Computer glasses

What Are The Top Benefits To Wearing Computer Glasses?

Computer Glasses & Eye Exams

What Are Computer Glasses and Do They Make a Difference?

Many people spend most of their waking hours staring at screens, exposing them to the potentially harmful effects of blue light. In fact, if you’re reading this on one of your screens, you’re exposing your eyes to blue light at this very moment.

All this screen time comes at a price: It can cause headaches, eyestrain, insomnia, and possibly eye disease. Blue light glasses (also known as computer glasses) have been touted to combat these problems head-on. But do they really make a difference to those who spend many hours a day staring at screens?

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is a color in the light spectrum visible to human eyes — though it doesn’t actually appear blue to the naked eye.

It’s a short wavelength that produces high amounts of energy (from 400 to 500 nanometers) and is often referred to as high-energy visible light (HEV). In fact, any source of visible light emits blue light, whether it’s an artificial source like a digital screen or a light bulb, or a natural one, like the sun.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Eyes?

It Obstructs the Wake/Sleep Cycle

Prior to the invention of artificial light, the sun regulated our sleep schedules. After sundown, the darkness signals to our bodies that it’s time to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for enabling us to sleep.

Nowadays, we’re exposed to blue light throughout the day and late into the night. While exposure to any light in the evening hours delays the production of melatonin, blue light waves can be particularly problematic as they radically disrupt these signals, causing less melatonin to be generated.

This essentially throws off our natural body clocks, since the brain associates blue light with daytime, making it harder to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.

It May Increase the Risk of Macular Degeneration

A 2018 study by the University of Alcalá suggests that a high level of blue light exposure may increase one’s risk of macular degeneration later in life, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

This is because blue light penetrates right through the cornea to the retina, damaging light-sensitive cells in the retina.

It Can Potentially Cause Eye Strain

Blue light scatters more easily than other visible light. This unfocused light reduces contrast and can contribute to digital eye strain, characterized by headaches, neck pain, and blurred vision.

That’s where computer glasses come in.

Research has indicated that lenses that filter out blue light significantly increase contrast. Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses may improve comfort levels when viewing digital devices for prolonged periods of time.

Are There Benefits to Wearing Computer Glasses?

As mentioned above, computer glasses reduce blue light exposure from computer screens and other digital devices. But are they worth getting?

According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, blue light can cause retinal damage “at greater intensities,” but the amount of light emitted by screens is quite low. Whether there is a cumulative effect requires further research.

Getting Computer Glasses

If you decide to get blue-light blocking lenses, you can find stylish options with or without a prescription. So if you’re farsighted and wear progressive lenses or bifocals, you can get single-lens computer glasses to match your prescription.

You may want to consider getting photochromic lenses, as they provide protection from both UV and blue light, whether indoors or out in the sun. These lenses seamlessly and automatically darken when exposed to UV rays outdoors, and become clear again when indoors.

Bling Eyewear in Cranston offers a variety of computer glasses and lenses. Contact us today to discuss the optimal lens features for your lifestyle and get fitted for your perfect pair.

Computer Glasses & Digital Eye Strain | Bling Eyewear

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Glasses

Q: Are There Benefits to Wearing Computer Glasses?

A: Computer glasses reduce blue light exposure from computer screens and other digital devices. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, blue light can cause retinal damage “at greater intensities,” but the amount of light emitted by screens is quite low. Whether there is a cumulative effect requires further research.

Q: Will Wearing Computer Glasses Mean Fewer Breaks?

A: In addition to computer glasses and ergonomic devices, doctors advise people to take frequent breaks while using digital devices. Walk around, stretch, go outside, and find other activities to do in between computer use. This, combined with visual aids, can help improve or even prevent DES and CVS from developing.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses Visit Bling Eyewear for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

5 Reasons to Buy Computer Glasses In-Store

Designer Computer Eyeglasses | Bling Eyewear

Wearing blue light glasses has become more and more of a trend, and there’s a very good reason for it! Blue light contributes to eye strain and can disrupt sleep patterns. Although more research is needed, some studies have even suggested a link between blue light exposure and diabetes and heart disease

As a result, people are turning to an online retailer to order these glasses. While it’s logical that people would opt for the convenience of purchasing blue glasses online, it’s important to be wary of the hassle and inaccuracy that can result when you don’t order through an optician.

Check out these 5 reasons you should we wary of buying blue light glasses online:

1. Not getting what you asked for

According to a study recently conducted by The American Optometric Association (AOA) that had researched the 10 most popular online retailers, 29% of eyeglasses ordered online had at least one lens that didn’t meet the required prescription. Wearing the wrong prescription can cause eye strain and headaches. The advantage of buying these glasses at an optical practice is that you can be sure you’ll get the right fit and correct prescription for your needs, ensuring optimal comfort and clear vision.

2. You can’t verify the quality

The problem with ordering online is that you can’t assess the quality and check for a loose hinge. Bling Eyewear only stocks quality frames and our optometric staff is trained to ensure you wear the proper fit and enjoy quality eyewear.

3. Cheaper frames can cause skin irritation — or worse

Along the same line, low-quality frames can end up costing you more in the long run. When browsing online, certain frames may look more expensive but could be made of low-grade materials that can cause skin irritation over time. Not only can they irritate your skin, but they can also get bleached by UV rays and the finish can worsen after a few months of wear.

4. Online virtual try-on’s can’t ensure satisfaction

If you’re buying glasses online, you’ll often have access to some sort of virtual try-on feature. This requires you to upload a forward-facing, close-up photo of yourself and you can then superimpose images of different frames on your face to see how they look.

While a virtual try-on can give you a rough idea of how you’ll look wearing different frames, it can’t tell you how the frames will feel.

5. Know what’s being cut to offer lower prices

Online retailers cut costs by using cheap materials and cut corners on customer service and safety standards. Over 20% do not meet ANSI safety standards and you don’t get the personalized attention and fitting expertise of a qualified optician. That’s a huge part of the value equation!

Eliminate the guesswork that comes with ordering online and get your blue light glasses at Bling Eyewear in Cranston. We’ll ensure that you get the perfect fit, quality and comfort thanks to our highly trained optometric team.