Do you ever find that your head hurts or your eyes feel strained after a long day of sitting in front of the computer? Us, too — especially with that work from home life still in full swing. Good news: blue light glasses could be the answer! You can even use blue light glasses if you already wear prescription glasses — just grab some prescription blue light blocking glasses!
What is Blue Light?
Light contains red, yellow, green, and blue rays, and each vary in wavelength and energy. Blue light is a ray on the light spectrum that is visible to the human eyes. Blue light has a short wavelength, meaning it’s high in energy. This kind of light is everywhere around us — it’s even the reason the sky is blue! The only source of blue light used to come from the sun; now, blue light is produced by digital screens (think laptops and phones), electronic devices, and LED and fluorescent lighting.
Natural Blue Light vs. Artificial Blue Light
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Natural blue light from the sun is healthy and “helps to regulate the body’s sleep and wake cycles, also known as your circadian rhythm.” Along with this, blue light boosts alertness, heightens reaction times, and can elevate your mood. Artificial blue light from digital screens and electronic devices means that we’re now getting this light well after the sun has set. This has raised concerns about the effects of blue light on human health, specifically our eye health and quality of sleep.
Concerns About Blue Light Exposure
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Since blue light has a short wavelength and high energy frequency, it flickers more easily than other types of light rays, which reduces visual contrast and affects clarity and sharpness. Additionally, “Exposure to light suppresses the secretion of melatonin — a hormone that influences circadian rhythms — and there is some preliminary data that suggests a lower melatonin level might explain the association with cancer.” This affects quality of sleep which can lead to a multitude of problems, including abnormal blood sugar levels, poor eating habits, job performance, decreased energy levels, and mental health issues.
Even more concerning, “Our eyes have not evolved to provide filters against this type of artificial light. Prolonged exposure to blue light may lead to macular cellular damage, which may lead to loss of vision.”
Overexposure to blue light has become an increasingly concerning issue with the use of electronic devices in almost aspect of life. The effects of blue light are affecting younger and younger generations as well. It’s important to understand the impacts so we can protect our health.
Ways to Combat Blue Light Exposure
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It’s almost impossible to combat blue light exposure completely, as it has found its way into every part of our daily and nightly lives. But by being more intentional, we can decrease the amount and intensity of blue light exposure. Here are best practices you can follow:
1. Change your monitor color to a warm color when the sun sets. This is essential! During the day, our digital screens are normally brighter and whiter, but as the sun sets your screens adjust to this natural change in light. Your electronic device may have a night shift or night mode which you should enable. I personally use the night mode for my phone, but I use this blue light app on my MacBook called F.Lux.
2. Another option is to use a blue light screen protector on your laptop or computer.
3. Blink more often.
4. Take frequent breaks from staring at electronic devices. This will go a long way!
5. Keep your screens clean to reduce glare.
6. Avoid using electronics 2-3 hours before bed for a restful sleep.
7. Wear blue light glasses when you are working. Not only are these glasses stylish and look great on, but they’ll also help protect your eyes all times of the day. The ones I own are from SOJOS on Amazon. They carry a lot of chic styles, the packaging is great, and they’re very affordable. Here are more recs:
We love Quay’s sunglasses, and their blue light glasses are just as cute.
The rose gold is cute, but the ombre blue on these glasses catches the eye — pun intended.
If you’re going for the “America’s Sweetheart” look, these glasses are for you.
These glasses, aptly titled “The Book Club,” will keep your eyes safe no matter how long you read that eBook.
These black and gold blue light glasses are classic Ray Bans that will never go out of style.
For a simple look a la Sarah Hyland, these glasses are streamlined and simple.
These rainbow glasses are fun and fabulous — wear them anywhere for compliments.
Dolce & Gabbana keep it sweet with the floral accents on their glasses’ arms.
Embrace your inner Harry Potter, because these glasses channel The Chosen One.
As girly as they get, these pink glasses are über cute.
SOJOS’ glasses come in five colors, from black to gold. Luckily, they’re affordable enough to get one of each.
We know a deal when we see them, and two pairs included for less than $17? We’ll take them.
Which pair of blue light glasses is your favorite? Share with us below!
For More Work From Home Essentials, Check Out These Articles:
Work From Home? These Unique Desks Will Help You Feel More Active
These Revolutionary Amazon Work From Home Essentials Made My Life Way Easier
