If you work an office job, chances are you spend a lot of time staring at your computer screen. Computer screens, office lights and even the sun, project visible and invisible light rays that can have a range of effect on our eyes. However, one light ray that seems to be in the spotlight a lot lately is blue light.
Blue light is on the more powerful end of the light spectrum, so it’s light waves are a lot shorter. You’ve probably heard blue light can be bad for your eyes and overall health. While precautionary measures are recommended, not all exposure to blue light is bad. You may also be wondering if you should be wearing blue light blocking glasses while working on your computer. Keep reading to find out more about blue light and how to keep your eyes protected from harmful light rays.
Effects of Blue Light on Your Sleep Cycle
Blue light can be found almost anywhere. And thankfully, it is isn’t entirely bad. One of the benefits of blue light is that your body uses it to regulate its circadian rhythm.
Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural sleep and wake cycles. When your body is exposed to blue light, it sends signals to your body to stay awake. Because of this, exposure to blue light can boost your alertness, heighten your reaction times and elevate your mood and overall well-being.
However, this isn’t always a good thing. If you’re watching TV, spending time on your laptop or smartphone before bed, it could hinder the quality of your sleep.
Effects of Blue Light on Your Eyes
In addition to affecting your natural sleep and wake cycles, blue light can negatively affect your eyesight. Because blue light is among the shortest of light waves, the light waves flicker more easily compared to longer, weaker light waves. This flickering creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast, and affect the sharpness and clarity of your eyesight.
Additionally, it can cause eye strain, blurred vision and headaches. In extreme cases, too much blue light can even lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
So, with all this talk of blue light, you may be wondering how you can protect your eyes and body from overexposure to its harmful rays.
One popular way to protect your eyes is by wearing blue light blocking lenses. These can be worn at work, or before bed to reduce the negative effects of blue light on your eyes and help you sleep better. You’ve probably heard the hype on these glasses and you may be wondering, “do blue light blocking glasses work?”. The short answer? Yes and no.
If you’re experiencing eye strain, it could be from a number of factors. If it’s caused by overexposure to blue light, computer glasses will likely help reduce your eye strain and help you sleep better. Even if you normally wear glasses, you don’t have to worry! Blue light blocking prescription glasses are also available.
Blue light blocking lenses can protect your eyes from the harmful light rays. Wearing them for a few hours before you go to bed could improve your sleep quality and enable you to wake up feeling more rested.
If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen and you’re experiencing symptoms of eye strain, blurred vision or headaches, it could be related to blue light. You may want to discuss a solution that’s right for you, such as the best blue light blocking glasses for your eyes.