Do Blue-light Glasses Really Work?

Lee Sooyeon

                  Although the pandemic caused a financial loss for many companies, optical companies that sell blue light blocking glasses have seen an exponential growth in sales last year, due to increase in smart device use.

                  Previous frequent users of blue-light blocking glasses were people who relied on computers for work, as well as video and online gamers, but the pandemic has expanded the market, since almost everyone has now become a heavy computer user. As a relatively new product on the market, the limited research does not yet endorse nor denounce the effectiveness of blue light blocking glasses.

                  So, do blue-light blocking glasses really reduce eye strain? Blue-light blocking lenses claim to protect eyes by blocking or filtering the glare of the blue light from digital screens.

Ophthalmologists such as Dr. Rishi Singh say they have a new eye problem to treat, namely computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain. The problem is that people blink less when working on computers and, when doing so for an extended time, which makes our eyes become dry and red.

                  The American Academy of Ophthalmology says it is not the blue light that causes eye strain and eye disease, but rather the excessive use of digital devices that causes the headaches, dry eyes, and strain that people are experiencing. Dr. Singh has some tips for computer use: The 20-20-20 rule. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Avert your gaze to something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Before you experience eye dryness, use eye drops for lubrication. Don’t sit too close to your computer, at least an arm’s length away.

Some consumers do say their blue-light blocking glasses have reduced eye strain and have aided in better sleep, but the same tips for computer users still apply. So, save your eyes and take a break!