The dubious claims of blue light glasses

Whether we like it or not, it is impossible to escape electronic screens in the modern age. Between communicating online, school work, lectures and general digital leisure – screen time hours can accumulate particularly quickly. Unfortunately, many complaints arise from excessive digital use. Everything from headaches, eyestrain and insomnia have commonly been attributed to exposure to blue light, a sort of wavelength that electronic screens can emit. To combat these symptoms, lenses that filter out this sort of light were created. Here enter blue light glasses. With lofty marketing claims and mixed scientific evidence, it begs the question of whether or not these products deserve the investment of consumers.  

There is no doubt that blue light can negatively impact sleep and sources like Harvard Health Publishing and many others substantiate this conclusion. Therefore, avoiding electronics a couple of hours before bed or wearing blue light blocking glasses in the evening could potentially help some insomniacs. Yet it is much harder to find a causative relationship between artificial blue light and issues like eyestrain, headaches or eye damage. A recent trial published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology concluded that blue-blocking lenses did not impact symptoms of eyestrain with computer use. Additionally, there is no substantial evidence that these glasses can protect from macular degeneration, which is damage to the retina that is a common cause of vision loss. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation states that research on blue light emitted from electronic devices is inconclusive and contradictory. Studies have verified that blue light can cause damage at high intensities, but these results are taken out of context and extrapolated to create convincing marketing campaigns. The observed damage usually occurs at 3 microwatts or greater, while screens rarely emit more than 1 microwatt. 

None of this is to say that blue light cannot be harmful to the average person. The sun also emits blue light, but this type is different from the light emitted by electronics and is directly linked to being a risk factor for macular degeneration and other ocular diseases like cataracts. The AMDF recommends wearing UV 400 blocking eyewear as a protective measure against sunlight frequently, even if it is overcast. While there is nothing wrong with wearing blue light blocking eyewear and some might even find it beneficial for improving sleep, it may not be worth the cost for the majority of people. It may be wiser to invest in UV protected sunglasses and simply limit electronic use in the evening.

By: Nicole Hardt