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From a Medical Perspective, Are Blue Light Glasses Worth the Rage?


The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to adapt to a lifestyle completely different from the one we lived prior to the implication of social distancing regulations. With in person schooling, extracurriculars, and social events being deemed unsafe, society has turned to social media platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom in order to connect in a safe manner. The increase in the use of electronics has left many people complaining of “dry and tired eyes,” and while some credit blue light glasses with solving this problem, others remain doubtful.


The digital screens we use daily are backlit by LED lights which emit blue light. Blue light has a short-wave, yet high-energy frequency, which must be filtered through our eyes. Because the light is so intense, the retina becomes at risk while filtering it. The retina converts light into impulses, which we are able to visualize. Despite these lights having economic benefits, it is clear they are unfortunately tied to health risks as well. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) reported the phototoxic effects of blue light exposure, including an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Singh, an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eyes, clarified that as frightening as the information produced in the article is, scientists have not had the ability to properly mark the retinal structural damage blue light may cause, and is therefore unable to determine whether or not it is so damaging. In addition, Dr. Singh states that although a verdict has not yet been reached, precautions should be taken, especially for children. Because of the early exposure to blue light that younger generations have, Dr. Singh is fearful children’s eyes are less powerful at filtering blue light. Because of this, children have an increased risk of childhood myopia (nearsightedness), computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain), decreased melatonin secretion, and poor sleep as the blue light interferes with our circadian rhythm. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is accredited to being caused by the use of a computer for an elongated period and experiencing a decrease in blinking, constant focus shifting, and the glare of the computer, rather than blue light directly.

In order to better protect your eyes, Dr. Singh recommends practicing safe screen time use, which means every twenty minutes you should relax your eyes by looking at an object twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds, and sitting around twenty-five inches away, or an arm’s length, from the digital screen. She also recommends eye drops to increase eye lubrication and spending time outdoors, as outdoor play has been linked to preventing nearsightedness in children. Another recommendation is turning off all blue light emitters at least an hour before sleeping, in order to prevent any effects on sleeping habits.

Dr. Singh concluded the article by stating that although the harmfulness of the blue light rays has been proven, evidence on the effectiveness of blue light glasses is lacking. Everyone should practice the safety tips recommended by Dr. Singh, but the choice to wear blue light glasses or use a blue light screen remains in the hands of the individual and the individual’s ophthalmologist, with some doctors in favor of them and others waiting for the publishing of more information. If you are considering blue light glasses or experiencing any of the symptoms they are connected to, it is important to contact an ophthalmologist, who can study your individual case.




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