▷ Computer glasses and blue light, are they really necessary?

Blue light is a term that is talked about a lot today, it is a type of light that is abundant in nature, but to which we are much more exposed than years ago by the rise of screens based on LED technology. In this article we explain everything about blue light, as well as the measures that can be taken to reduce its possible harmful effects.

Index of contents

What is blue light?

White light like ordinary daylight is colorless light. It is made up of all the elements of the spectrum of visible light at the same intensity, such as red light, green light and blue light. Each element of visible light has its own wavelength range, which is measured in nanometers. There is an inverse relationship between the length of the wavelength and the energy it contains. Consequently, longer wavelengths have less energy, while shorter wavelengths have more energy. This is because the frequency is higher for shorter wavelengths.

Blue light exists at the farthest and highest end of the visible light spectrum. Its energy is so high that it is right next to ultraviolet light, abbreviated as UV. As such, blue light has the shortest wavelengths in the visible spectrum. In contrast, red light exists at the other end of the spectrum. Just as blue light sits alongside ultraviolet light, red light sits alongside infrared light in the most common spectrum range.

The negative effects of ultraviolet light are well documented. Specifically, it can damage cells by directly damaging DNA and causing mutations that can lead to cancer. Also, too much sunlight can burn our skin, that's why we use sunscreen on the beach. This is also why it is good to wear UV blocking sunglasses. Just as this light can harm our skin cells, it can also harm our cornea. Problems like sun blindness are common among people who are overexposed to UV rays without eye protection.

Where does the blue light come from?

The blue light is all around us, although it was not always like this. When Thomas Edison invented the first practical and commercially viable light bulb in 1878, the light was incandescent. This would continue for years. The problem is that the incandescent and other forms were energy inefficient. To improve efficiency, LED (light emitting diode) was born, which is an electrical component that emits light when connected to a direct current. LEDs can emit light in both the visible light spectrum and the invisible light spectrum (such as infrared and UV light). Essentially, LEDs are semiconductors that have been built to emit light when activated. Although LEDs were initially discovered in 1907, it took nearly a century to apply this technology for normal display use because the blue diode had not yet been created. As mentioned above, white light needs the same intensity of each wavelength in the visible light spectrum. While scientists had created other diodes such as red, green, and yellow, they had not created the blue diode because their creation required certain crystals that they could not yet create in a laboratory.

However, as technology improved, scientists were better equipped to solve this problem. In the early 1990s, three Japanese engineers (Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura) created the first blue diodes, which opened the door to white light and daily practical use of LEDs. And as time went on, LEDs became more and more frequent due to their amazing efficiency. LEDs are now an integral part of our day to day. As such, blue light exists in everything from PC screens to artificial light like light bulbs.

Our eyes and the blue light.

Unfortunately, our eyes are particularly poor at blocking or filtering blue light. Through evolution, our eyes never developed a blue light filter, in fact our eyes are much more effective at blocking UV light, as only 1% of UV light enters our eyes. And when we wear sunglasses with UV protection, it is even less. Our eye blue light filter is even worse when we are younger. Likewise, as we age and require cataract surgery, this natural pigment is removed, further emphasizing the need to wear blue light filtering glasses.

The effects of blue light.

There are negative effects of blue light since our eyes act as poor blue light filters.

Digital eye strain

Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a group of symptoms associated with overuse of digital devices. They include eye fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, itchy eyes, and general eye discomfort. While DES is not permanent, it is aggravating, uncomfortable, and distracting. Blue light can contribute to digital eye strain for a variety of reasons. Its high frequency light can stress the eye. Additionally, LEDs can be bothersome due to the distinctive contrast and sensitivity of powerful light and the surrounding environment.

Bad sleep

Blue light suppresses melatonin secretion, which is a chemical that numbs us and helps control our circadian rhythm. The sun produces UV light and blue light. Ten thousand years ago, this blue light would allow us to wake up in the morning and be tired at night when there was no blue light. However, today's world has changed quite a bit. Most of us are at night and many times in front of our screens. Because of this, we expose ourselves to blue light far beyond the time when we are supposed to receive it. As such, it may be one of the reasons that many of us find it difficult to fall asleep.

