Sunglasses are a summer staple. They protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays and keep you looking cool. But did you know that some sunglasses can also block blue light?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of blue light and sunglasses. We’ll cover:
- What blue light is and why it matters
- How sunglasses can block blue light
- The different types of sunglasses that block blue light
- Whether you need blue light blocking sunglasses
What is Blue Light?
Light is a type of energy that we perceive as color. White light is made up of a spectrum of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Blue light is a type of visible light with a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colors.
There are two main sources of blue light:
- The sun: The sun naturally emits blue light.
- Digital devices: Screens from computers, smartphones, and tablets emit significant amounts of blue light.
Why Does Blue Light Matter?
Blue light exposure has both positive and negative effects on our health.
Positive effects:
- Blue light helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.
- Blue light can improve alertness, memory, and cognitive function.
Negative effects:
- Excessive exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Blue light can cause eye strain and fatigue, especially from digital devices.
- Some research suggests that long-term exposure to blue light may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but more research is needed.
How Do Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
Sunglasses block light by using special coatings or tints on the lenses. These coatings or tints absorb or reflect certain colors of light, while allowing other colors to pass through.
Sunglasses that block blue light typically have amber, yellow, orange, or brown-colored lenses. These colors absorb blue light more effectively than other colors.
Different Types of Sunglasses That Block Blue Light
There are several different types of sunglasses that block blue light:
- Over-the-counter sunglasses: Many over-the-counter sunglasses offer some degree of blue light blocking. However, the amount of blue light they block can vary depending on the lens tint and coating.
- Computer glasses: Computer glasses are designed to be worn while using digital devices. They typically have a yellow or orange tint that blocks blue light and can help reduce eye strain.
- Prescription sunglasses: If you wear prescription glasses, you can get lenses that block blue light.
Do You Need Blue Light Blocking Sunglasses?
Whether or not you need blue light blocking sunglasses depends on your individual needs and habits. Here are some factors to consider:
- How much time do you spend in front of digital devices? If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, you may benefit from blue light blocking glasses.
- Do you experience eye strain from digital devices? If you get headaches, dry eyes, or blurred vision after using digital devices, blue light blocking glasses may help.
- Do you have trouble sleeping? If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, wearing blue light blocking glasses in the evening may help improve your sleep quality.
Talking to Your Eye Doctor
If you’re considering getting blue light blocking sunglasses, it’s always a good idea to talk to your eye doctor. They can help you determine if blue light blocking glasses are right for you and recommend the best type of lenses for your needs.
Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Some sunglasses can also block blue light, which may help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. If you’re concerned about the effects of blue light, talk to your eye doctor about whether blue light blocking sunglasses are right for you.
Additional Considerations for Blue Light Blocking Sunglasses
Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding if blue light blocking sunglasses are right for you:
- Lens color: Sunglasses with certain colored lenses, like amber, yellow, orange, or brown, tend to block blue light more effectively. However, these colored lenses can affect how you perceive color. Consider how important accurate color perception is for your activities.
- Lens coating: Some sunglasses have a special coating that blocks blue light. This coating is often clear, so it won’t affect how you see color.
Looking for Blue Light Blocking Sunglasses?
If you’re interested in getting blue light blocking sunglasses, here are some tips:
- Look for reputable brands: Look for sunglasses from brands that sell quality eyewear.
- Consider online retailers: Online retailers often have a wider selection of sunglasses than brick-and-mortar stores. However, you won’t be able to try the sunglasses on before you buy them.
- Read reviews: Read reviews of sunglasses before you buy them. This can help you get an idea of how well they block blue light and how comfortable they are to wear.
Potential Benefits of Blue Light Blocking Sunglasses
While the research on the long-term effects of blue light exposure is ongoing, some studies suggest potential benefits to considering blue light blocking sunglasses, especially for those who spend significant time in front of digital screens. Here are two areas where these sunglasses might be helpful:
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Eye Strain and Comfort: Some people experience eye strain, fatigue, or headaches after extended screen time. Studies suggest a connection between these issues and blue light exposure. Blue light blocking sunglasses may help reduce these symptoms by filtering out some of the blue light reaching your eyes.
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Sleep Patterns: Blue light exposure in the evening hours can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Wearing blue light blocking sunglasses in the evening may help some people fall asleep easier and improve overall sleep quality.
It’s important to remember that these are potential benefits, and more research is needed to confirm the long-term effects of blue light exposure.
Conclusion
Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Some sunglasses can also block blue light, which may help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. If you’re concerned about the effects of blue light, talk to your eye doctor about whether blue light blocking sunglasses are right for you.