Blue light glasses

Blue light glasses are a type of eyewear designed to filter out a portion of the blue light that comes from digital screens and artificial lighting. Think of them as sunglasses, but for your computer or phone instead of the sun. The lenses often have a very faint yellow or amber tint, which is what helps block the blue light, though many are now virtually clear. They are available with or without a prescription, so you can wear them even if you don't normally need glasses for vision correction.

People use blue light glasses primarily to reduce eye strain and discomfort associated with long hours in front of screens. When you stare at a phone, computer, or TV for extended periods, you might experience symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing. This is often called digital eye strain. The idea is that by filtering some blue light, these glasses can help ease these symptoms. Another common reason is to support better sleep. Blue light, especially in the evening, can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime, which may make it harder to fall asleep. Wearing the glasses a few hours before bed can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

Imagine you have a job that requires you to be on a computer for eight hours a day. By mid-afternoon, your eyes feel tired and gritty. Wearing blue light glasses during your workday could help lessen that fatigue. Another example is a student who spends evenings studying on a laptop or tablet. Putting on a pair of these glasses after dinner might not only make reading more comfortable but also help them feel sleepier when it's actually time for bed. Even for casual use, like scrolling through social media on your phone at night or binge-watching a show, popping on these glasses can be a simple habit to protect your eyes and potentially improve your sleep quality.