Can Sunglasses Also Filter Blue Light?

With so many people spending extended periods in front of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices, concerns about blue light exposure have grown in the modern era. While blue light filtering glasses are a well-known solution, the possibility that sunglasses can also filter blue light is a topic worth investigating. This article explores the nature of blue light, its effects, and how sunglasses can mitigate these effects.

Understanding blue light

Blue light has wavelengths within the visible light spectrum that fall between about 380 and 500 nanometers. It is one of the visible light's highest-energy and shortest wavelengths. Sunlight naturally contains blue light, and various artificial sources, such as computer displays, LED lights, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets, are released.

Blue light sources

Organic resources: The most important natural source of blue light is the sun. Exposure to blue light from the sun during the day is natural and advantageous. It elevates our mood, strengthens our circadian rhythm, and increases attentiveness.
Artificial resources: The development of contemporary technology has led to the widespread use of artificial blue light sources.

Among these are LED lights, which are widely used in streetlights, automobile headlights, and home lighting.
Digital screens include televisions, tablets, cell phones, and PCs.
Energy-efficient lighting solutions include compact fluorescent lights or CFLs.

Which blue light filters do you offer?

Is there a better way to block blue light when using digital gadgets indoors than donning sunglasses? You are undoubtedly familiar with blue light spectacles.

In this article, we'll discuss whether or not sunglasses are a valuable tool for blocking blue light emissions and how to protect your eyes when using digital screens effectively.

When should you use blue light glasses?

Blue light glasses are specific eyewear that helps block and filter particular wavelengths of blue light. They can be an excellent method to prevent the adverse effects of blue light and are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms.

If any of the following apply to you, wearing blue light glasses can be very beneficial:

You enjoy watching TV before going to bed
You enjoy using your phone in the evenings
You spend the majority of your day near screens or other gadgets
You operate in an incredibly bright setting

These glasses help keep your circadian rhythm original by shielding your eyes from particular blue light. It has made them a trendy option for anyone concerned about blue light exposure!

What does blue light do to your eyes

Your retina is sensitive to light, and certain parts of your eye, like the cornea and lens, shield it. But it can't protect the eyes from blue light.

Although further research is required, blue light exposure can harm the retina and result in symptoms like:

Stale eyes
Hazy vision
Eye irritation
Digital eye fatigue
Degeneration of the macular pigment
The cataracts

Sunglasses and blue light

The function of sunglasses

Most sunglasses have UV400 lenses, which block entirely UV radiation from the sun and reduce glare. Specific sunglasses provide the best visual clarity and comfort when using digital gadgets to lower blue light. However, the tint of the lens holds the true secret.

Like the blue light glasses example, you must pay more attention to the lens color when shopping for sunglasses. Your priority should be dark amber, copper, yellow, orange, or brown tinted lenses. These lens colors are excellent for indoor and outdoor activities since they effectively filter blue light and boost contrast.

Types of lenses

Lenses with polarization: The purpose of polarized lenses is to block off horizontal light waves, therefore reducing glare. Specific polarized glasses have coatings that can lessen exposure to blue light, even if it is not their primary function.
Lenses with photochromic properties: Transition lenses, sometimes called photochromic lenses, darken when exposed to UV rays. Photochromic lenses offer a flexible solution for people worried about blue light exposure because some are made to filter blue light indoors and outdoors.
Coatings for blue light filtering: Certain types of sunglasses have coatings designed to target blue light only. These coatings can improve the blue light filtering properties of polarized and photochromic lenses, among other types.

Does putting on sunglasses help reduce blue light when using a computer?

Most sunglasses are made with UV protection and glare reduction in mind. Specific lens tints for sunglasses can aid in lowering blue light exposure from screens to maintain comfortable eyesight while using a computer.

Look for lens tints that are yellow, orange, dark amber, copper, or brown when purchasing sunglasses blocking blue light. These hues are excellent for indoor and outdoor activities since they enhance contrast and filter blue light.

Your best choice is to ask your eye care professional for suggestions and lens coating options for sunglasses that decrease exposure to UV and blue light rays.

How do sunglasses work as blue light-blocking eyewear?

After learning that sunglasses can shield your eyes from damaging blue light, you might be curious about their effectiveness and how much protection they offer above plain computer or blue light glasses. The solution is straightforward: Similar to blue light glasses, sunglasses can be a handy tool for shielding blue light. However, this depends on the hues of your sunglasses lenses. Especially indoors, there might be more sensible choices.

Benefits of Using sunglasses for blue light protection

Outdoor activities: sunglasses with blue light filtering properties are handy. Whether driving, cycling, hiking, or spending time at the beach, these sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV rays and blue light, minimizing the risk of eye strain and boosting visual comfort.
Lessened eye tiredness: These sunglasses can lessen eye strain from prolonged usage of digital screens by filtering blue light. Those who use laptops or tablets for outdoor work may find this especially helpful.
Better sleep habits: Sunglasses with blue light filtering can lessen the disruption of sleep patterns brought on by exposure to artificial lighting for people who spend a lot of time outside in the evening.

Helpful advice for selecting and wearing sunglasses with blue light filters

Evaluate your requirements: Think about your way of life and where you spend most of your time. Sunglasses with blue light filtering properties might be a valuable addition to your eyewear collection if you spend a lot of time outside throughout the day.
Trial before you buy: Try on sunglasses whenever possible before buying them. It will enable you to evaluate the items' fit, comfort, and compatibility with your style.
Collaborate with other protection measures: To safeguard your eyes from blue light, think about wearing blue light-filtering sunglasses in addition to screen protectors, adjusting device settings, and adhering to the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.

What should you do?

Well, sunglasses can help block blue light when working outside on a patio or balcony while using your laptop. But blue light glasses or computer glasses are a better way to ensure comfort when using digital devices when you're inside playing Fortnite, browsing the internet for jobs, reading a favourite book, or working for hours on a big presentation for work. You can also check into photochromic lenses if you want three-in-one filtering (UV, blue light, and bothersome.

Conclusion

Sunglasses with blue light filtering properties are a great way to shield your eyes from the possible damage that blue light can cause. You can decide whether to include these sunglasses in your daily routine by learning about the science behind blue light, weighing the pros and disadvantages of various lens options, and considering your unique demands and lifestyle. Blue light filtering eyewear has a bright future, with even more sophisticated and fashionable alternatives to help you retain the best possible eye health and comfort in the digital era as science and technology develop.

Casey Optical Too, LLC, stands as a beacon of high-quality vision care in Albuquerque. With a commitment to comprehensive and personalized service, our practice has been a cornerstone of the community for years. We invite you to experience our warm and welcoming environment and to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team of optometrists.

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