Most of us spend plenty of time staring at our screens.  All that screen time is bad for our eyes. Blue light emitted from computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices lead to dry eyes, eye strain, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Blue light glasses promise benefits for wearers who spend four hours or longer using their devices each day.

What is Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are a specially crafted type of eyeglasses said to block out or reduce the amount of blue light given from a digital screen.

Blue light eyewear sales continue to soar, with 2020 sales toppling $19 million. Experts expect that number to increase to more than $28 million by 2024.

But do blue light glasses really work?

It depends on who you ask but most experts agree the eyewear provides no significant benefits against blue light from your devices.

What Experts Say

Blue light eyewear has been around for a few years now, however, research still is in its infancy, leaving many questions unanswered. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says blue light glasses are unnecessary and do not recommend any type of special eyewear for computer users. They go on to say that blue light from digital devices does not cause eye disease or eye strain. Instead, problems computer users experience simply happens as the result of overuse of the devices.

Some eye care professionals disagree, saying the blue light eyewear benefits are real.   Many users also disagree and feel the glasses enhance their productivity and protect their eyes.

The Vision Council, a council representing the optical industry, says they “encourage everyone to do their own research, speak with an eye care provider, and determine the right solution for them and their family.”

University of Houston Study

A 2017 study conducted by the University of Houston found a 58% increase in nighttime melatonin levels amongst participants wearing blue light eyewear.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology again disagrees, stating, “You don’t need to spend any extra money on blue light glasses to improve sleep –simply decrease evening screen time and set devices to night mode.”

Give Blue Light Glasses a Try if You Want

Experts agree that trying the glasses to learn if they offer benefits to you is perfectly fine. However, do not believe the hype marketing and do diligent research ahead of purchasing eyewear of any sort. The best way to effectively combat eye strain and improve sleep is to give your eyes a break from computers and other blue-light emitting screens. 

Tips to Keep Eye Strain at Bay

Add a few foods for eye health, such as nuts, carrots, spinach, beef, fish, and whole grains. Adopt the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20-feet away for at least 20-seconds. You can also minimize the effects of blue light on your eyes by:

• Moving your seat/seat position so that you are distanced 25-inches from the screen
• Keep eyes moist with artificial tears
• Increase screen contrast
• Use a matte screen filter to reduce screen glare