Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory. They offer year-round protection against the sun, wind, and airborne dust.
By proactively engaging in practices like regular eye exams, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking timely treatment, we can empower ourselves to enjoy vibrant and visually robust lives. For insightful eye health tips, particularly on maintaining excellent eyesight and overall eye health, be sure to read our blog, where we share valuable advice for preserving your eye well-being.
Available in various types, including prescription and non-prescription, polarised and non-polarised, and anti-glare, sunglasses play a vital role in safeguarding our eyes from harmful UV rays. They can even help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts, eye growths and eye cancer later in life.
However, what about blue light? Do sunglasses block blue light? Read our blog to learn if sunglasses can effectively block this high-energy wavelength that has become increasingly prevalent in our digital world.
What is Blue Light
Blue light, with its short wavelength and high energy, is found in sunlight, as well as in fluorescent and LED light bulbs and digital devices like flat-screen televisions, computers, cell phones, and tablets. While parts of our eyes, such as the cornea and lens, provide some protection against blue light, they can’t shield our light-sensitive retinas.
Research suggests that exposure to blue light can potentially damage the retina and lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, eye irritation, digital eye strain, macular degeneration and cataracts. With this in mind, it’s important to consider whether sunglasses can effectively reduce blue light exposure.
The Verdict on Sunglasses and Blue Light
Most sunglasses protect by filtering out UV radiation, reducing glare and blocking blue light when worn outdoors. Not all sunglasses are equally effective in reducing blue light emitted by digital screens. The lens tint is crucial in determining the amount of blue light filtration. Choose shades like yellow, orange, dark amber, copper, or brown, which perform well both indoors and outdoors.
When it comes to blue light exposure, there are some benefits to consider. Blue light can boost alertness, improve memory and brain function, elevate mood and regulate our natural sleep-wake cycle. However, excessive exposure to blue light from digital devices can lead to concerns such as long hours in front of screens and screens positioned too close to our eyes.
How to Reduce Blue Light Damage
To minimise the potentially damaging effects of blue light, here are some recommendations:
- Wear high-quality sunglasses that block almost 100% of UV radiation and up to 90% of visible light.
- Limit screen time, especially before bed, and consider using blue-light filters for computer, smartphone, and tablet screens.
- Practise the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
- Adjust the lighting in your environment to match the brightness of your digital screens.
- Consider blue light-blocking glasses or computer glasses with yellow or orange-tinted lenses.
- Position your computer screen slightly below eye level to reduce blue light exposure.
Get Your Eyes Checked
Regular comprehensive eye exams with your optician are crucial due to increased reliance on digital devices among adults and children. While the amount of blue light emitted by screens is far less than that emitted by the sun, the proximity at which we absorb screen light can significantly impact our eyes.
To safeguard your vision and protect against the harmful effects of blue light, consult the opticians at The Bromley Eye Centre. Our team can guide you in choosing the ideal eyewear for indoor and outdoor blue light protection.
