The impacts of COVID-19 have resulted in a lot more of us having significantly more time in front of the computer and phone screens. Zoom meetings and binge watching have become a social norm, the way we work, learn, connect and relax has really stuck us to our screens. This has resulted in some real issues; I’ve noticed my eyes fatiguing a lot more and some nights I struggle to fall asleep. For these issues I’ve started to notice the gaining popularity in blue-light glasses.
Enter Blue-Light Glasses. But are these new options at the optometrist helpful?
Blue light can most definitely affect our circadian rhythm, our natural sleep-wake cycles and the hormones our body produces which tell our body to go to sleep or stay alert. That’s the reasoning behind why blue light glasses can help with those nights you can’t get to sleep.
BUT does the blue light from screens really affect our eye health? The evidence says no. There is no evidence to say that blue light from screens adversely affects the tiny structures in our eye.
However, there is evidence to suggest that staring at a screen from extended periods of time can cause eye strain due to fewer blinking and less variety of focus. Eye strain can result in different symptoms for different people, including dry, sore, irritated, tired eyes and headaches. There is a solution for that and its not blue-light glasses, a clue…physios are gonna love it!
Exercise for eyes! The 20-20-20 rule is one that’s advocated for by many optometrists. Whilst at the screen: Every 20 mins, look away for 20 seconds and stare at something 20m away from you. This allows your muscles to relax and replenish so you can go back to the screen time more sustainably.
So for now, I don’t think I’ll be picking up a pair of those trendy blue light glasses. For now I’ll stick to good old night mode, turning down the brightness and of course, not scrolling whilst getting into bed!
