“Don’t stare at the sun” is advice we’ve all heard, but what about your computer screen? Like UV rays from the sun, blue-violet light radiates from the digital devices we use daily. Some eye experts caution that these high-energy waves are not as harmless as you might think.

Spending long hours in front of a computer screen has become the norm, especially for those of us who are graphic and web designers. Whether working, studying, or browsing the web, prolonged screen time can take a toll on your eyes. The result is often digital eye strain, leading to discomfort, headaches, and even long-term vision problems. Fortunately, using the right lenses can help protect your eyes and reduce the effects of digital eye strain. In this post, we’ll explore the best lens to safeguard your eyes while working on the computer.

 

Understanding Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to screens. Symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. Studies show that nearly 50% of computer users experience digital eye strain at some point. Staring at a screen, blue light exposure, and reduced blinking can contribute to this condition, making it crucial to find ways to protect your eyes.

Blue Light and Its Effects on Eye Health

Blue light is a high-energy visible light emitted by digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. While blue light is naturally present in sunlight and helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, excessive exposure to screens can be harmful. Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and potentially increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It’s essential to consider lenses that block or reduce blue light exposure.

Side Effects of Blue Light:

• Digital eye strain
• Headaches and migraines
• Disturbed sleep cycles
• Reduced productivity
• Blurry vision, irritated eyes
• Darker spot on your skin

Benefits of Wearing Blue-blocker Lenses:

• 47% increased cognition
• Reduced headaches
• 96% increase in melatonin levels
• Enhanced productivity and well-being
• Relaxed eyes

Blue blocker lenses are an excellent option for raising awareness of the damage caused by blue light from screen devices. The lenses help prevent future eye diseases such as macular degeneration. They are especially beneficial for people who experience the strain of all-day computer work, making their tasks more accessible and comfortable.

Which blue block brand lens should I buy?

Talk with your licensed optician and see the latest availability on the market. I use BluTech lenses—they are the real deal for graphic designers, web designers, and anyone who spends hours in front of a computer. BluTech lenses are designed to filter out blue light emitted by digital screens. But how can you be sure they work? Here is the catch!

When you visit your optical store, ask the optician to test the effectiveness of your lenses with a blue light pen. Here’s how it works: Place your eyeglasses with BluTech (or your favorite blue-blocker) lenses over a white sheet of paper. When the optician hovers the blue light pen over the blue-blocker lenses, you’ll notice minimal to no blue light passing through them. This test demonstrates the quality of the lenses you are buying.

We have a variety of lens manufacturers that offer blue-blocker lenses, so choose quality lenses with minimal light passing through. You can not compare quality lenses from a reliable optical store to those eyeglasses you grab on your way to the checkout.  

Here are a couple of trusted manufacturers:

• BluTech
• ZEISS BlueGuard Lenses
• KODAK Total Blue®
• Essilor

How Do These Lenses Look?

Blue light-blocking lenses come in various designs, from clear to those with a slight yellow tint, often with anti-reflection coatings. These lenses are ideal for everyday indoor use, offering protection from the computer screen without altering the colors on your display. Depending on the manufacturer, you may choose an anti-reflection coating, or the lenses may have a standard coating from the manufacturer of the brand you chose. Check with your optician about the availability of your prescription.

Which Is Better: Blue-block Lenses or Anti-Reflective coating?

The blue-block lens. Anti-reflective coatings help you see more clearly by reducing reflections and glare from oncoming cars at night, but they do not protect your eyes as much against blue light. Blue light lenses are specific lenses that protect your eyes when using computer devices and promote better sleep at night. They are highly recommended for people working long hours using a computer or other devices.

Prescription Computer Glasses

For those who already wear prescription glasses, ask your optician if your prescription is available with a blue-blocker. I prefer my prescription for computer glasses with the blue blocker. These lenses reduce eye strain, and I have all the lens fields for my computer range, so I don’t have to fight with the ranges of the progressive lens. I also have optimal visual comfort during long screen time.

Non-Prescription Computer Glasses

If you don’t require prescription lenses but want to protect your eyes from blue light from screen devices, non-prescription lenses like Plano blue-blocker lenses are a great solution. You can order non-prescription lenses with blue blocker technology from your optician. They’re suitable for anyone who spends extended periods in front of a screen and wants to reduce the risk of digital eye strain. When choosing non-prescription computer glasses, consider the level of blue light protection and the quality of the lenses to ensure you’re getting the least amount of blue light passing through your lenses.

Today, we’ve explored how essential it is to protect your eyes from the strain of prolonged computer use, especially if you spend hours in front of a screen. Choosing an excellent quality blue light-blocking lens is a recommended investment to improve your eye health and overall well-being significantly. By combining these lenses with smart habits—like taking regular breaks—you’ll be better equipped to work comfortably and reduce the risk of digital eye strain. Consider your needs and choose the best lenses to keep your eyes safe and healthy.