Sunglasses are a popular accessory that people wear to protect their eyes from harmful UV radiation and glare. However, many people also wonder if sunglasses can block blue light, a type of light that is known to cause eye strain, sleep disruption, and other health problems. The truth is that not all sunglasses are designed to block blue light, and those that do may not block it completely. The effectiveness of blue light blocking depends on the lens tint, material, and quality of the sunglasses you may have heard about Blue Light and how excessive exposure can be harmful to your health.
If so, you’ve probably heard of Blue Light glasses, which are used to protect from blue light emitted by mobile devices and computer screens.
What is Blue Light?
Sunlight is composed of red, green, orange, yellow, and blue light rays, as well as many shades of these colors, depending on the wavelength and energy of the individual beams. This spectrum of colored light rays, when combined, produces what we call “white light,” or sunlight.
However, there is a simple relationship between the wavelength of light rays and the amount of energy they contain. Light beams with relatively long wavelengths have less energy; on the other hand, light beams with shorter wavelengths have more power.
Why Blocking Blue Light is Important
Blue light is all around you. Blue light is emitted by both the sun and digital devices, hence the need for blue light glasses. Because of the widespread use of LED technology, humans are exposed to more blue light than ever before.
Eye strain and dry eyes
Blue light is a type of light that, when combined with the ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight, causes photochemical retinal damage. Images may appear to have lower contrast because blue light scatters more easily. When viewing a screen for extended periods of time, the lower contrast can cause eye strain and dry or irritated eyes.
Can affect your sleep
While blue light can be beneficial in small doses during the day, too much of it (especially at night) can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Blue light reduces the production of melatonin, a hormone that aids sleep.
Retinal damage
According to research, too much Blue Light can cause retinal damage, which can lead to macular degeneration. Naturally, you’ll want to learn how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of blue light overexposure.
However, in today’s digital world, avoiding Blue Light is nearly impossible. If you don’t already own a pair of Blue Light glasses, you may be wondering if wearing sunglasses while working on the computer protects your eyes.
How Can Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
The majority of sunglasses have UV400 lenses, which block 100% of the sun’s UV rays and thus reduce glare. When it comes to reducing blue light, sunglasses can be useful. They provide superior visual clarity and comfort while using your computer or other digital devices.
When looking for shades, or any blue light glasses that can help block blue light, the first rule is to look for dark amber, copper yellow, orange, or brown tinted lenses. These lens colors filter blue light and increase contrast, making them ideal for both outdoor and indoor activities. But remember the original rule: make sure your sunglasses fit your face shape.
Back to the topic at hand, we recommend that you consult your eye doctor for recommendations and lens coating options. This will ensure that your sunglasses block both blue light and ultraviolet rays. Another frequently asked question is: Do polarised sunglasses block blue light emitted by computers? Stay away from them because when looking at laptops, smartphones, or other digital and LED screens, the polarisation filter can distort your vision.
Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, will assist you in adjusting outdoor and indoor lighting, protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In addition, they will provide protection from blue light from all digital devices or screens.
What Else Can You Do to Block Blue Light?
Reduce Your Screen Time
The best way to avoid the negative effects of blue light exposure is to limit screen time, especially at night. Avoid using your phone or watching TV for at least one hour before going to bed to prepare your body for the rest it requires.
Wear Blue Light Glasses
Blue light-blocking sunglasses provide the most comprehensive solution. Computer screen use isn’t going away, and the symptoms of eye dryness and strain will worsen unless you take the necessary precautions.
Make Changes to the Lighting in the Room
Maintain consistent lighting levels in the room. When you move from a bright screen to a darker area of the room, you are more likely to experience eye fatigue.
Dim Displays at Night
Electronics can now dim screens and shift wavelengths from blue to red throughout the night. Many smartphones and mobile devices have a “Night Mode” feature that you can set to begin at a specific time. Several manufacturers are also developing blue-light-emitting light bulbs.
How Much Amount of Blue Light Should be Blocked Out?
The first thing to consider is the percentage of blue light blocked. Aim for a pair that filters out more than 95% of blue light. If you read the numbers on the box, which are in the 70s, 80s, and even the low 90s for a pair of blue light-blocking glasses, this is simply not enough.
Consider the color of the lenses, whether they are FDA approved, have UV-rated anti-glare coating, the sturdiness of the hinges, and whether prescription lenses are available.
When considering purchasing a pair of blue light-blocking glasses, there are several factors to consider. However, we have explained everything you need to know in order to make an informed purchase
Final words
We did a pretty good job covering the relevant parts regarding sunglasses for blue light, right?
To summarize all of it, look for dark amber, copper yellow, orange, or brown-tinted Photochromic lenses that are FDA-approved and have a UV-rated antiglare coating.
Now that you have a clearer idea, it is crucial to keep our advice in mind and start applying it to your everyday life!
