The Technology Behind Blue Light Glasses

As our screen time increases rapidly and digital devices encroach on the nooks and crannies of our lives, eye protection becomes important. In such a context blue light glasses enter the picture. The popularity of these glasses has increased phenomenally in recent times. However, many people are still sceptical about the benefits they offer and the technology behind their functioning. All the confusion and questions end here, as we explore the A to Z of anti-blue light spectacles.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light, also known as blue-ray light, is a high-energy visible (HEV) segment of the visible light spectrum. The visible light spectrum is the natural light emitted by the sun and includes light rays with wavelengths from about 400 nm to 750 nm. On the other hand, blue light is a short wavelength beam with a range of 400 nm to 450 nm. The sun is an organic source of blue light, however, there are artificial sources as well.

Artificial blue light is emitted from fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, and digital screen devices like laptops, mobile phones, laptops, computers, etc. As blue light has the energy of any wavelength on the visible spectrum, it can cause potential damage to your eyes when compared with other visible light. Thus, spending a lot of time on digital devices could potentially lead to eye strain, which causes symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, discomfort, dry eyes, etc.

To minimise the harm of blue light, it is advisable to opt for blue light glasses.

The Science Behind Blue Light Glasses Technology

Blue light spectacles are successful in keeping blue light at bay because of the technology used in building them.

• Blue Light Filtering Technology

Some blue light glasses or computer glasses work by filtering out a significant portion of blue light emitted by digital screens. These glasses have a special coating that blocks or absorbs a specific chunk of blue light while allowing other colours to pass through.

• Selective Filtering Features

The underlying technology behind blue light-blocking glasses is the filtering properties of the lenses. Different manufacturers utilise varying technologies to achieve blue light filtration, such as special coatings or materials embedded with anti-blue light agents. These glasses selectively block the higher-energy wavelengths of blue light, thereby reducing the amount that reaches our eyes.

Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the above question. It depends upon the type of blue light glasses you have opted for! If you get the right pair of blue light glasses, then chances are that they will work. For individuals who do not suffer from migraine attacks or hyper-light sensitivity, and are simply looking to block blue light emitted from digital devices, then anti-blue light lenses are a great choice.

Currently, the research regarding blue light glasses is quite limited. There are mixed results and ongoing research, which reflect the tangible efficacy of these frames in the near future. For example, a 2017 study of 80 computer users found that after one month of using lenses infused with an anti-blue light coating, one-third felt that they got benefits. This section claimed that blue light glasses improved their vision and reduced glare.

Likewise, a small study dating back to 2011 also reveals that blue light significantly suppresses melatonin levels and wearing blue light blockers could help you sleep better at night. But, the effects materialise only when you complement these glasses with other strategies like reducing your screen time, not using phones two hours before sleeping, etc.

Benefits of Wearing Blue Light Glasses

Some of the benefits of wearing blue light glasses are -

Reducing Digital Eye Strain

The main benefit of wearing blue light glasses is that they reduce digital eye strain by filtering out a large portion of harmful blue light emitted from laptops, tablets, and phones. The culmination is that they act as a shield against the glare that causes eye fatigue, dryness, and discomfort.

Better Sleep

The second major benefit of blue light glasses is that they contribute to a more sound and peaceful sleep. Excessive exposure to blue light exposure in the evening can hamper the natural production of melatonin — the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Thus, by mitigating blue light exposure before bedtime, these frames can help maintain a healthy sleep routine.

Improve Focus and Productivity

Last but not least, various studies have also revealed that excessive susceptibility to blue light during the day can increase alertness and create a chaotic state of mind. So, by wearing blue light glasses, you can maintain a more balanced and focused state of mind.

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of the lens technology behind blue light glasses!