Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Can We Wear Them All the Time?

From the time we wake up each morning to the time we go to bed at night, we may not think much about the light we observe each day.

We turn the lights in our homes on and off as we use them, we let sunlight into the room on sunny days, and we are constantly exposed to light from digital screens, whether it's our smartphones, televisions or computers.

Light is medicine, and it's important to consume the right types of light to keep ourselves in a better shape. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D available, and exposure to blue or white light during the day can have positive effects on your mood and alertness. However, too much of anything can be bad, and that goes for light exposure as well.

Because of our favorite electronic devices, blue light has a near-constant presence in our lives, but excessive exposure can lead to poor sleep, among other things.

Blue Light

Sleep disorders occur when the circadian rhythm is disrupted by human activity such as exposure to artificial light or bright light. Exposure to blue light and white light too early before bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances.

But let's be clear: blue light is not inherently bad. Exposure to blue and white light during the day is good for your health and well-being, but overexposure, especially at night, can have a negative effect on your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle.

In contrast, red, yellow or orange light has little or no effect on your circadian rhythm, and these colors of light are safe to use at night.

Too much exposure to blue light before bedtime can inhibit the production of melatonin, the "sleep" hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the circadian rhythm. Exposure to blue light can lead to insufficient melatonin production, which can interfere with your ability to fall or stay asleep.

The main source of light that causes nighttime problems is the artificial blue light generated by a number of electronic devices in our homes.

It doesn't take much blue light to impact your rest either.

Stephen Lockley, a sleep researcher at Harvard, noted that a higher level of light than most table lamps and all nightlights can affect your sleep cycle, and he adds that exposure to nighttime light is a key cause of sleep deprivation.

If you'd like to learn more about the effects of blue light on sleep, we've written a full article on the subject.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses : What is it ?

In an attempt to reduce the damage and potentially negative effects of prolonged exposure to blue light, eyewear manufacturers have developed lenses with special tints designed to prevent blue light from reaching your eyes.

The idea behind blue light blocking glasses is that wearing them can reduce eye strain, eye damage and affect sleep.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing blue light glasses if you have to spend extended time looking at an electronic device. This is because glasses are less likely to cause the dry eyes and irritation associated with prolonged contact lens use.

Most of the blue light glasses on the market have a yellow or orange tint on the lenses.

This provides even more effective protection from blue light, but it changes the color of the lenses, which can be restrictive.

There are also models with completely transparent lenses, which are still particularly effective against blue light.

If you want to know more before choosing your future pair of glasses for gamers, do not hesitate to click on this link!

When is the Best Time to Wear Blue Light Glasses?

• In a room lit by artificial lights

It can also be especially helpful to wear blue light glasses when you're inside places that are lit only by artificial light, whether at night or during the day.

It is important to wear your blue light glasses when the sun is down and the lights inside the house are on. Protecting your eyes at this time of day is important.

• When using your cell phone

You should wear blue light filtering glasses when looking at your cell phone screen for extended periods of time, including when using a tablet computer like an iPad.

Our cell phone screens emit a lot of high-energy visible light in the blue light wavelength spectrum, which is especially harmful to your body clock and your eyes.

• When you are in front of a screen

Whenever you play video games in front of a screen, whether it's a laptop or desktop computer, a television or any other similar type of device, it's essential to protect your eyes.

This is also true no matter what activity you are doing, as long as it is in front of a screen.

Our blue light blocking glasses, otherwise known as gaming glasses, are perfectly suited for screens. We offer different models with transparent lenses allowing you to benefit from the advantages of protection, while keeping the original colors of your screen as well as a brightness and an identical contrast.

They will allow you to maintain a good circadian rhythm and not affect your melatonin secretion cycle, which can cause sleep disorders.

In summary, whenever you work or play in front of screens or under artificial lighting, you'd better wear your blue light glasses.

When you're in natural sunlight, there's no need to wear them. However, in a world where screens are omnipresent, it can always be useful to keep your pair handy!