As screen time continues to rise, blue light–filtering glasses have become increasingly popular. They promise reduced eye strain, better comfort and, according to some, improved sleep. This brings up the big question: Are blue light glasses a myth—or a helpful everyday tool? Let’s take a closer look.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a natural part of the light spectrum. It comes from the sun, but also from digital screens—computers, phones, tablets and TVs. It has more energy than other visible wavelengths, which explains why it’s often associated with visual discomfort.
It's important to distinguish between:
- High-energy blue-violet light, mostly found in sunlight.
- Screen-emitted blue light, far less intense but constantly present in our daily routines.
The effects of blue light from screens
Research has shown that blue light from screens does not cause permanent eye damage.
However, it can contribute to:
1. Digital eye strain
When focusing on a screen, we blink less often, which leads to dryness and discomfort. Blue light also increases glare, which can worsen fatigue.
2. Sleep disturbance
Evening exposure to blue light can disrupt the body’s natural clock by reducing melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
Blue light glasses: helpful or not?
Blue light glasses aren’t a miracle cure, but they can be very helpful in several cases:
To reduce glare and improve comfort
They filter part of the blue-violet spectrum associated with glare and discomfort.
For people with light sensitivity
Some users notice immediate relief thanks to improved contrast.
To support better sleep
Using blue light filtering lenses in the evening may help prepare the brain for rest, especially for those who use screens close to bedtime.
The limits of blue light glasses
It’s important to keep expectations realistic:
- They do not eliminate eye strain caused by poor posture, improper lighting or lack of breaks.
- They do not replace a proper vision correction.
- They have not been proven to prevent eye disease.
So—myth or everyday ally?
A bit of both!
While blue light glasses won’t solve everything, they can enhance visual comfort for people who spend many hours in front of screens, particularly later in the day. They work best when combined with healthy habits such as:
- The 20-20-20 rule
- Proper workstation lighting
- Regular breaks
- Staying hydrated
If you’re curious to see whether blue light glasses could make a difference in your daily screen routine, visit your IRIS store and try on a pair—your eyes may thank you.
