In our day-to-day life, our eyes get exposed to harmful rays through various mediums.
With time, these rays start damaging our vision and nerve cells that are present in the eyes. To protect our eyes from this damage, it’s important to take a few prevention beforehand.
The light could be damaging our eyes in various forms, for example, reflected rays, UV rays, and blue rays. Prevention is better than cure, Protective measures like anti-reflected coating and blue-cut lenses can be used to save our eyes from future damage.
The effects of blue light
We are surrounded by lights, few of them are visible to us and some are invisible. Blue light belongs to the visible light spectrum. A certain amount of blue light is good for the eyes but not always. Blue light is part of visible light that is high in energy. These high-energy rays could damage the retina and nerve cells of the eyes that are exposed to such harmful rays.
Blue light is not always harmful to our eyes. Limited exposure to blue lights helps in the awakening of the mind and increases our concentration. This happens because blue light decreases the release of melatonin in our bodies. Melatonin is a hormone that causes us to feel drowsy and sleepy. Hence, a certain amount of blue light keeps us going all day long.
Benefits of blue light glasses
High-energy blue light can cause discomfort to the eyes, so it’s important to wear glasses with blue light lenses. Glasses that block blue light are also known as blue-cut glasses, as these pairs block the blue light and save our eyes from eye problems.
Blue light blocker glasses don’t completely block these rays from reaching our eyes. Depending upon the brands, around 10% to 90% of blue light is blocked from the lenses. Some of the blue rays need to pass from the lenses as this will help in protecting the colour distortion and improve the clarity of vision.
Being exposed to artificial blue lights emitted from phones, laptops, television and LED lights is toxic for the eyes. These lenses have a brownish-yellow tint as well, this mellow downs the intensity of blue light and will also make the colours more yellowish.
Difference between blue light lenses and anti-glare lenses
Constantly sitting in front of computer screens might induce pain in the eyes and cause eyestrain but glasses that block blue light don’t need to solely be responsible for curing the discomfort caused by light.
Anti-glare coating on lenses is also an important measure that can be taken to prevent eyes from eye- strain. Multiple layers of metal oxide are applied to the lenses of AG or AR glasses. Metal oxide helps filter out the majority of the light and lessen glare, which also makes our eyes more comfortable and minimises eyestrain. The anti-reflective coating on lenses’ surfaces also contributes to a reduction in nighttime vehicle glare.
Prescription and non-prescription blue light glasses
Glasses that block blue light are sometimes prescribed by optometrists and opticians, and some people buy these glasses as a preventive measure. A blue light coating on prescription lenses works as an add-on. These glasses provide clear vision and also reduce the chances of eye problems caused by blue rays.
Non-prescription blue light blocker glasses can either be worn for protection of the eyes or for fashion and better looks. It’s not necessary that people with poor vision only experience the repercussions of being exposed to blue rays, sometimes it works the other way around.
People who use phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices with displays for leisure can too experience eyestrain and headaches. In such scenarios, it’s important to protect your eyes with blue-light glasses.
It’s important to understand that experiencing strain on the eyes is not always because of being exposed to blue rays, UV rays and other harmful rays. It’s always better to consult with a specialist before trying and testing on your own.
Book a free eye test appointment and get your eyes treated by well-practised and experienced optometrists.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
