In today’s digital age, we’re more exposed to blue light than ever, which can severely impact our sleep. Your eyes are complex and sensitive to this wavelength, but you can help avoid some of the issues caused by blue light with a pair of blue light glasses.
You can wear blue light glasses whenever you’d like, and there’s no drawback to wearing them all the time. They’re designed to filter out the blue light emitted by screens, making them an excellent accessory for anyone who spends much time in front of a computer or any other digital device.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is high-energy light on the visible light spectrum. It’s naturally present in sunlight, and we’ve been exposed to it for most of our history. Blue light from the sun is essential for our circadian rhythm, or biological clock. Our bodies use it to regulate when we sleep and wake up. It can also boost mood and keep us energized throughout the day.
But it’s also emitted by digital screens, LED lights, and other types of artificial lighting. While some exposure to this light is perfectly fine, too much can eventually lead to a problem with sleep patterns.
In today’s world, that can be particularly problematic. We can use our phones until we fall asleep or watch television as long as we’d like. When you’re exposed to this much blue light, it can begin to disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
How Does Blue Light Affect You?
When your eyes take in blue light, your body reacts. It begins to suppress melatonin production, the chemical that helps you fall and stay asleep, making it much harder to get quality sleep every night.
Over time, this effect can become more and more prominent. If you aren’t getting adequate sleep, you’ll likely start to experience:
- Exhaustion during the day
- Irritability or anxiety
- A lack of concentration
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
- Headaches
Something as simple as staying up late every night using your phone can impact the rest of your life. You may notice a decrease in your work performance or that you’re having difficulty paying attention to what you’re doing. Limiting your exposure to blue light where you can, especially in the hours leading up to bed, is essential.
But what if you’re constantly working late and using a computer, or if part of your life requires exposure to blue light? Blue light glasses may be a solution.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are just like standard glasses but are specially designed to filter blue light from devices and artificial lighting.
They have lenses that block or absorb blue light, preventing it from reaching your eyes. This is typically done through:
- A special coating applied to the outside of the lens
- A filter built into the lens material itself
- An amber tint applied to the lens
These glasses come with prescription and non-prescription lenses, making them accessible to anyone. If you find yourself looking for a way to avoid the effects of blue light, these might be the answer you’re looking for!
When Should You Wear Blue Light Glasses?
You can wear blue light glasses whenever you’d like. They’re ideal if you:
- Spend most of your day on a computer
- Work in an environment where you’re exposed to artificial light late into the night
- Have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep schedule
These glasses are particularly beneficial in the evenings as you’re winding down for the night. By avoiding blue light, your body will produce melatonin to help you get a good night’s sleep.
There’s one thing to note, though. Because these glasses are designed to filter blue light, they can sometimes alter how you perceive specific colours. If you work in a field where you need to clearly and accurately distinguish the difference between certain shades, blue light glasses may not work for you.
Where to Get Blue Light Glasses
If you’re worried about how much of an impact blue light has on your life, come visit us at Orillia Optometry. Our team is here to help, and we can discuss the benefits of blue light glasses for you. You deserve a good night’s sleep, so book an appointment with us today!
