Blue light glasses are becoming a growing trend among students these days. And perhaps for good reason. Without a doubt, kids are spending a lot of time in front of digital devices. In particular, remote learning requires kids to be on their computers for hours at a time. And all of the additional time being spent in the house tends to lead to more TV and phone use in order to pass the time. As a result, more and more kids have started turning to blue light glasses in an attempt to counteract the negative effects of blue light exposure.
What Are the Effects of Blue Light?
Sunlight is our biggest source of blue light, which is a color in the visible light spectrum that contains a high concentration of energy and short wavelengths. Other sources of blue light include digital devices like computer screens, phone screens and TV’s, as well as LED and compact fluorescent lights. While some blue light is actually beneficial, overexposure can be harmful. In fact, people who have extensive exposure to blue light often complain of headaches, as well as difficulty falling asleep. Additionally, digital eye strain can cause sore or itchy eyes, light sensitivity and even pain in the neck or shoulders.
Many doctors are concerned that increased levels of blue light could lead to a greater chance of developing macular degeneration later in life. And research has shown that blue light from digital devices can create higher incidences of nearsightedness, or myopia. With all of these possible side effects, it is not surprising that students are giving blue light glasses a try.
How Blue Light Glasses Work
In theory, blue light glasses are designed to block some of the blue light that is being emitted by digital devices with a filtering coating that reflects some of the light away from your eyes. Some styles are designed with clear coating, while others have a more yellowish tint that supposedly provides better light-blocking results.
Unfortunately, there is conflicting research as to the true benefit of blue light glasses. But while they do not work for everyone, many people claim that they make a big difference in reducing the symptoms of their blue light exposure. Every person’s eye care needs are unique, and we will be happy to discuss your specific situation and what type of eye protection might be necessary during a comprehensive eye exam.
Vision Therapy for Computer Vision
With kids spending so much time in front of digital devices these days, blue light glasses might not provide the full protection they need from the harmful effects of digital eye strain. Left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and existing eye disorders such as farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia can also worsen. At Family Vision Development Center, our vision therapy options are extremely effective in treating these types of vision disorders as well as many more. In fact, through these series of progressive therapeutic procedures (eye exercises), our patients can develop or recover normal visual skills.
Contact our Aurora office at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule your comprehensive eye exam or consultation.
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