Macular degeneration

Just as UV light can harm our cornea and skin, more and more studies are linking blue light overexposure to macular degeneration . The macula is part of the retina, which is a vital part of our vision; without it we cannot see. There are doctors who believe that overexposure to blue light, largely due to our dependence on digital devices, can damage our retina. Some refer to the increased prevalence of macular degeneration, as well as people who develop it at younger ages. Being careful with macular degeneration is particularly important for older generations who have undergone cataract surgery. Starting at age 40, our eyes begin to develop a pigment that naturally filters blue light. However, cataract patients have this removed and are therefore highly susceptible to blue light.

It is important to note that this is a new field of study because high-energy illuminated displays are new, as is our overwhelming dependence on PCs. There are studies done in stem cells and animal models that point out that blue light damages our retina, there are still some, however, that question those beliefs.

Solutions to mitigate blue light.

Computer glasses

Eye care is incredibly important. PC glasses are a good way to mitigate the harmful and uncomfortable symptoms of blue light. These lenses are specially designed to effectively filter blue light without compromising the aesthetics of a virtually transparent lens. There are glasses that use an ineffective coat that looks clear or use strong yellow tints that are effective, but are not aesthetically appealing and affect your perception and color acuity. These yellow glasses are often known as blue blockers.

Apps

More and more applications claim that they filter blue light by changing the color of the screen to a reddish-orange hue (for example, f.lux or Apple Shift). These apps adjust the entire screen temperature, which has its benefits in terms of eye comfort, but affects color perception. Digital displays also naturally emit high-energy light, which still enters your eye, regardless of software. These apps do not change the actual LEDs that are producing the blue light.

Some recommended PC glasses models

Next, we offer you several models of PC glasses that you can use to protect your eyes when you have to spend a lot of time in front of the PC. All these models are based on a discreet design, so they will pass as a conventional prescription glasses and you can use them without problems in the office.

NOWAVE Neutral Glasses for PC

Nowave is one of the most popular manufacturers of this type of glasses, so we already have a good quality guarantee. Its design will make no one notice that you are wearing glasses to block blue light.

NOWAVE Neutral Glasses for PC, Smartphone, TV and Gaming | Eliminate fatigue and visual irritation | ANTI LIGHT BLUE and UV Glasses for Screen | Blue light filter for pc rest | Unisex, light and black

• RED EYES STOP | Neutral lenses (without gradation) | Unisex Model | Blocks blue light (up to 40%), UV rays, anti-reflection with HMC treatment. Nowave is an Italian company based in Gnova. BENEFITS | The nowave blue light glasses combine modern Italian-style frames with quality lenses and allow, from their first use, to enjoy greater comfort and visual relaxation, preserving the well-being of the eye without forgetting the aesthetic aspect | In fact, they allow you to get to the end of the day without eyestrain (asthenopa), red and irritated eyes, headache, and trouble falling asleep (blue light inhibits melatonin secretion, creating insomnia problems). BLUE LIGHT? Blue light emitted by a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or television, and which causes damage, both in the short term (eyestrain, redness and dry eyes, headaches, and insomnia), and in the long term, damaging the retina (a risk factor for eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration) QUALITY OF MATERIALS | The nowave glasses have frames in TR90 (a special combination of nylon and carbon fiber) and stainless steel, which make them very light but strong and resistant (also to chorus) at the same time. They are suitable for sensitive skin. The glasses have a refractive index of 1.59 and are, in addition to anti-blue light and UV, anti-glare HEALTH AND VISUAL WELL-BEING | Nowave glasses are neutral, without gradation. Its use is especially indicated for people who work in front of a monitor (students, employees, managers, architects, graphic designers…), for those who have undergone cataract surgery and who usually drive at night (they improve contrast). They serve to prevent macular degeneration | Each package contains: cardboard box, hard case, cloth and microfiber glasses bag for cleaning

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Pixel Lens Spring

Pixel is another excellent manufacturer of this type of product, with somewhat more modern aesthetics than the Nowave models, although equally discreet.

