Blue-light glasses don't protect eyes from harsh screen light: Study

Almost everyone who wears glasses is told to use blue light glasses instead of standard lenses because they protect the eyes from strain. For a clear and soothing vision, especially at this age where we browse through computer screens and mobile phone screens for hours, nobody cares to think twice before saying yes to the blue light glasses. However, a new review study has made a startling revelation to this.

Blue light is one of the colors of the light spectrum, and it is believed that exposure to this light damages the retina of the eyes and impairs the ability of the eye to see. It has a damaging effect on the human body especially during nighttime. "Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown," a Harvard report says.

These are the glasses that have filters to block or absorb blue light or even UV light from passing through. If you are looking at the computer screen for longer hours, these glasses reduce the exposure of the blue light to your eyes.

The study published in the Cochrane Library reviewed 17 studies from 156 participants. The researchers found that using blue light filtering glasses does not ease eye strain in comparison to standard lenses. The amount of blue light that a phone or computer emits is actually quite low, which might be why blocking it doesn’t do much to ameliorate eye strain. But if you spend four or more hours a day on a computer, you’re nonetheless at risk for screen-induced eye irritation, Laura Downie, an associate professor of optometry and vision sciences at the University of Melbourne and an author on the new review told The New York Times.

Blue light interferes with the sleep pattern of an individual. It inhibits the brain's ability to secrete melatonin, the hormone that puts our minds to rest. Blue filtering glasses is hence known to improve sleep. But Downie and her team found mixed results on this. While some studies showed good sleeping scores others did not.

For those who are exposed to blue light for longer hours here are a few eye-care tips to follow:

Give them proper rest. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, this helps the eyes relax.

Keep your eyes hydrated: Use a good eye drop to keep the eyes lubricated. Dry eyes can cause unnecessary strain to the eyes.

Sleep properly: Good sleep can do wonders for your eyes. Do not miss out on sleeping for 7-8 hours in a day.

Keep your computer atleast 30 inches away from you and keep the centre of the screen below your eye level. Phones should be kept atleast 15 inches away from you.