Our eyes are busy today being exposed to the bright light skip of electronic gadgets, most of which are a nuisance to the eyes. From the time we get up in the morning to look at the screen of our smartphones to the late nights spent more often than not browsing social media on tablets, our eyes are constantly exposed to blue light. This sort of radiation, which is a consequence of light waves, is by no means harmless; on the contrary, it causes an extensive range of ocular problems related to the frequent use of devices such as computer monitors, laptops, LED TVs and smartphones. First and foremost, let’s admit there is an urgent need for blue light protection.

Blue light is an example of EMR characterised by a short wavelength, meaning it can get farther into the eye than any other type of light. Although it helps to enhance wakefulness during the day, it poses numerous ill-effects on the eyes, such as strain, headache, and insomnia, when overexposed. It’s like being in a theatre where the set has been prepared with sunlight—a blinding effect that can blind us for the rest of our lives.

Understanding blue light exposure

Blue light, as a result, is one type of light that has certain distinctive features, and it will be the object of a minute discussion here. You must ask yourself why people are increasingly becoming conscious of blue light. Blue light is close to being part of electromagnetic radiation; it is, however, visible light but of a different hue. It includes shorter wavelengths and, as such, is credited with higher energy that could easily reach the eye compared to other types of light. Although our eyes have become very efficient in permitting some blue light to pass through, this is not healthy for the Retina, the eye's light-sensitive layer.

Sources of blue light

Blue light is emitted by a variety of electronic devices, including:

Computer screens: Laptops, desktops, and all-in-ones
Smartphones and tablets: iPhones, iPads, Android tablets and phones and so on
Televisions: LCD, LED and OLED TVs
E-readers: Tablet computers and other reading electronic devices, such as Kindle, Nook, etc.
Fluorescent lights: Different fluorescent lights produce more blue light than the others

Daily exposure to blue light

Considering electronic devices are an integral part of our daily lives, it is not shocking that we are exposed to large amounts of blue light daily. A typical population spends multiple hours examining screens daily for business-related or personal purposes. This constant exposure is unhealthy for the eyes, resulting in eye strain and several other eye disorders.

The impact of blue light on sleep

Blue light damages the eyes and disrupts the body’s circadian rhythms. Melatonin is a hormone the body produces to control the timely sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to blue light in the evening may suppress melatonin synthesis, and the effect can continue for some time. This can, for example, result in insomnia, which in turn impacts the overall health of the human being.

Symptoms of digital eye strain

Suppose you're experiencing any of the following symptoms. In that case, you may be suffering from digital eye strain:

Eye strain and fatigue: Nausea or heaviness of the eyelids associated with tiredness.

Headaches and migraines: Headache or pulsation in the temples

Dry eyes and blurred vision: Sore throat and irritation, dryness, burning or a sand-like feeling in the eyes

Difficulty focusing: Difficulty with focus or the ability to study or read for a long time

Benefits of blue light glasses

Fortunately, several measures can be taken to protect the eyes from adverse effects of blue light. Therefore, using blue light glasses to treat strains enables one to alter the colour of his or her vision. They are glasses with a lens through which only a portion of the bluish light from an electronic gadget can be seen. Blue light glasses reduce the amount of blue light you are exposed to, resulting in less eye strain and better sleep, and they may protect the eyes from long-term damage.

Choosing the right blue light glasses

When selecting blue light glasses, it's essential to consider a few factors:

Lens type: Blue light lenses come in various colours, with the common ones being yellow, orange, and clear ones with blue light filtering capability.

Frame style: Select a frame that is comfortable and suited to your face shape.

Prescription: If you use spectacles for your eyesight, you can get blue light lenses with a prescription.

Tips for eye care

In addition to wearing blue light glasses, there are other steps you can take to protect your eyes from strain and fatigue:

Take breaks from screens: For every 20 minutes spent on the screen, go and focus on an object that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Adjust screen settings: You can make particular adjustments to your screen by lowering brightness and contrast and using a blue light filter.

Practice good posture: Take a good position. Your upper body should be straight, and the top of the monitor screen must be at eye level.

Blink regularly: Tears flow spontaneously to lubricate the eyes. One should often try to blink the eyes to avoid dryness.

Conclusion
Blue light is, however, experienced in our day-to-day lives, and therefore, it requires premeditation to protect our eyes. Measures such as low light exposure, such as using blue light glasses when working late at night, taking breaks every hour or so, and ensuring that you’re adequately safeguarding your eyes, will keep the dangers of eye strain, poor sleeping patterns, and long-term eye damage away. Hence, the next time when you spend hours in front of a screen, set eye care and think over buying a blue light glass.

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