Let’s be honest, we’re all glued to our phones. Whether it’s scrolling through TikTok first thing in the morning or answering emails late at night. As much as technology has made life easier, it has also brought a new form of eye strain we weren’t prepared for. There is plenty of buzz around blue light filtered glasses, but do they actually work as claimed? Let’s dive in!
What are Blue Light glasses?
The blue light in the glasses is a coating on the lenses which is a treatment designed to filter out the blue and violet light, particularly from digital screens like computers and smartphones. These coatings are meant to reduce eye strain and help improve sleep by reducing blue light exposure.
Myth or fact?
Blue light filters have gained massive popularity – and theoretically, they make a whole lot of sense! But while the idea sounds promising, multiple clinical studies suggest their effectiveness in reducing digital eye strain and sleep improvement may be overstated. The truth is, digital eye strain is often caused by how we use our screens, not just the light they emit.
What are some signs of digital eye strain?
Studies have found that even just one hour of near work strains the eye’s focusing system, leading to eye fatigue. Given that amount of time being spent on screens, you might be struggling with following symptoms:
- Tired or sore eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Feeling of closing your eyes or wanting to take a break
Follow our tips and tricks below to improve comfort and reduce eye strain during screen time!
Tips and Tricks:
- 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a mini workout and helps prevent fatigue.
- Adjust Your Screen Settings – use night shift mode (most devices have this built in feature) to reduce blue light emission from your devices.
- Keep Your Screens Clean – dust and fingerprints increase glare and make your eyes work harder, a quick wipe can make a big difference.
- Maintain a Healthy Distance – your screen should be about an arm’s length away and positioned slightly below eye level.
- Get an Eye Test! – regular eye checks are essential for your optometrist to provide you with the best care possible.
In today’s digital world, protecting your eyes isn’t optional, it’s essential. Book yourself an eye exam to find out what more can be done about protecting your eyes!
For more information, concerns or inquiries or to book your next eye exam, get in touch with inFocus Vision Care. It all begins with you taking care of your eyes!
