The Truth About Blue Light Glasses You Probably Didn't Know!

Just saying the year 2024 out loud makes it sound Orwellian like the title of some sci-fi or futuristic movie. But when you pinch yourself and come back to reality (the future), you realize that we are living it right now. Today's virtual, digitized world, where we are blinded almost all day by the blue light that shines from screens of various formats, on which we browse social networks, play video games, learn about artificial intelligence and more, we take it for granted, as part of our everyday life. Have you ever wondered how negatively this affects our body, specifically our eyes, biorhythm, sleep. The cause is obvious, but we pay more attention to complaining about the consequences, such as unbearable migraines, loss of concentration, dry eyes, insomnia... This has become a real pandemic of the 21st century, which passes the radar of our awareness. Is there a solution? Of course - it's called computer glasses.

What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses are specially designed glasses that reduce eye strain when looking at a computer, tablet or phone screen for a long time. They have special lenses with anti-reflective coatings and filters that block the harmful blue light emitted by LCD and LED screens. These glasses help reduce symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision that are common in those who spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Some models also offer additional protection against UV radiation, which contributes to overall eye health. Computer glasses are useful for everyone, whether they already wear corrective glasses or not.

What is the popular and talked about blue light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nanometers. It is emitted by the sun, as well as artificial sources such as LCD and LED screens of computers, smartphones, tablets and televisions. High-energy blue light (HEV) penetrates deeper into the eye than other types of light, which can cause retinal damage. In the more severe stage of this damage, macular degeneration can develop, and the final result is complete loss of vision. In addition, there is certainly an excessive strain on the eyes, which is popularly called "digital eye fatigue".

The result of all this can be frequent headaches, dry sclera and blurred vision. Symptoms of sleep disorders should not be ignored in the summer, as blue light disrupts the production of the sleep hormone - melatonin. A study from five years ago scientifically proved that excessive "consumption" of screens really slows down the secretion of this hormone. As we know, sleep is very important for normal functioning. However, this does not pose a great danger, as the level of melatonin normalizes very quickly when you stop staring at the screen. Despite this, experts still recommend that you leave mobile phones alone for at least an hour before going to bed.

Blue light is also "quarantine myopia"

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Chinese experts have coined the term and shed light on the phenomenon of "quarantine myopia" in children. They tested 120,000 children aged 6 and over who were excessively scrolling through screens at home due to the curfew. They weren't out in the open and their gaze didn't extend into the distance at all, which is kind of healing. The result of all this is an almost threefold increase in myopia at the earliest age. On average, their vision deteriorated by -0.3 diopters. And it is a well-known fact - the earlier myopia appears, the more it will be expressed later. It is a very worrying fact that in Asia after the Second World War there were only 20 % myopic twenty-year-olds, but today there are already 80 %. Here, in Europe, it is not drastically different. According to a study by the Brien Holden Vision Institute, approximately 5 billion people will be nearsighted by 2050.

Blue light and precocious puberty in children

In addition to quarantine myopia, Turkish scientists discovered an increase in precocious puberty in children of both sexes during Lokdanun. And this tendency is a direct result of spending all hours of the day on "networks". After this realization, scientists from Gazi University in Turkey conducted an experiment on laboratory rats, dividing them into three groups. The first group was exposed to blue light for 6 hours a day, the second twice as long, and the third was spared. The researchers' predictions came true and the most irradiated rats had many consequences: defects in testicular tissue, reduced sperm motility, as well as the earliest sexual maturation.

A blue genie out of a bottle

On the other side of the planet, they conducted studies with children who were exposed to blue light. According to research by the British Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), there is not enough evidence to confirm the harmful effect of screens on children's eye health. Parents were asked some general questions as guidelines and left to make their own decisions about raising their children. Max Davy, a doctor from the mentioned institution, believes that we have to come to terms with modern trends. He compared the screens to a genie that has irretrievably escaped from a bottle.

However, the numbers are accurate. University College London conducted its own study, asking young people how much time they spend online. In today's world, 69 % computer users report eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. The fact that as many as 99 % children aged 12 to 15 spend more than 21 hours a week on the Internet and an average of 12 hours playing games is particularly devastating. So, more than 80 percent of primary school children have a smartphone, which is really huge. Not to mention other harmful consequences when teenagers are exposed to cyberbullying. Many studies have proven that excessive exposure to screens leads to obesity and even depression.

Blue light from the sun VS blue light from the screen

It is necessary to compare all sources of blue light illumination, as they differ.

Although a tanned complexion is considered desirable today, such pigmentation increases the chance of getting cancer. Because a dark complexion is actually a marker of skin damage and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). The screens of modern devices have the effect of increasing the amount of ROS, and too much of it damages key enzymes and your entire DNA. In addition, blue light triggers inflammatory processes and causes premature aging of the skin (photoaging).

