My First Impressions Of Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses

A little over a month ago I was startled when I realized that I could not make out a traffic sign in front of me, only 30, maybe 40 feet ahead. I should have been able to read it, but it was a blur. So I looked for something closer to read, like the license plate of the car not too far in front of me. . . and I couldn’t read it either. I have always had great vision, 21/20 individually, although my eyes have had some convergence issues in the past, especially after reading or focusing on something close for long periods of time, but I had not been in front of a computer or a book that morning. It was a scary awakening to realize that actually everything long distance was a bit blurry to me. When did that happen? 

I have always known that computers can hurt your eyes, but I’m not even thirty, so how could this happen to me now? I did some research and it turns out, the culprit is my new smart phone! For ages I just used an old flip phone with actual buttons. It wasn’t actually easy to Instagram with it and sending an e-mail, well that is what my lap top was for. I adjusted to having an iPhone very quickly. Eventually, I started using it for not just my business social media, but for reading and other apps. I started using my phone more than I ever used to and it was damaging my eyes. Before having a smart phone, my digital time was more limited. In addition to using a computer at work during the day and my lap top for editing photos and making blog posts, I was really going down a slippery slope for permanent eye damage. For anyone, that is frightening, but for a photographer, it could damage my entire future. My eyes are priceless tools for my career. 

That is when I heard about blue light blocking computer glasses. Computers, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices emit blue light waves, which are damaging to the human eye. Although it is true that the sun actually emits far more blue light than electronics, our devices can cause more damage because we stare at them so long, so frequently, and so very close to our eyes. The absolute best thing you can do is limit your time in front of a screen. I cannot stress enough how important it is to unplug, not just for your health, but for your eye sight. Blue light can cause Molecular degeneration (blindness) over extended periods of time and that cannot be reversed. 

If you do have to work on a device, take frequent breaks and focus on long-distance objects to strengthen your eyes. If you suffer from dry eye due to computer use, another way to help your eyes healthy is to get eye drops. Lower the brightness of your screens while you use them. And of course, shield your eyes from some of that blue light by wearing blue-light blocking computer glasses. Notice, that is the final step. Even blue light blocking glasses can save your eyes if you’re always glued to a screen. 
As I do not need glasses to see or read, this pair is prescription-free. And of course, I don’t actually wear them around unless I’m in front of a screen. (I put them on for a few pictures for this post, but I do not actually wear them like fashion-glasses. My husband says they make me look like a Snap Chat filter!) If you wear glasses, you can order a pair with your prescription from your eye doctor. If you’re glasses-free or wear contacts, you can do what I did and order an affordable prescription-less pair online. I found these on Amazon for under $20. Just make sure that you read the reviews and that you’re getting real blue-light blocking computer glasses, not a set of fashion glasses. They will have a slightly yellow lens. The more tinted the lens, the better the protection. Some work better than others so make sure you do your research if you decide to buy a pair. 

So what is my impression of blue light blocking glasses?

They work! My eyes are less strained when I do wear them. I have also noticed that eyes not only feel less strained, but I also don’t get eye twitches anymore when I use my electronics. Blue light also has the ability to keep you awake at night so it also helps me get a better nights rest when I wear them if I am reading or using my phone at night. However, they’re not a miracle fix. Although my eyes have improved, I will be making an appointment with a professional to make sure I can repair the damage that I caused. I am also limiting my digital time and reading more paper books instead of digital books. 

The only downside I have discovered is that when I need them the most (while editing photos for weddings and my blog), I cannot wear them. The yellow tint to the glasses skews my eye’s ability to make sure that the color of the photographs I am editing is correct. So when I edit photos, I actually have to keep them off so that I can make sure the color of the images is accurate. Whenever I don’t ned to color correct, I make sure that they’re on. 

Do you have blue light blocking glasses? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below on whether or not they have worked for you.