Everyone today spends quite a lot of time on a digital screen of one type or another. That is so whether you are working, building your business online, connecting with friends, or updating your social media.

Digital screens permeate almost every level of our lives. It is nearly impossible to avoid using them. But despite their utility, they are not entirely harmless. Too much time in front of a screen can lead to computer vision syndrome. You may be dealing with the symptoms and never really know. However, researchers have created blue light blockers to help you deal with these symptoms.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is a wavelength present in any white light and is found naturally. The largest source of blue light we have is the sun. Most lights in our homes, businesses, and stores emit this wavelength. However, digital screens produce more of this type of light than other sources.

Eye doctors have associated blue light with the symptoms common in CVS and long-term eye damage. Digital screens produce more blue light because liquid crystal displays (LCDs) emit more than average amounts. Prolonged exposure to the wavelength leads to various symptoms.

Symptoms of Prolonged Blue Light Exposure

The blue light that emanates from digital screens is a short wavelength. Short-wavelength light has a higher chance of causing significant eye damage. Here are some of the expected outcomes of blue light:

• Eye fatigue
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Alter your circadian rhythms, affecting your sleep

What Are Blue Light Blockers?

Scientists created blue light-blocking glasses to help mitigate the impact of blue light. These glasses have special lenses and coatings that block the short wavelength of blue light that leads to CVS.

Despite their popularity and reports of effectiveness, there still needs to be more studies done on the glasses. Eye doctors, however, recommend using such glasses instead of contact lenses when you plan to spend extended time using a screen.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Blue Light Blockers?

• Reduce Eyestrain

One of the significant outcomes of CVS is eyestrain, among others like neck and shoulder pain. While you can adjust your workspace to avoid neck pain, eyestrain needs a different approach. Since not using your computer is not an option, the next best option is blue light blockers. These glasses will reduce the eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue that may come with them.

• Better Sleep

According to a study on the glasses, researchers found that people who used the glasses before sleeping slept better. They also fell asleep faster than those who used digital screens without the blockers. Blue light stops the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Using blue light blockers ensures your body still produces the hormone when you need to sleep.

• May Slow Down Age-related Macular Degeneration

While there still needs to be more research, scientists know that blue light penetrates your eye to your retina. Some theorize that this may lead to AMD. Blue light blockers ensure that very little blue light makes it to your retina.

For more on the benefits of wearing blue light-blocking glasses, visit Advanced Eyecare Center PC at our office in Urbandale, Iowa. Call (515) 303-4488 to book an appointment today.