Sunglasses are effective in giving ultraviolet protection. But can it also protect your eyes from blue light? You may not perceive blue light, but it is everywhere. It is present from the atmosphere to your mobile devices and gadgets. So, are sunglasses enough to shield your eyes from blue light?
Sunglasses provide protection against blue light when you’re outdoors. But only if they have photochromic lenses. Unfortunately, normal polycarbonate and polarized sunglasses don’t have this feature. When browsing your smartphone or devices indoors, blue light eyeglasses are better.
So what should you do? Let’s start by taking an in-depth look at how sunglasses can protect our eyes from blue light. Here’s everything that you need to know if you want to take care of your eyes.
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is one of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EM) radiation. It consists of other ranges of light that can travel and spread as it goes from the sun to the earth.
Think of it like a rainbow. EM radiation comes in the same colors. It includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet arranged in the same order. Each colored light comes with different energy and wavelength. The rays from the red radiation have longer wavelengths, but less energy.
As the light travels farther, the wavelength becomes shorter from the sun to the earth’s surface. But the energy becomes higher. Since blue light is near the end of the EM spectrum, it has one of the highest radiation.
Once colored lights penetrate the earth and collide with one another, it becomes white light. In other words, they become what we call the visible light or the sunlight.
You may perceive it as white light, but it can also consist of a large blue component. It is the reason why exposing yourself to the sunlight every morning makes you feel awake. It is because of the blue light that sends a signal to our brain that the day has started.
Thus, it will make you feel more alert. You should also know that blue and violet light also dominate the sky. It is the reason why skies appear in the color blue.
Where Does Blue Light Come From?
Blue light is almost always present in the sunlight. But there are other man-made blue light sources. It includes fluorescent and CFL bulbs, LED lights, LED televisions, computers, and smartphones. Almost all gadgets with illuminated screens are from blue light since it is one of the cheapest ways to do it.
Blue light exposure from mobile devices is small compared to sunlight. Still, you need protection from both indoor and outdoor blue light. Prolonged exposure to blue light also has drawbacks due to its high energy.
How Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light?
Only sunglasses with special photochromic lenses can help you protect your eyes. It is effective in blocking the blue light. What about regular sunglasses with UV400 lenses?
It can be good at blocking 100% ultraviolet rays. But is not enough to provide protection against blue light. It may reduce blue light, but it won’t cut it.
Photochromic lenses can either be polycarbonate or polarized sunglasses. But it’s better if you can ask the supplier or retailer if a pair of sunglasses has this feature. It is ideal if you can get eyewear that you provide a 3-in-1 shield. It means protection from UV light, glare, and blue light.
When looking for a pair of blue light shades, it would help if you look for tinted ones. You can choose sunglasses with dark amber, copper yellow, orange, or brown lens tints. It can be beneficial in blue light protection.
These lens colors can work great in filtering blue light and intensify contrast. Thus, you can use it in most outdoor and even indoor activities. Get sunglasses that offer superior visual clarity and comfort.
Do Polarized Sunglasses Protect From Blue Light?
Polarized sunglasses are good for sun glares. But it doesn’t always guarantee blue light protection. Unless, as mentioned, it uses special lenses for blue light. You can always look for polarized sunglasses with photochromic lenses. It will ensure the proper protection against blue light exposure.
Polarising sunglasses with special lenses can reduce the dangers of blue light. In short, it is ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Do you want to increase your productivity outdoors? Then polarizing sunglasses with photochromic lenses are a better option. You can safeguard your eyes from glares while blocking the blue light.
But make sure to avoid polarized sunglasses when you have to stare at your gadgets and LED screens. Smart devices already have a polarization filter. So, it will only distort your vision.
Can Blue Light Damage Your Eyes?
Not all blue lights are harmful to the eyes, but to some extent only. The truth is that blue light can also be essential for our health. According to studies, it can improve attention and offer better mental function. Since it sends a signal to your brain that it’s already daytime, this light can uplift your mood.
Blue light can also regulate circadian rhythm. It is our body’s natural response to the sleep cycle. Do you wonder why we often feel more sleepy at night? It’s because of the lack of blue light in the atmosphere and the absence of sunlight.
Your gadgets have a blue light. So, can it keep you awake?
You can keep staring at it, and it will keep you feel sleepless all night. But prolonged sitting in front of your computer or smartphone is harmful to your eyes. Spending too much time with your gadget can lead to headaches and other eye problems.
Aside from ultraviolet and glare protection, you need a pair of sunglasses for blue light. Use it whenever you’re outdoors for a long period of time. You also need blue light eyeglasses when browsing your phone at night.
How To Protect Your Eyes Against Blue Light?
When it comes to protecting your eyes from blue light, I would recommend three things. First, make sure that you wear a pair of sunglasses with a blue light coating when outdoors. Second, limit your time using your gadgets and smartphones at home.
Does your work need you to sit in front of your computer all day? It helps if you wear blue light eyeglasses. Also, resting your eyes is beneficial. Try out the 20-20-20 rule. It means looking 20 feet away from your screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
My third recommendation would be applying screen protectors on your smartphones. This invention is not only to shield your mobile screens from breaking. It also helps reducing blue light that can come off your smartphones.
You can try these ways to safeguard your eyes. Prevent it from absorbing too much blue light that may affect your health.
Final Words
Blue light can affect your health in a good and bad way. Yes, it helps you become more productive during the day. But too much exposure can be harmful. If you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, wear sunglasses with special lenses to block blue lights. When looking for blue light protection, photochromic lenses are worth checking out.
