Blue light can cause all kinds of problems, from eye strain and blurred vision to migraines. It can also make it more difficult for you to sleep at night. Thankfully, blue light glasses can help. Here is what you need to know about blue light and how glasses can help protect you from it.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a natural part of the light spectrum. It is at the far end of the spectrum, towards UV rays, which we can’t see.
Blue light tends to make us feel alert and may also make us feel optimistic. Sunlight is rich in blue light, which is why the sky looks blue in bright sunlight.
Where Does Blue Light Come From?
- The sun. As we’ve established, the sun is rich in blue light, which, along with UV rays, is part of why the sun can be so damaging when we’re exposed to it too much.
- Screens. Screens like laptops, smartphones, and tablets all give off a lot of blue light. This is one of the most problematic causes of blue light, since so many of use these devices well into the light as well as being exposed to blue light all day.
- Lights. Regular lightbulbs of any kind give off blue light. Lights that imitate daylight or have a cooler light give off more blue light. The bulbs used in office settings are often high in blue light.
What Does Blue Light Do?
In moderate amounts, blue light helps us feel awake and energeized during the day and wakes us up in the morning. However, when we are exposed to excess blue light, there are some meaningful negative consequences.
Eye Strain
Blue light makes your eyes work to take it in and stresses the eye, which results in eye strain. Chronic eye strain can result in headaches and even cataracts over time.
Blurry Vision
Blue light can blur your vision and make you have to blink frequently to clear your sight. Overtime, blurry vision leads to headaches.
Headaches and Migraines
Blue light can trigger migraines in some people who are sensitive to light. Constant eye strain can result in headaches for anyone.
Interrupted Sleep Patterns
Blue light makes your mind think that it is daylight, which has very negative effects on your circadian rhythm. It can be tough to go to sleep when you’ve been looking at a screen, especially if you’ve been on it for some time.
Since so many of us check our phones or go on our laptops before bed, blue light may be a serious aspect of why we have trouble sleeping.
What Can be Done About Blue Light?
If you’re worried about the harmful effects of blue light, you’ll be relieved to learn that there are simple, practical ways to reduce your exposure to blue light.
- Use sunglasses. When you’re outside in bright sunlight, use sunglasses that wrap around your face and thoroughly cover your eyes. Such glasses will keep negative UV rays and blue rays out of your eyes.
- Wear a hat. Hats keep much of the intensity of blue light off of your face, which makes it easier for sunglasses to filter out negative light.
- Use a reading device. Reading devices with technology that creates a paper-like finish free of blue light won’t keep you up or cause negative effects like smartphones or tablets do.
- Wear blue light glasses. Whenever you need to expose yourself to blue light from your laptop, smartphone, or other device, or even when you’re in a artificially lit space with lots of blue light, blue light glasses can make a huge difference.
Keep Your Eyes Safe
Blue light can have serious negative effects for your eyes. Take steps to keep your eyes safe today.