Don’t get blue over blue light

There’s been a lot of talk in the media about blue light blocking glasses for computer use, to alleviate eyestrain and prevent damage to the eyes.  Let’s discuss the facts, as there is a lot of misinformation about blue light.

All electronic devises, be it computer, iPad or mobile phones, emit blue light from their screens.  This blue light is close to the ultraviolet end of the light spectrum, and has been shown to cause eyestrain and fatigue in some people.  However, it is not damaging to the eye, and causes nothing worse than eyestrain, which in itself is not damaging, just tiring.  Some people are sensitive to blue light, and might benefit from reducing it, which is what a ‘blue-control’ filter will do when added to the anti-reflection coating on your lenses.  However, an eye checkup would be the first step, as the strain might be coming from the need for corrective lenses or poor eye muscle coordination, and blue light filters will not help with these problems.  If you are not sensitive to blue light then the ‘blue control’ filter will do nothing for you.  There’s no harm in it, but it won’t help either.  Always remember to have regular breaks from electronic devices, we recommend 5 minutes off every half-hour, and remember to look into the distance, and try to get up and have a walk around.  Even those of us with perfect eyes will eventually suffer from computer strain if you don’t take a break.

If you have to use electronic devices later in the evening, then a blue light filter can help.  This is because the blue light tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime and upsets the body’s circadian rhythm, so that instead of winding down the brain is kept alert, and it becomes harder to get to sleep.  If possible, it’s best to stay away from electronic devices for around two hours before planning to go to bed.  If that’s not possible, then consider a blue-light filter.