Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?

Ever since the world went virtual last spring, a surprising new product has popped up and gained huge popularity: blue light glasses. They claim to help with headaches and migraines from prolonged technology use by blocking out the blue light. We all are familiar with that pounding headache and strained eyes that comes from hours online; now more than ever. But do these glasses really work? We looked into the science behind blue light glasses and asked some of the Lotus community and have concluded that: yes! They could be very helpful for some this fall.

So what is blue light and why does it cause headaches?

What we commonly hear as “blue light” is a specific wavelength of light on the high energy side of the visible light spectrum. Blue light is emitted from many different sources on Earth: from the sun to LED lights and computer screens. Although the sun emits significantly more blue light than artificial sources like phones and tablets, the amount of time we spend and the proximity to the light emitting source is a concern for many eye doctors. Laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can actually damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. However, much more research is needed to determine how much blue light is too much.

Since high energy blue light scatters more easily than other kinds of light, it is harder to focus. When you’re looking at screens that emit blue light, this unfocused visual “noise” reduces contrast and can contribute to eye strain which leads to headaches and migraines. However, an appropriate amount of blue light is actually beneficial for your health. Research has shown that high-energy visible light boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood.

How do blue light glasses help?

Blue light glasses are specially crafted lenses that block out blue light rays while still allowing other light through. They are said to help protect the retina from harmful blue light. There has been very little research into the effectiveness of blue light glasses, and even if blue light is responsible for headaches associated with increased screen time. Many optimologists note that many people experience eye discomfort from digital screens, but most of the issues actually fall under a term called computer vision syndrome (CVS) which is not from increased blue light but from the constant shifting and focusing that occurs while using screens. However, countless people swear by these blue light glasses, and note a decrease in headaches while wearing them. Many eye doctors recommend their use for patients who spend 6+ hours online every day.

Blue light has also been shown to interrupt your circadian rhythm which is responsible for our sleep cycles. Therefore, using screens before bed is not recommended as it can lead to decreased sleep and daytime fatigue.

So do they really work?

It is still unclear the effectiveness of blue light glasses in reducing screen induced headaches. However, given how many people rave about them, it could be beneficial to give them a try. Especially now that school and many jobs have gone completely virtual, we are all spending significantly more time on screens than ever before.

So should you try them? They might not be effective for everyone, but we suggest giving them a try. If they can help reduce headaches due to computer screens, there’s no better time to try them then now!