Blue Light Protection

While computers are incredibly useful, long exposure times can cause eye strain, headaches, and issues with sleeping. Wearing lenses with blue light blocking combats these uncomfortable situations.  

All light humans see is composed of wavelengths that correspond with the colors of the rainbow. Blue light is a specific range of wavelengths that are interpreted as the color blue. Blue light can be found in light from the sun, computer screens, and even lightbulbs. Computer screens contain LEDs that give off large amounts of blue light. With an increase in screen availability, our exposure to blue light has drastically increased.  

Blue light has been linked to sleeping issues, eye strain, and headaches, along with other side effects. 

According to Harvard Medical School, blue light boosts attention, reaction time, and mood. This increase in alertness is helpful during the day time but can cause issues when trying to sleep. To combat this, experts recommend reducing your blue light before bed. We recommend setting aside your screens at least an hour before bed and using blue light blocking lenses. 

Sitting in front of a screen for extended periods of time can cause blurry vision, discomfort, and excessive watering of the eyes, and can even contribute to numerous eye disorders. In addition, researchers have also found that while looking at screens, we tend to blink 50-70% less than normal. These factors combined can increase overall discomfort and unpleasant side effects. 

Blue light has been shown in numerous clinical studies to cause and aggravate headaches and migraines. Exposure can increase sensitivity and perception of pain, causing a sensation of throbbing and aching pain across the brain. Blue light can exasperate migrates increasing chances of symptoms such as aura symptoms, photophobia, light sensitivity, dizziness/nausea, and more.

While blue light can be harmful, it is important to remember that similar to UV, blue light is only harmful in excess. Blue light is natural and helpful for memory, attention, alertness, and mood and has been used in treatments for many conditions including concussions. 

1. Wear glasses with blue light blocking lenses. Make sure to buy lenses from certified professionals to ensure quality and effectiveness. 
2. Use “Night mode” or “negative” settings on screens. This can warm up the colors on your screen, reducing the amount of blue light emitted. 
3. Reduce screen exposure time especially before bed. 
4. Give your eyes breaks. A break every 20 minutes helps your eyes rest and refocus. This will also help overall productivity. 
   

At Dr. Pugh & Associates, we take our patients' comfort seriously. If you experience frequent headaches or eye strain, have trouble sleeping or are exposed to screens frequently, we recommend investing in blue light blocking lenses.