A Complete Guide to: Do Sunglasses Block Blue Light
Do Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
The latest concern of the town is blue light. Healthcare professionals are talking about it in journals and publications. Ads are promoting unique sunglasses that claim to block blue light. There's a lot of information making the rounds.
What should you believe? Do sunglasses block blue light? Is there anything called unique blue-light blocking sunglasses, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
I have done all the research for you and sorted all the information, so you don't have to. This will help you make an informed decision!
Is There Anything Called Blue Light Blocking Sunglasses?
Sunglasses are primarily meant to protect our eyes from the sun. But there's a lot of conflicting information about whether they also protect us from blue light. This is especially important for those who are concerned about digital eye strain!
This post will explore what blue light is? Do sunglasses block blue light? What causes digital eye strain? And how you can protect yourself from it. Let’s dig in!
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It’s similar to the light that comes from the sun.
However, unlike other types of visible light, blue light has a shorter wavelength and, therefore, greater energy. This means that when it reaches your eyes (which is not suitable for them), it can cause damage to your retina and cornea.
The primary sources of blue light in our environment are natural sources like the sun and artificial sources like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions.
How Does Blue Light Pose Threat To Your Eyes?
Blue light is, in fact, beneficial to health. It helps regulate your sleep patterns and circadian rhythms (how your body responds day and night). However, too much exposure can be dangerous—especially if you're staring at a screen or exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. Blue light is harmful to the retina in many ways.
It can cause macular degeneration (a gradual loss of central vision), cataracts (clouding of the lens), pterygium (an abnormal growth over the cornea), and photokeratitis (dry eyes due to exposure to sunlight or artificial blue light). Blue light also causes eye strain and insomnia; it has been linked with depression as well!
You may read this comprehensive post to learn how blue light affects all of this.
You must take measures to protect your eyes from the blue light. But the question is how? Do sunglasses block blue light? And if yes, then how to choose these blue-light blocking sunglasses? Find out in the next section.
Do Sunglasses Block Blue Light & Protect Your Eyes?
The simple answer to the question, do sunglasses block blue light? Is yes. Sunglasses do block blue light. But not the ordinary ones. Regular sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes just from UV rays.
They can protect your eyes if you're outside on an overcast day or in a brightly lit room with no windows nearby. Still, they won't do much against the harsh white light from artificial lighting sources like computer screens or smartphones (or even sunlight).
That's where blue-light-blocking sunglasses come in! Blue-light-blocking sunglasses are made with a unique mix of materials (monomer, thiophene, and benzene) that absorb certain light waves.
Their main job is to reduce glare and eye fatigue by filtering out high-energy visible rays such as those found in fluorescent bulbs or LED lights (which produce more blue wavelengths than other kinds of bulbs).
Blue-light blocking sunglasses also help keep UV rays out, making them an all-around healthier option for everyone, whether exposed to blue light under sunlight or through digital screens.
Things to Consider When Buying Blue Light Sunglasses
There are a few crucial things to consider when buying good blue-light blocking sunglasses. First, look for a good UV rating. A pair of good UV-blocking sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful rays. Some brands offer UV ratings as high as 400+, so look at the label of any potential pairs before buying them.
Second, look for blue-light blocking technology. Some pairs have special coatings that block blue light up to 380 nanometers in wavelength. This rate is short enough to reach your retina but long enough not to be damaging when entering or exiting your eye's pupil (the opening in its center).
If you're worried about short-wavelength exposure from devices such as smartphones and laptops causing eye damage over time—specifically macular degeneration—this lens might be worth considering!
Third, look for polarised lenses if possible. In many sporty styles, polarised lenses best block glare without distorting color perception.
Also, make sure they're comfortable on your face. There's nothing worse than having an uncomfortable pair of sunglasses on all day long without realizing how much it hurts until after removing them later down the road. Or when they keep slipping off your face.
These few points must be thought about when buying blue-light-blocking sunglasses. The rest of the style, pattern, design, and so forth are defined by your lifestyle and budget.
Additional Safety Measures to Protect Yourself From Blue Light
You can take some additional safety precautions to protect yourself from blue light. It’s never a bad idea to avoid using your phone late at night, as the bright screen will keep you awake for longer and prevent your body from making melatonin.
You should also limit your screen time. Take regular breaks from using your digital device, and ensure you get enough sleep. All of these will help reduce any adverse effects from blue light exposure.
If possible, adjust the lighting in your room to avoid artificial light sources. Try changing the brightness of digital devices so that they don't seem as bright when used before bedtime or first thing in the morning.
It's also important to wear sunglasses when outside during peak sunlight hours. This reduces exposure while allowing you to continue enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or biking!
Finally, remember to wear blue-light blocking sunglasses, whether working on a computer, using a mobile phone, watching a movie marathon, binge-watching a series, etc.
Final Words
Whether you are an avid reader, gamer, or just out for a relaxing walk, you should take care of your eyes. Blue light emitting from natural and artificial sources can cause severe eye damage. Luckily, sunglasses can protect your eyes from blue light!
Now that you know the answer to your question, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to wear sunglasses.
For eye protection or other reasons, a good pair of blue-light blocking sunglasses is essential to any wardrobe. Remember that there are many different types of glasses, so be sure to find something that works for you!