We can all agree that in the modern world we spend too much time in front of screens. But if we look at the larger context, this is nothing compared to the harmful effects of sunbathing. Two serious studies support this. The first study showed that "blue screens" are up to 1,000 times less intense than the sun. While German skin care brand Biersdorf confirmed this thesis, stating that exposure to blue screen light at a distance of 30cm on a weekly basis is equivalent to just one minute of the sun's zenith in Hamburg.

Can blue light be useful for anything?

Believe it or not: you can! Several studies show that blue light therapy can be a painless treatment for acne. You can do the therapy at a dermatologist or at home. It is also called "photodynamic therapy", as it has the ability to remove certain skin bacteria, acne and eczema and heal wounds. Sometimes people even go to such treatments as a preventive measure to prevent the breakout of pimples. To be more precise, "acne vulgaris" disappeared only after blue light therapy, and it was even approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The harmful consequences are indeed moderate, so this type of procedure is safe according to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD. It has been found that there is no risk of skin cancer as it does not contain UV rays. Despite these positive effects, blue light definitely does more harm than good to people.

What is the difference between blue light glasses and prescription glasses?

Glasses prescribed by an ophthalmologist are personalized and address a wide range of vision problems, while computer glasses are specialized for a specific purpose.

The glasses are individualized, i.e. adapted to the specific needs of the patient. They act correctively for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism and presbyopia. While computer glasses are specifically designed to reduce eye strain and symptoms caused by direct exposure to blue light. In the modern world, we are exposed to LCD and LED screens both in the work environment, during office work and also in everyday life due to the excessive use of mobile phones and tablets.

Are blue light glasses prescribed by a doctor or can we buy them ourselves?

You have both options. But, as you know, a doctor's prescription for blue light glasses is not necessary at all, since this kind of protective glasses are universal in nature. So, most people buy computer glasses on their own initiative and budget.

However, if you have a specific problem, such as digital fatigue, your ophthalmologist or optometrist may prescribe them. They can perform an ophthalmological examination and prescribe custom computer glasses. With a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, you can go to an optician, where they make glasses with suitable lenses that have blue light filters and an anti-reflective coating.

Many opticians offer ready-made computer glasses that you can try on and buy without a prescription. These glasses usually have universal blue light filters and anti-reflective coatings. Precisely because they have a universal character for basic protection, you can get them as a finished product. They are also available for online ordering from many online stores, and here you can explore a large selection of designs.

How do the prices of computer glasses compare to regular glasses?

The price ranges of blue light glasses and regular corrective glasses with UV protection may vary depending on the manufacturer, quality of lenses and frames, and additional features. Here are the approximate price ranges for both types of glasses.

What is the difference between blue light glasses and gaming glasses?

Both office workers and avid gamers have the same problem - they spend more than half the day "staring" at a screen illuminated by blue light. Well, if they have the same problem, do they use the same eye protection solution? Is there a difference between blue light glasses and gaming glasses?

The lenses are the heart of both glasses and work the same in both types of glasses - they block harmful wavelengths of blue light and use advanced technology. The difference is usually in color, material and design. Blue light glasses often have a modern, understated design, aimed at professionals who want a stylish look with protection against blue light. The gaming glasses are larger, comfortable for long-term wear, with a silicone nose and flat handles that make it easier to wear the headphones. Computer glasses often have clear lenses that do not distort colors, which is ideal for office environments. While video game glasses can have tinted lenses, such as amber-yellow, to improve contrast.

Can I wear blue glasses all the time?

Glasses with blue light filters are intended for use when looking at computer, tablet and phone screens for a long time. Although you can wear them for most of the day if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, you don't have to wear them all the time. Blue light glasses are especially useful in situations where you are exposed to higher levels of blue light, such as working on a computer or watching TV in the evening. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear them as needed to get the most out of their benefits without unnecessary strain on your eyes.

Conclusion

"By 2050, almost 5 billion people will be myopic" - sounds a warning, as loud as a red alarm and the unstoppable tendency of humanity. It seems like a statement that suggests that blue light glasses will become a must-have for work and daily wear. They may already be a necessary everyday accessory like underwear. And maybe we'll even reduce blue light glasses to the level of a "fashion detail" that everyone will have, just choose the frame color, frame shape and design. They will represent a kind of protection against the underestimated scourge of today's time, which has swept the planet like a pandemic - a pandemic called "Ecranitis". If after a working day your eyes are completely dry and literally want to fall out, if it takes you 3 hours to fall asleep in the evening, if your head often flashes - you are definitely suffering from computer vision syndrome. Maybe today is the time to find the glasses that will save your vision here. Don't ignore the symptoms, it's important!