With advances in technology and constant changes in lifestyle, we now spend more time on digital screens than ever before. As a matter of fact, you are probably reading this on a digital device. It is important to know what blue lights is, how blue lights work and how you may protect your eyes with blue light filtering glasses and sunglasses.
What is blue light?
Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is a type of light that is found in natural light and emitted by electronic devices such as:
- Fluorescent lights
- LED lights
- Smartphones
- Televisions
- Computer screens
- Tablets
- E-readers
- Video game consoles
What does blue light do to your eyes?
There have been many studies investigating the potential effects of blue light on sleep and health. Research has shown that it may have an affect on:
Melatonin
Blue light has been shown to suppress melatonin production. A study published in the Journal Chronobiology International found that exposure to blue-enriched light in the evening reduced the release of melatonin compared to dim light exposure.
Circadian rhythm
Research has also shown that blue light affects the circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that exposure to blue light suppressed the release of melatonin and delayed the circadian clock, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep at night.
Eye health
Long-term exposure to blue light has also been linked to potential eye damage, including age-related macular degeneration. A study published in the Journal Photochemistry and Photobiology found that blue light can cause oxidative stress in the eyes, which may lead to damage to the retina.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of blue light and to determine the best ways to mitigate its potential harmful effects. One solution that has been proposed by researchers is the use of blue light filtering glasses.
What are blue light filtering glasses?
Blue light filtering glasses are eyeglasses or protective lenses designed to block or reduce the amount of blue light that enters the eyes. These anti-blue light glasses often have lenses with a blue light filtering coating that absorbs blue light. Blue light filters may be effective in reducing exposure to blue light from digital screens and other artificial light sources.
Do blue light lenses work?
Blue light glasses can help reduce the amount of blue light exposure to the eyes, which may in turn alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain, such as headaches and tired eyes.
Research has also shown that blue light blocking lenses may help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that participants who wore blue light glasses for three hours before bedtime had a 58% improvement in sleep onset latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep) compared to those who did not wear the glasses.
However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence about blue light glasses and more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
Additionally, wearing blue light glasses alone may not be enough to fully address the negative effects of prolonged screen time. It is recommended to adopt good digital habits, such as taking regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness and contrast, and maintaining a comfortable viewing distance.
Is it possible to add blue light lenses to my glasses?
Yes you can add blue light blocking lenses to both prescription and non-prescsription glasses. These lenses are typically made of special materials that block or reduce the amount of blue light entering your eyes. Some photochromic lenses have a type of blue light coating as well.
It is important to note that many non-prescription frames already come with blue light filtering glasses, ready to wear. Cartier glasses, Gucci glasses, Off-White glasses, Montblanc glasses and Tom Ford glasses are some of the many brands that offer blue light filters on non-prescription glasses.
If you would like to know which other brands have blue light blocking lenses, you can contact us and we would be happy to provide you with more information.
Blue Light Filtering Glasses
Are blue light lenses the same as photochromic lenses?
No, blue block lenses and photochromatic lenses are not the same.
Blue light lenses are designed to block or reduce the amount of blue light entering the eyes.
Photolenses, on the other hand, are lenses that darken and lighten in response to changes in light. They are designed to provide adequate protection from bright light in outdoor settings and reduce glare, making them suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
While some blue light lenses may also have photochromic properties, not all photochromic lenses provide blue light protection, so it's important to understand the differences and choose a product that best meets your needs.
Are there blue light glasses in the Blue & Beyond program by Kering?
Yes, the Blue & Beyond collection features iconic styles from several Kering Eyewear brands that have both blue-light-filtering and photochromic technology.
Prestigious brands such as Cartier, Chloé, Dunhill, Gucci and Montblanc designed glasses with these lenses to help reduce the impact of high-energy blue light from digital devices and protect the eyes by darkening in sunlight, providing a double benefit to the wearer.
Blue Light Glasses from Blue & Beyond
References:
Chang, A. M., Aeschbach, D., Duffy, J. F., & Czeisler, C. A. (2015). Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(4), 1232-1237.
Lockley, S. W., Brainard, G. C., & Czeisler, C. A. (2003). High sensitivity of the human circadian melatonin rhythm to resetting by short wavelength light. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 88(9), 4502-4505.
Battaglia, C., Parati, G., Guglielmi, R., & Paleari, A. (2017). Blue light exposure affects physiological processes. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 169, 76-83.
Galle, E., Lavallard, V., Finat, L., Kocifaj, M., & T. W. Hu, T. W. (2017). Long-term exposure to light pollution and the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Journal of Environmental Management, 196, 52-60.
"Blue Light and Sleep: What You Need to Know" National Sleep Foundation, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/blue-light
"The Effect of Blue-Blocking Glasses on Sleep Quality" Journal of Sleep Research, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jsr.12675
"Adolescent Insomnia and the Use of Blue-Blocking Glasses" Journal of Adolescent Health, https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(17)30173-6/fulltext
Evening wear of blue-blocking glasses for sleep and mood disorders: a systematic review The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34030534/