These days, screens are an unavoidable part of our lives. Whether you work on your computer, use your phone to text throughout the day, or like to unwind at the end of the day in front of your tv, at some point during the day you are looking at a screen.
In fact, you probably look at more than one at the same time too. That’s how prevalent they are in our lives. Technology is not a bad thing, but it does come with a cost.
Many adults report getting regular headaches. Can wearing blue light lenses while we look at screens help reduce them? In this guide, we’re going to explore the benefits of blue-light-blocking glasses and why everyone who looks at screens all day should use them. Let’s get started.
Screen Times and Headaches
Technology has added more convenience to our lives than we’ve ever had before. It’s also made it easier to communicate with loved ones around the world. Plus, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was thanks to technology that many employees were able to keep working from home.
So is screen time bad? While technology has definitely made our lives better, the amount of time we spend in front of screens has a dark side.
Digital eye strain, which happens when we stare at screens for too long, can cause debilitating headaches. Too much screen time can also keep us from sleeping well, which has a detrimental impact on our health.
Why is our screen time causing these issues? Screens give off blue light rays, which have the highest energy of all visible light rays.
Blue light is actually found in the sun, and when it comes from a natural source, it’s very helpful. It helps us feel awake and sleepy at the right times, which keeps our circadian rhythm working properly.
However, the problems with blue light arise when it comes from an artificial source, like our screens. Simply put, the blue light from our screens is too strong and we are looking at it for too long.
Eventually, this leads to digital eye strain, headaches, fatigue, lack of sleep, and other issues. Can blue light lenses help? Let’s look at how they work next.
How Do Blue Light Lenses Work?
You may have read those blue-light-blocking lenses can help reduce how much blue light your eyes take in from your screen. How does this actually work?
Our eyes are not able to block or filter blue light on their own, and blue light penetrates deeply to the back of the eye. Eventually, it can damage the retina, and it is even more harmful than UV rays.
Blue light lenses can filter and block blue light from reaching your naked eyes. They do not completely block 100% of blue light; however, they can still drastically reduce the amount that your eyes take in.
Depending on your needs, there are different levels of blue light blocking capabilities. Some blue light glasses block only 25% of the blue light you take in, while others can block up to 60% of blue light.
Using glasses with a blue light filter is effective headache prevention if you work in front of screens all day. Plus, there are other benefits to blue light protection, like better sleep and less eye strain. Blue light glasses are also a great way to protect your vision and eye health long-term.
Types of Blue Light Glasses
There are several options when it comes to finding the right blue light lenses for you. If you already wear corrective glasses for your vision, you can get a pair made with your prescription and a blue light filter.
With this option, you will block blue light all the time, including the blue light from the sun.
If you don’t wear glasses already, you can buy lenses that only act as blue light filters. They won’t include a prescription, and you may not notice a major difference when you first start wearing them, but they are very effective at blocking the harmful effects of blue light.
The only issue with this type of blue light lenses is that you have to remember to wear them every day when you’re on your screens. If you work at a computer, keeping them next to your monitor is a helpful way to remind yourself to wear them.
It won’t be long until you notice a major difference between looking at a screen with and without your blue light glasses.
Other Ways to Prevent Headaches From Digital Eye Strain
As we said, blue light glasses are extremely helpful, but they won’t completely block all of the blue light from your screens. However, there are some other tactics you can try to reduce your headaches caused by digital eye strain.
First, it’s important to take periodic breaks from your screen. Try to stand up, stretch, and step away from your computer every hour or two during your workday. Resist the urge to check your phone and get some fresh air instead.
Next, most phones and computers come with the ability to lower the brightness of your screen, which can reduce eye strain. There are also apps you can install that will adjust your screen color to a nighttime setting when it gets dark.
Speaking of nighttime, don’t fall asleep with your screen. Give your eyes time to relax after the day of looking at screens by reading before bed instead. Try to read a physical book and not a book on your tablet.
Reduce Digital Eye Strain Today
Since screens are an unavoidable part of our lives, protecting your vision has never been more important than it is today. Plus, utilizing blue light lenses can help prevent headaches and other issues caused by digital eye strain.
If you need new blue light lenses in Houston, Texas, EZ Optical can help you. Contact us today to request an eye appointment.
