Digital Eye Strain: Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

Exposure to digital screens has become a necessity nowadays. We noticed a significant rise in the average screen time of most people after the pandemic, which was already quite high. It's hard to imagine life without screens, as they are essential in almost every aspect of our lives. However, one common problem that most screen users face these days is digital eye strain.

Now, you might wonder what digital eye strain is and how you can deal with this concern. Well, continue reading this blog to learn everything about digital eye strain and effective ways to counter it.

Digital eye strain- what do you mean by it?

Digital eye strain is an eye-related concern that takes place due to prolonged tablet, computer, cell phone, or any electronic screen use. Here, your eyes might feel uncomfortable and tired after a certain point in time. The more you use these devices, the overall level of discomfort and pain will keep on increasing. Digital eye strain can be extremely common in adults and children.

What Are the Causes of Digital Eye Strain?

Let’s check out the common causes of digital eye strain at a quick glance:

• Reading extremely small text can lead to digital eye strain
• Bad lighting condition.
• Poor posture while using your digital devices.
• Blue light emitted from digital devices is a prominent reason behind digital eye strain.
• The continuous glare of the screen of your phone, tablet and computer.
• If you check out your devices from awkward angles, it can also pave the way toward developing digital eye strain.
• We often blink less while looking at our digital devices. This is another cause that exposes individuals to digital eye strain.

What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Digital device users often ignore certain symptoms related to digital eye strain. You must be aware of these symptoms and take action as soon as you experience some or all of them.

Some of the potential symptoms typically include:

• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to extreme light conditions
• Blurred vision
• Shoulder and neck pain
• Headache
• Burning eyes
• Difficulty in concentrating on various tasks
• Itchy eyes
• Having issues while keeping your eyes open
• Discomfort and eye strain

Can You Wear Blue Light Glasses to Prevent Digital Eye Strain?

One of the primary reasons behind digital eye strain is the blue light emitted from these devices. That’s the primary reason that we have seen a significant rise in the popularity of blue light glasses for screen users. Blue light is a high-energy visible light and artificial blue light certainly has an impact on digital eye strain. Blue light glasses are a great way to prevent the condition. However, the biggest challenge remains that there is no standardisation in blue light filter coatings available in the market. We solve the problem with our X-Blue lenses which feature blue light filter coating built into the monomer of the lenses. As a result, you get superior protection against harmful blue light and reduced eye strain or fatigue even after long hours of screen use.

How Can You Combat Digital Eye Strain?

There is no single solution to digital eye strain. Along with our X-Blue lenses, you can combine these below-mentioned solutions to get the best results:

20-20-20 Rule

One of the most impactful treatments for digital eye strain is the popular 20-20-20 rule. According to this rule, you need to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. It gives your eyes a much-needed break from the screen and reduces eye fatigue.

New Screen

When compared to CRT monitors, LCD ones are more comfortable on your eyes. Since CRT monitors have a higher ‘flicker rate’, they make you feel uneasy and in pain. So if you are still using traditional CRT monitors, it’s time to give your screen an upgrade.

Adjust the Text Size on Your Screen

Bigger texts are easier to view- you are already aware of that part. When you try to read small texts, you need to squint your eyes at times. You should increase the font size of your screen if you face even the slightest problem while reading.

Work on Your Schedule

Try to spend less time using your digital devices. If you tend to use your mobile and computer for almost the entire day, it will definitely cause pain and strain. After a hectic day at work, consider finding some other form of recreation. Also, don’t forget to take breaks in between your work. It will help you to feel better. Make sure to avoid screens at least two hours before you go to bed.

Look After the Positioning of Your Computer

Your computer must be placed in such a location that allows your screen to avoid glare. You can use drapes and blinds on the windows. The positioning of lights can also make a big difference in glare.

Anti-Glare Screens

If you are unable to minimise the glares, install anti-glare screens as an option. These filters are used to decrease light reflecting from the screen. You can also consider using screen protectors with a matte finish as they’re really helpful in reducing glare compared to glossy ones.

References:

• https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/computer-vision-syndrome.html
• https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/digital-eye-strain/
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-blue-light-blocking-glasses-actually-work/