IN today’s world of fashion, glasses have gone beyond their functional use to correct blurry vision and have evolved into statement pieces that help people express their sense of style. Many—even those blessed with 20/20 vision—use a variety of stylish frames to complete a certain “look.”
Although these are exciting times we’re living in, we’re also a generation plagued with eye problems. Most people spend hours in front of a computer screen; some, staring at their smart phones and tablets for hours.
Thus, came the idea of blue light blocking glasses, which sort of function like the “cherry on top” of correctional glasses that people wear. You might know someone with “perfect vision” who wears those blue light blocking/anti-radiation glasses without any grade on the lenses, and those people might actually be on to something. Recent studies have shown that wearing anti-radiation/blue light blocking glasses are actually very helpful. Here are some reasons why:
Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged exposure to the blue light emitting from computer screens actually causes eye soreness, eye fatigue and dry eyes. Some of these are symptoms of computer vision syndrome and eye strain. Glasses can help prevent these (or at least delay their effects) by being your first line of defense from harmful blue light.
Insomnia
The way our bodies are programmed associates blue light with day time. So naturally, this tricks the brain into thinking it isn’t time to sleep yet. The artificial blue light also suppresses melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles. Exposure to the light makes it difficult for most people to fall asleep and can also cause insomnia for some people who still find themselves wide awake after quite some time they’ve already switched off their screens.
Headaches
Blue light is the highest energy wavelength of visible light, which causes headaches. There have been clinical studies that reveal that a certain neural pathway from the eyes to the brain actually causes blue light to worsen headaches or migraines, and also induce light sensitivity, dizziness and nausea. Many eye doctors advise people who experience these symptoms to immediately stop using their devices, and either close their eyes or stare off at a distance and look at something green to help relax their eyes.
Eye Degeneration
Constant exposure to blue light can lead to blurred vision and damage the light-sensitive cells in the retina. A significant and rapid increase in the grade/blurriness of one’s vision is actually alarming because some cases could lead to blindness. Eye doctors suggest taking eye vitamins like lutein and avoiding prolonged use of gadgets as much as possible.
Although blue light is a natural thing humans have been exposed to (in moderate amounts) during day time, the artificial and highly concentrated blue light used to power up our screens is definitely a threat to our eyesight. Times have changed. Now, glasses do a lot more than help people see clearly or make up a cute outfit. Whether you’re at 20/20 vision or have blurred vision, it’s probably best to pay that little extra for protective lenses that reduce the harmful effects of blue light, UV rays and radiation.