Do you ever feel like you have sore eyes after spending the whole day on a computer? Well, you are probably suffering from digital eye strain. In a world where virtually all goods and services can be found at the click of a button, it’s hard to stay away from screens. It also doesn’t help matters that with the current pandemic situation as most people have been forced to work from home on their computers. Therefore, we are all bound to experience this condition sooner rather than later. But don’t worry, blue light filtering glasses may be the solution that could save you from the inevitable.

What is Blue Light?

Visible light which appears as white is a combination of all the coloured rays of the rainbow namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The rays all have different wavelengths and energy levels. Blue light has a short wavelength that falls between 380nm and 500nm and has high energy content. This is the reason it is referred to as High-Energy Visible (HEV) light.

The sun is not the only source of blue light. Electronic digital devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, LED flat-screen televisions and LED fluorescent bulbs all emit considerable amounts of blue light. These artificial sources of blue light are the ones that cause digital eye strain.

How Does Blue Light Cause Digital Eye Strain?

While the cornea and lens can easily block off UV rays from reaching the retina, the eye is not naturally adapted to block out blue light. It penetrates right to the retina which is very photosensitive to blue light thus leading to digital eye strain.

Digital eye strain, according to the American Optometric Association, is ‘a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use’. The condition is characterized by soreness, redness, and dryness of the eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck pains.

It just doesn’t stop at digital eye strain. Prolonged exposure of blue light to the retina can result in a breakdown of its cells to cause a condition called macular degeneration. It mostly happens in old age but can occur earlier due to too much blue light exposure. If not dealt with on time, it could even result in blindness.

Artificial blue light could also be the reason you have a hard time getting sleep at night. It hinders the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you to sleep. Blue light from the sun gives the brain the signal to stay awake and alert during the day. Exposure to blue light-emitting devices at night confuses the body and forces it to stay alert leading to insomnia. Even when you do manage to fall asleep, you don’t get restful sleep and you still wake up exhausted.

Research indicates that the average person spends a whopping 1700 hours annually in front of a computer screen! This much blue light exposure is bound to leave its unpleasant marks on you. For this reason, you should consider investing in a pair of blue light filtering glasses to save your eyes.

How do Blue Light Filtering Glasses Work?

Blue light filtering glasses have lenses fitted with filters that either block or absorb blue light. They are designed to block off the transmission of a specific range of wavelengths. In the case of blue light, they should have a range of at least 455nm to be effective. The lenses have a yellow tint that doesn’t let in blue light.

It is recommended that you put on these glasses at all times when you use a computer to prevent the occurrence of digital eye strain. It is especially important to put them on at night so that you don’t disrupt the body’s natural internal clock. If you are not a fan of wearing eyeglasses, there are also contacts from contactlenses co uk that can filter blue light.

Other Methods to Relieve Digital Eye Strain

Try the 20-20-20 Rule

Another reason for eye strain is because you may spend a lot of time focused on the screen. To relax your eyes, every 20 minutes change your focus to something else 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Use Eye Drops

When you stare at a screen, you tend not to blink often enough. Your eyes end up being blurry, tired and dry. Eye drops will ensure your eyes stay hydrated.

Keep your Distance from the Screen

I know it’s very tempting to sit close to your screen to see clearly. However, it is advisable to sit at least an arm’s length from your screen to prevent eye strain.

The eyes are the windows to the soul, so you need to guard them jealously. At Ocushield, you can get the perfect pair of blue light filtering glasses that are not only protective but stylish as well. Comfortable screen time for our customers is our top priority!