Pixel Lens Spring - Glasses for Computer, TV, Tablet, Gaming. Against THE EYE TIREDNESS, Visual Comfort, Light Frame, CERTIFIED Blue LIGHT - 41% AND UV -100% AT THE University OF TURN

• Pixel Lens protective lenses reduce 41% the Blue Light emitted by computers, tablets, smartphones and LED bulbs. Against eye fatigue, dry eyes, red eyes, headache, blurred vision, insomnia. Thanks to the greater comfort and visual relaxation they produce, you can continue to be in front of the screen without feeling tired. Ultralight unisex frame, with front in TR90 and temples in STEEL. Lens material: polycarbonate. Refractive index: 1.59. Anti-scratch, anti-fog, anti-glare, anti-flicker treatment of the screens. Tested at the Turn University Physics Department; International certificates CE, FDA, SGS and Florida Colts Ophthalmic Laboratories (USA). Lenses are neutral, do not have prescription. They do not modify the color of the monitor, they are ideal for graphic designers and those who have to control colors through screens. For students, workers with video terminals, gamers. Also recommended for those who have undergone cataract operations and lens replacement.The PIXEL LENS glasses are a product of the Pixel Kura project, born to reduce the impact of blue light by proposing an integrated solution, consisting of the control, direct protection (Pixel Lens, Pixel Screen and Pixel Clips) and food integration (Pixel Active HD, an innovative product studied for eye protection and neurocognitive stimulation for computer workers and video game players). To find out more www.pixelkura.it

44, 90 EUR Buy on Amazon

My Blue Protect glasses

Another Nowave model and one of my favorites, it is worth trying them to see if they improve your comfort.

My Blue Protect "POP". Goggles anti blue light, anti eye fatigue, UV filter (85334) Glossy black. For Adults

• Blue anti-Lumiere protection at a height of 27% (380nm-500nm) and 100% of UV (280nm-380nm) This protects against headaches… sensation of glare and visual discomfort.Reduces the risk of contributing to dmla (age-related macular degeneration disease Road to blindness) Intensive use, daytime, monitors and smartphones and at night before sleeping, prevents the natural sleep cycle.

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Pixel Lens Master

The latest model that we offer you, also from Pixel and with a more conservative design and more similar to those of Nowave.

Pixel Lens Master - Glasses for Computer, TV, Tablet, Gaming. Against THE EYE TIREDNESS, Visual Comfort, Light Frame, CERTIFIED Blue LIGHT - 41% AND UV -100% AT THE University OF TURN

• Pixel Lens protective lenses reduce 41% the Blue Light emitted by computers, tablets, smartphones and LED bulbs. Against eye fatigue, dry eyes, red eyes, headache, blurred vision, insomnia. Thanks to the greater comfort and visual relaxation they produce, you can continue to be in front of the screen without feeling tired.Unisex lightweight frame. Lens material: polycarbonate. Refractive index: 1.59. Anti-scratch, anti-fog, anti-glare, anti-flicker treatment of the screens. Tested at the Turn University Physics Department; International certificates CE, FDA, SGS and Florida Colts Ophthalmic Laboratories (USA). Lenses are neutral, do not have prescription. They do not modify the color of the monitor, they are ideal for graphic designers and those who have to control colors through screens. For students, workers with video terminals, gamers. Also recommended for those who have undergone cataract operations and lens replacement.The PIXEL LENS glasses are a product of the Pixel Kura project, born to reduce the impact of blue light by proposing an integrated solution, consisting of the control, direct protection (Pixel Lens, Pixel Screen and Pixel Clips) and food integration (Pixel Active HD, an innovative product studied for eye protection and neurocognitive stimulation for computer workers and video game players). To find out more www.pixelkura.ite

34.90 EUR Buy on Amazon

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This concludes our article on blue light and how to protect yourself from it, we hope you find it very useful.