With the rise of LEDs used in lightbulbs and electronic devices in the last decade, you have more than likely heard about blue-light filtering lenses. LEDs emit a certain wavelength that can aggravate our eyes over time. A method for "blocking" (or filtering) this light has been developed in response to this concern. With blue-light filtering lenses people can experience:
Less eye strain: Blue light is composed of short, high-energy wavelengths, which means it is not as easily focused and tends to scatter. When we look at electronic devices that emit a large amount of blue light, this unfocused light reduces contrast, which can cause to our eyes strain. Blue-light filtering glasses help to reduce this extra, unfocused light, leading to reduced eye strain and possible less headaches as a result.
Better sleep: Our eyes contain sensors that detect when it is daylight or night. These sensors are highly responsive to blue light and when they detect a large amount, our brains are alerted that is daytime. Because of this, blue light is directly correlated to our circadian rhythm, the cycle that determines when we feel tired or awake. This means that exposure to blue light at night continues to alert our brains that it is daytime, disturbing the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Overall better eye health: It has been shown that blue light can have lasting physical effects on the eye over time. Blue wavelengths can penetrate further back into the eye, so exposure over time can cause damage to the retina. In fact, certain wavelengths have even been linked to the development of age-related macular degeneration.
So with all these benefits to blue-light blocking glasses, why doesn’t everyone wear a pair? Well, you may have heard from a friend or coworker who tried and didn’t enjoy wearing them. Common complaints include that they created a glare when looking at a digital screen or that it is hard to see the wearer's eyes due to a “rainbow tint” on the lenses. (They may even have a slightly yellow color.) These issues are due to the TYPE of blue-light filtering lenses. Filtering is most commonly applied to lenses by a coating on the outside of the lenses itself. This coating creates a film that can make it hard for others to see the wearer’s eyes. It also can cause screens to look a little distorted and blurry.
While this coating is the cheapest, and therefore most often used, form of light filtering, there is an alternative. High-quality lenses made with premium material have the option of the filter being made within the lens itself. This option creates clearer lens with no rainbow reflection blocking the
wearer’s eyes. It does not cost much more upfront and you will more likely
enjoy wearing it while in front of your computer or electronic devices.
If blue-light filtering is something you are concerned about, stop by Risi Optique and see the many options we offer!