Are Blue Light Glasses Really Necessary?

At Dennis Eye Care, Dr. Dennis sees patients in Murfreesboro, TN who have questions like this almost daily:

"My friend uses blue light glasses and swears by them. Should everyone use them?"

"I work at a computer screen all day, and everyone says I should get these blue glasses. Should I?"

"What do blue light glasses actually do?"

Why Use Them?

Eye strain can cause dry or achy eyes, headaches, and blurry vision. These technical lenses are designed to filter blue light from monitors and screens, minimizing glare so eyes feel more rested. In addition, filtering blue light is supposed to mimic the lower level of natural light our eyes would receive after sunset without artificial light. So if you tend to be attached to your phone right up until bedtime, wearing these glasses as you scroll might help you fall asleep faster and produce more melatonin.

Are They Worth It?

It's true that overexposure to blue light can be bad for our eyes. It's true that staring at a bright screen all day can create eyestrain. There is even evidence that long-lasting exposure to blue and UV light (yes, that includes sitting in front of a computer screen each day) can damage the retina. And early research does indicate that exposure to blue light waves adds to eyestrain. Add to that anecdotal evidence - everyone has a story that using these new glasses has been beneficial for tired eyes or has improved their sleep.

But the jury is still out on whether blue light glasses make enough difference to be worth the cost. If you are always by a screen and struggling with eye strain or having sleep problems right now, these glasses are worth a try. Otherwise, they're probably not worth the cost. Wait for the research to catch up with the hype before you make a decision.

Dennis Eye Care professionals make it our job to give you the best information out there. If you live in or around Murfreesboro, TN, call us for an appointment - or just to ask a question - today!