These days, digital screens are a big part of our lives. If you don’t work in front of one for 8 hours a day, you probably use one to relax, play games, or peruse social media, and more.
Given the modern lifestyle (including virtual learning), we really couldn’t get away from screens even if we wanted to. Because of this, it’s no wonder that blue light glasses have become more and more popular, and are available in a lot of stylish looks. You may have even acquired your own pair.
If you wear blue light glasses, chances are you think to put them on at the beginning of your work day or when you sit down for a proper Netflix binge. And you’re right; using the computer, watching TV, gaming, or looking at a smartphone or tablet screen is the best time to wear blue light glasses.
But what if you forget to take them off when you’re on break, going out, or after you’ve closed down your laptop for the day? Is it safe? In fact, can you wear blue light glasses all day without harmful effects?
Wearing Blue Light Glasses All Day
As you probably know, blue light glasses or blue blockers are designed to reduce exposure to blue light. The coating is designed to balance out the blue light emitted by digital screens, thus reducing the amount of potentially harmful light that reaches your retina. This is said to help reduce eye strain and make screen use more comfortable.
You can buy blue light glasses with or without a prescription, and the coating can be applied to the glasses you wear for everyday vision correction, including reading glasses.
But does that mean you can wear blue light glasses all the time?
Yes, it is okay to wear blue light glasses all day. Wearing blue blocking glasses for extended periods do not have any negative effects on your eye health. However, even though you can, should you wear them all the time? Recent evidence suggests they may not be as effective as people claim.
Is This a Case of “More is Better”?
Wearing blue light glasses all the time certainly won’t hurt you, but there is some question as to whether blue light glasses are the most effective way to filter harmful light or reduce eye strain.
As we discussed in a recent blog post, one study found no difference in eye strain between blue light blockers and clear placebo glasses after giving study participants a 2-hour computer task. So you can wear blue glasses all day, but you probably shouldn’t if you’re relying on them for digital eye strain relief.
It should be noted that this study was conducted on simple blue blocking glasses, not light sensitivity glasses such as those made by Axon Optics with Avulux® light sensitivity lenses. Blue light glasses are designed to help with digital eye strain, although there is some question about their effectiveness.
However, for people with light sensitivity and migraine, the Avulux lens is effective because it absorbs up to 97% of the most harmful blue, amber, and red light while allowing over 70% of the soothing green light through.
Wear Your Blue Light Glasses as Much as You Want
If you feel blue light glasses reduce your eye strain or help you function better in front of a digital screen, then you can wear them whenever you want for a long as you want.
You can forget to take them off or wear them all day just because you like them, and you’re totally safe to do so. On the other hand, if you’re looking for serious protection from migraine and light sensitivity, shop photophobia glasses from Axon Optics. You can even try them for 60 days without risk.
References
Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology. (2021). Do blue-blocking lenses reduce eye strain from extended screen time? A double-masked, randomized controlled trial.
