If you spend time looking at electronic screens, you’ve likely noticed your eyes feeling dry and tired after long periods of use. Since modern jobs often involve long hours in front of screens, many people are turning to remedies, like blue light-blocking lens coating. Although scientific evidence is limited, some people report significant benefits.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our expert team offer blue light-blocking lens coating for eyeglasses. Read on to discover where the science stands — and whether this approach may be right for you.
Blue light-blocking eyeglass lenses have a special coating that filters out both blue light and ultraviolet (UV) light. Electronic screens, such as those on computers, smartphones, and tablets, emit this type of light, which has a higher energy level compared to light from lamps and other devices.
Theoretically, long periods of exposure to this higher-energy light can damage the eyes’ retinal cells, increasing the risk of eye disease and vision loss.
Despite alarmist headlines suggesting blue light exposure may lead to blindness, there’s no conclusive evidence that’s the case. Even so, many people who experience screen-related eye strain report that blue light-blocking lenses seem to work wonders for their eyes.
The evidence for blue light lenses is limited. One study found no significant difference between blue light lenses and placebo lenses, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn’t recommend them for looking at electronic screens.
Despite this, many people who use them self-report various benefits, including:
Since electronic screens often worsen dry eyes, blue light-blocking lenses may benefit this common condition, too.
Before prescribing blue light-blocking lenses, we have you fill out a questionnaire that asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Provide as much detail in your answers as possible. Afterward, we complete an eye exam, including visual acuity tests and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These let us assess your vision and check for eye disease.
If you often use electronic screens for work or leisure, and you have symptoms like dry eyes, eye strain, or blurry vision, we may suggest blue light-blocking lenses. The lens coating is completely invisible, but may ease symptoms and help you feel better.
If you spend most days tied to your computer or other electronic devices, getting a blue light lens coating for your glasses may support your productivity and comfort. To see if you can benefit, call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.