop. It’s emitted from all digital screens, including ones you might not think of right away like televisions and smartwatches. It also comes from the sun, LED light bulbs, and fluorescent lights. Because of this, even if you’re a person who limits your screen time or isn’t really into technology, you’re still probably taking in quite a bit of blue light.
So basically, no matter who you are or what you’re lifestyle is, everyone needs to think about protecting themselves from blue light!
Protecting yourself is simple:
When you’re out in the sun, wearing a quality pair of sunglasses will do the trick. But when you’re in your office working, spending hours a day studying and researching on your computer, or having that amazing Netflix and chill night, it’s worth investing in and faithfully wearing a pair of blue light blocking glasses.
What Makes Up A Good Pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses?
Here at Vision Source Meadville, we’re convinced there are two products that each make for amazing protection against blue light – and they’re even better when combined in a set of lenses. The first is anti-reflective lenses, the second is Transition lenses.
Anti-Reflective Lenses
All of the three main anti-reflective lenses we offer are great and have some blue light protection built into them. However, one in particular is specifically designed to block blue light.
In 2014 Essilor launched a new anti-reflective coating called Crizal Prevencia. It’s blue-light blocking technology helps reduce eye strain and fatigue, is resistant to dust and smudges, and is more scratch-resistant than most other anti-reflective coatings. The only “downside” to Prevencia may not even be a downside for you. The lenses do have a slight purple hue to them, which is more easily seen in some light than others. However, most people don’t seem to mind it in exchange for the huge difference Prevencia makes in their vision and comfort.
We often recommend Prevencia to students, office workers, or people who are involved in tech and IT work.
Transition Lenses
Transition lenses have always filtered out blue light, but with our increased technology use, this perk is becoming more and more of an asset to us, making Transitions more appealing than ever. Even when you are indoors and the lenses aren’t activated by sunlight, they’re still actively blocking certain rays; blue light is one of these.
Design Your Own
Purchasing blue light blocking glasses is well worth the investment in this day and age. We recommend them for everyone, even children, who are using technology in school at much younger ages now. Even if you don’t have a glasses prescription, we’re able to make a set of non-prescription lenses with blue light protection for you.
Whatever your situation, if you know you need protection from blue light, we’re happy to help you design your custom set of eyeglasses, with the right anti-reflective coating, lens material, and type of Transitions you as an individual need! Click the button below to request your personalized consultation and start preserving your eye health today: