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Blue-Light Blockers – The Extra-Ordinary Glasses

Our eyes see a lot of colors through the day when light bounces back off an object. Depending upon the number of rays that an object bounces, some designated cells at the back of our eyes receive these signals and decode them into colors with help of brain.
Though blue-light helps soothe the brain cells and boost our attention during the day, it is not as beneficial when viewed at night or in dark surroundings. American Academy of Ophthalmology, denies any scientific evidence on the exact impact of blue-light on our eyes, but American Macular Degeneration Foundation suggests that this as potential reason for blindness as we age. Studies performed on house flies upon exposure to blue-light resulted in retinal damage and shorter lives as compared to those flies that did not get exposed. Though no particular medical impact has been recorded on human subjects, it is observed that blue-light hugely alters our sleep patterns. Earlier people arose and fell asleep with changes in light emitted by sun, and this is why people find harder to sleep now at night because the blue-light emitting from their devices deceives them to think that it is still day-time.

What Exactly Are The Blue-Light Blocking Glasses?

Since our eyes are on the verge of a damage from the blue-light that emits from every screen we see through the day (and night) it is only fair to use a shield between eyes and the light to block them. Blue-light blocking glasses not only look trendy but also serve their purpose very well. These look like any other glasses, but with the exception of lenses that are designed to filter blue-light and or ultra-violet light from reaching our eyes. And, help us avoid a number of side-effects of the sharp light, such as headaches, strain on eyes, fatigue and developing cataracts.

Effects of Blue-Light Exposure

Effect on Children:

Children have developing eyes, that is; they have larger pupils and clearer lenses, hence being able to absorb a greater amount of blue light as compared to most adults. Kids may have exposure to blue lights in school class-rooms, while watching television at home, glaring at digital screens in the shopping malls or their favourite ice-cream parlor, or even while being on the play-station. This exposure is the main cause of lacking deep sleep which is generally required by growing kids, and also causes digital eye strain.
A worst case scenario is gradual but permanent loss of clear vision or damaged retinal cells in children, due to over-exposure to blue-light. To prevent a long-term damage to your children’s eyes it is important to monitor their exposure to digital screens, along with protecting their eyes with pair of blue-light blocking glasses for kids, which are easy to find at eye wear stores for adults. But, make sure that the glasses you buy for kids are light weight and comfortable to wear, and also prepare your kids for the change and make them carry a case for eye glasses so they do not get damaged when left unattended. These safety habits built now will be well carried into adulthood and prevent young people from potential damage from early on.

Effect on Gamers:

Likewise, blue-light blocking glasses are also a handy asset for gamers. The Entertainment Software Association states that in America alone, 60% of population is comprised of avid gamers which total to a rough size of 200 million American gamers. However, as much as it enhances your cognitive performance, gamers are most likely to experience a set-back in vision with time owing to the strain that it puts on your eyes. But, this can be tackled with the use of blue-light blockers that help reduce the symptoms that come with long-time screen glare.

Effect on 20/20 Vision:

These glasses are not only for kids and gamers with potential of getting harmed but are also a useful accessory for those with 20/20 vision who can take to wearing the blockers for protection from damage to eye.

How Else Blue-Light Blocking Glasses Help?

Moreover these glasses not only help protect the eyes but are also capable of:

  • Alleviating discomfort from long-term exposure to screens, and reduce the strain on eyes which makes them itchy and dry.
  • Helping you get a better quality of sleep since by wearing these glasses your brain does not feel as strained as before.
  • Helping reduce the risk to certain types of cancer since exposure of eyes to blue-light can reduce melatonin production.
  • Helping to prevent macular degeneration caused over time with age, which is one of the leading causes of blindness among Americans, effecting 11 million people.

Choosing The Best Blue-Light Blockers:

You may want to do some research before buying your pair of glasses and it is important to see the amount of light that they block. It is better if you opt for those that block 90% of blue-light which is a quality found in shaded lenses. But be careful not to choose orange shaded blockers which block 100% blue-light and is harmful during the day.

Helping Your Eyes Without Glasses:

Additional ways that we can help ease the strain on our eyes from blue-light are to;

  • Blink frequently when staring at a screen for longer periods to keep eyes moisturized.
  • Take short breaks in between long sessions, after every 30 minutes.
  • Keep your screen smudge-free
  • Select night-time features generally found in phones to reduce light emission.
  • Use extension Flux for computer to adjust as sun sets.
  • Avoid bright screens 2 hours before bed-time.
  • Use dim, red light at night to help with circadian rhythm.
  • Eat proper diet for healthy vision.

How to Get Rid Of Prescription Glasses:

If you wear prescription glasses then you are not exempted from blue-light’s exposure and adverse effects, hence you must consider getting LASIK so you can have a 20/20 vision without prescription glasses and can wear blue-light blocking glasses as desired. LASIK is a good option also since it is cost-effective and pain-free.