Computer Glasses & Blue Light Protection

Blue Light Protection

By selectively blocking harmful blue light and ultraviolet rays, blue blocking and UV protective lenses help prevent the early occurrence of certain eye diseases.

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is emitted by the sun and artificial light sources such as LEDs, computers, and smartphones. Blue-violet light can have a harmful impact on the eyes, specifically the retina.

It is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration which is a deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Ultraviolet light not only affects the skin by increasing the risk of skin cancer, but it can also be dangerous to the skin around the eyes. In addition, excessive exposure to UV light without proper protection can lead to cataracts.

Do You Need Protection against Blue and UV Lights?

Blue light is emitted by many electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers. Another source of blue light is energy efficient technology in the form of fluorescent light bulbs and LED lights found in most offices and stores, thus putting your eyes at additional risk if unprotected. It’s also important to protect your eyes against UV both indoor and out.

Our eyes are exposed to UV radiation 365 days a year, even on cloudy days. In fact, up to 40% of UV exposure occurs when we aren’t in full sunlight. Since most people are at risk for overexposure to both blue light and UV light on a daily basis, it’s important to talk to Dr. Schwartz about lenses that can protect your eyes from harmful blue light and ultraviolet light.

Blue light is another necessary factor when addressing the need for computer glasses. Dr. Schwartz explains, “Blue light comes from computer screens, televisions, and smartphones, and has been known to cause eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. Even more alarming, recent studies also point to growing evidence that blue light exposure has the potential to significantly increase a person's risk of macular degeneration over time.

Fortunately, the last few years have seen significant strides in the blue light blocking technologies that can be widely applied to make computer glasses even more effective at protecting your eyes.” Click here for more about 'The Dangers of Blue Light and What You Can Do'.

Do you regularly experience blurred vision, eyestrain or headaches after being on your computer or smartphone for a while? If so, you may be experiencing a condition known as Computer Vision Syndrome. Fortunately, eye doctors have developed a special type of eyeglasses, known as computer glasses, that are made specifically to address the unique needs of those who are on the computer or other electronic devices for extended periods of time each day.

The special glasses removing ultraviolet light or having antireflective coatings will not solve your problems. However, computer and near stress reducing lenses can help reduce strain and improve visual comfort and efficiency.

Computer glasses are likely equipped with specialty lenses, such as BluTech and Crizal Prevencia, that are meant to reduce or eliminate many of the harmful side effects linked to increased time in front of computers and other electronic devices. This is done by selectively filtering out blue light, which improves visual comfort and reduces eyestrain. Simultaneously, these lenses allow non-harmful light to pass through, permitting the clearest vision possible.

Especially, if you are over 40 and your arms aren't as long as they use to be, you may need specially designed glasses to see clearly and comfortably. During your early 40s simple reading glasses will probably work on the computer. As you get older your current reading or standard progressive lenses might not work.

Reading and computer work are often at two different distances, different enough so that simple reading glasses will not keep both distances in focus. Also, traditional progressives have an intermediate area that is too small or low for computer work. You may need a special lens whereby the intermediate area is raised and larger. The best way to determine which lens is actually right for you is have Dr. Schwartz evaluate your specific needs: