Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Science, Myths and Questions You Should Know

 

Blue light from digital devices and fluorescent lights has been shown to have negative effects on eyes, skin and circadian rhythms. However, it’s important to distinguish between misleading sensationalism and evidence-based science when making decisions about blue light exposure. Blue light between 440-495 nm is known as visible blue light or short-wavelength visible ight (SVV). It has the shortest wavelengths of any light in the visible spectrum, which makes its effect on humans quite pronounced. That also means that optical filters that block blue light are relatively easy to make. Frequent exposure to blue light at night is believed to be a risk factor for eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as increase one’s chances of developing glaucoma or optic neuritis.

 

What does blue light do to our eyes?

Excessive blue light exposure is believed to cause oxidative stress in the eyes and may be a risk factor for macular degeneration (AMD). The retina is made up of cells that have very high energy needs. It’s very sensitive to light because it must be able to convert photons into electrochemical signals. Retinal cells are also very sensitive to oxidative stress because they are tightly packed with mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) that produces the majority of cellular energy needed for cellular functions. Oxidative stress occurs when the body is producing more free radicals than it can handle. Free radicals are substances found naturally in the body when we use oxygen. High-energy light (UV, visible blue light, etc.) can also create excess free radicals in the retina. More free radicals can damage retinal cells, impairing their ability to create electrochemical signals from photons. This can cause a loss of vision or even blindness.

 

How does blue light affect our skin?

Blue light can affect our skin in multiple ways. First, blue light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in our skin that gives us a dark complexion. When blue light is absorbed by melanin, it creates free radicals that can damage nearby skin cells and accelerate the aging process. Blue light can also damage the collagen and elastin in our skin, which are necessary for maintaining healthy skin and preventing wrinkles. Blue light can also disrupt our circadian rhythms and affect melatonin secretion, which can affect our sleep and overall health. In addition, blue light has been associated with the formation of oxidative stress, which can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkles.

 

What are blue light blocking glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses are special optical filters that can block blue light from entering the eye. They are particularly useful in blocking blue light from computers and other digital devices. They may come with other features such as anti-reflective coatings and UV blocking. They are typically recommended for people who work at night (such as doctors, nurses, surgeons, air traffic controllers, etc.), people with circadian rhythm disorders such as delayed sleep phase disorder or advanced sleep phase disorder, shift workers, and people who use digital devices at night. Blue light blocking glasses are also recommended for people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen. They can also be used while reading books on devices such as the Kindle.

 

A warning about Blue Light Blocking Glasses

There is a lot of sensationalist and misleading information that has been published about blue light, blue light blocking glasses, and the health effects of blue light. There are also a lot of shady companies that are trying to sell blue light blocking glasses based on misleading information. Before you buy blue light blocking glasses, you should make sure that they are based on evidence-based science and not just sensationalist clickbait. Make sure you buy your blue light blocking glasses from a reputable company that has evidence-based information on the product and isn’t trying to sell you overpriced junk based on misleading science. There are some legitimate concerns about blue light blocking glasses. First, you will block almost all blue light with the glasses on, which is not recommended. Blue light is beneficial in the morning as it helps to increase your cortisol levels and naturally wake you up. Blocking all blue light in the evening can have negative consequences on your sleep. Second, people with certain eye conditions such as iritis, uveitis, and retinitis pigmentosa may have increased sensitivity to blue light and shouldn’t use blue light blocking glasses.

 

Final words: Will you use blue light blocking glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses are useful for people who work at night or for people who use digital devices at night. However, one should not use blue light blocking glasses in the evening as that can negatively affect one’s circadian rhythms and sleep. Blue light blocking glasses are not necessary for people with normal circadian rhythms who use digital devices in the daytime. The benefits of blue light blocking glasses are clear: less eye strain, less eye fatigue and less disruption to circadian rhythms. For people who work at night, wearing blue light blocking glasses can help ease the transition from nighttime to daytime. If you use digital devices at night, wearing blue light blocking glasses can help to lessen the negative effects of blue light. But what about people who work during the day and use digital devices? Should they wear blue light blocking glasses during the day? That depends on whether you have circadian rhythm issues.