Almost everybody spends a lot of time today on the screen. We spend hours staring at the screen, staring at screens whether gaming, working, scrolling social media or binge-watching shows. As our eyes have been brought convenience with digital devices, they are also exposed to too much blue light, which is connected to digital eye strain as well as dry eye symptoms.
Whether they help with dry eye or not, if you have them, many people are turning to blue light glasses.
In this article, we’ll explain what dry eye is, how blue light hurts our eyes and whether blue light glasses can do anything.
What Is Dry Eye?
So, it is dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. That can be discomforting, uncomfortable, even blurring of vision.
They are part of the need to keep your eye hydrated, remove dust from yourself, as well as ensure proper vision. Overall, tear production is insufficient when you experience:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty or dry feeling in the eyes
- Watery eyes (as a reaction to irritation)
Dry eye symptoms are common with excessive screen use, with more people now experiencing this because of overuse of blue light.
What Is Blue Light?
High energy visible (HEV) light is a type of light with a short wavelength referred to as ‘blue light’. It is found in natural sun emission or artificially by digital screens, LED lights or fluorescent bulbs.
There is some value to exposure to blue light which helps regulate our sleep cycle and keep us alert, but too much, especially from screens, has been linked to:
- Digital eye strain
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased risk of dry eye
Blue light can cause dryness and irritation at the surface of your eyes when you stare at screens for long periods. Blue light glasses are what we mean here.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue Light Glasses are meant to filter or block blue light spewed from digital screens. They are available in a prescription or nonprescription form and come with lenses that are transparent or slightly yellow to cut down on blue light exposure.
Blue light glasses are said to do the following by the manufacturers.
- Reduce digital eye strain
- Improve sleep quality
- Minimize headaches caused by prolonged screen use
- Help alleviate dry eye symptoms
But do they actually work? Let’s find out.
Why Do We Need Blue Light Glasses?
Without a doubt in today’s world, it is impossible to avoid blue light exposure. We use everything from digital devices that emit blue light, whether at work, school, or home and blue light can, among other things, lead to discomfort and eye fatigue.
One in every five people suffers from digital eye strain also known as dry eye, which includes such symptoms as:
- Eye fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Dryness and irritation
- Headaches and difficulty focusing
The Vision Council reported that almost 60 percent of people are suffering from the symptoms of digital eye strain due to excessive screen time. While blue light glasses are meant to aid in decreasing the stress and discomfort associated with extended usage of blue light, it’s common for individuals to turn to this type of solution to relieve any digital eye strain.
Can Blue Light Glasses Help with Dry Eyes?
The short answer is yes, to some extent.
Reduction of blue light exposure may help relieve symptoms of digital eye strain, one of the contributors to dry eye symptoms. A PLOS ONE study showed treating unstable tear film decreased symptoms in patients with dry eyes since they commonly have a problem with dry eyes.
However, medical experts remain divided. A few people claim that dry eyes are not caused just by blue light; therefore, using blue light glasses alone cannot fully cure the condition.
The most successful approach to helping dry eye includes using blue light glasses in conjunction with other strategies designed to aid in combating dry eye:
- Using artificial tears to keep eyes hydrated
- Staying well-hydrated throughout the day
- Following the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes)
- Adjusting screen brightness and enabling dark mode
Also, it is important to have regular eye exams to diagnose any underlying vision issues as well as to know the proper course of action. If you are suffering from chronic dry eye symptoms, it is worth considering a vision test in Santa Barbara to get expert recommendations regarding symptoms that may or may not be symptomatic of Dry Eye Syndrome.
Blue Light Glasses: A Potential Aid, Not a Cure
Although blue light glasses can aid in alleviating digital eye strain, dry eyes won’t be resolved with it. There are some lifestyle changes, which combined with eye care practices, are used in the management of dry eye. These include:
- Taking frequent breaks from screens – Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Staying hydrated – Drinking enough water supports normal tear production.
- Using lubricating eye drops – Artificial tears can help maintain moisture.
- Adjusting screen settings – Lower brightness and enable dark mode when possible.
- Getting regular eye exams – Routine checkups, like a vision test in Santa Barbara, can identify potential eye problems.
One way to combat the issue is blue light glasses, but they should be used along with proper eye care.
Helpful or Hype?
The blue light glasses work on the demand of the personal user. They can be a good help in reducing eye strain and at least mild dryness if you don’t get comfortable from long screen time.
Although blue light glasses are not a cure for dry eyes. Along with other preventive measures such as proper hydration, screen breaks, and lubricating eye drops they should be used. If you have chronic dry eye, you will need to see an eye specialist to get a treatment that suits you.
If you are seeking to invest in blue light glasses then picking the ideal eyewear from a trusted eyeglasses shop in Ventura is necessary.
For those looking to invest in blue light glasses, choosing high-quality eyewear from a trusted eyeglasses store in Ventura is crucial. Paired with routine vision tests in Santa Barbara, you can take proactive steps to protect your eyes in today’s digital age.
Conclusion
Blue light glasses can make digital eye strain and the symptoms of mild dry eye better, but they’re not a cure-all. That said, if you are constantly in trouble, first add them up with proper eye care practices and talk to an optometrist to get specific advice.
Protect your eyes today for a clearer, more comfortable tomorrow. Visit a reputable Ventura eyeglasses store should you be looking to buy blue light glasses.
