Those who spend a lot of time at the computer can get tired or irritated eyes. Can blue light glasses prevent this or is there a sales pitch?
Is blue light harmful?
It is true that a computer screen emits blue light. However, this is the minimum. Especially when compared to the natural blue light that comes from the sun. This dose is several times higher. Research has shown that blue light is only harmful with heavy exposure. Like looking directly at the sun for a long time. The amount of blue light emitted by the screen is too small to harm the eyes. At the time of this writing, there is no scientific evidence that blue light emitted from screens is harmful.
Tired, irritated eyes
However, people who work a lot on the computer regularly suffer from fatigue, dry or irritated eyes. However, experts conclude that this has nothing to do with blue light. Marnix ophthalmologist Claes tells NEMO Kennislink that this is due to the lack of blinking. As a result, the eyes dry out and complaints appear. Outside of computer screens, many people watch TV for a long time one day and watch every free moment on their mobile phones. Eye blink carelessly. We usually blink at least 14,000 times a day, but it doesn’t go unnoticed when we’re staring at a screen.
Furthermore, human eyes are not designed to constantly look at something close. According to ophthalmologist Tom van den Berg, our eyes were designed for walking through the woods. Where they appear near and far are constantly alternating with each other.
Read also: Are your eyes sensitive to light? This may be due to the color
Blue light glasses sales pitch
Knowing this, it is already clear that blue light glasses are by no means indispensable for those who are often active at a computer for a long time. This has been further proven by research. Like an experiment from 2021, 120 computer users are divided into two groups. One group received light blue glasses and the other received regular glasses. After a few hours, no difference in eye complaints was detected.
Although there is no scientific evidence, there are people who experience filtered blue light as being more soothing to their eyes. There are no drawbacks to blue light glasses, aside from having to pay more for them, so for those who love them, it may still be an option. But anyway, don’t be fooled into thinking you need one to protect your eyes. It varies with the eye specialist whether or not it is presented as an important option. In any case, the MAX Today Editors have the experience that it has been described as a somewhat unnecessary option.
Good blue light properties
Apart from excessive exposure to blue light, blue light has positive properties for humans. It affects our biological clock, which regulates the light-sensitive processes in the body. Like the production of the energy-providing hormone cortisol. While melatonin production is inhibited. In short, it makes us feel alert. The blue light of the sun can also combat winter depression. Blue light stimulates eye development in children, so blue light glasses are not recommended for them.
Prevent eye strain from the screen
Ophthalmologist Marnix Claes recommends sticking to the 20-20-2 rule. You always look at the screen for a maximum of 20 minutes, after which you look into the distance for 20 seconds. Get out of the house for at least two hours each day. In addition, try to pay more attention to regular extra blinking.
Blue light and sleep
There is no scientific evidence that blue light from screens leads to sleep problems. However, it doesn’t hurt to take it into account when you’re still looking at screens late at night. Many cell phones and computers nowadays have a night mode that you can set for this.
(Source: NEMO Kennislink, Quest, AD, Libelle.be. Photo: Shutterstock)
