Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Digital screens expose the eyes to constant near focus and bright light for extended periods. This can lead to symptoms such as eye fatigue, glare sensitivity, and headaches. For people who spend many hours on digital devices, blue light glasses may be recommended to help reduce visual discomfort.
We provide eye care for children and adults at our locations in Denver, Aurora and Thornton. We accept Medicaid!
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Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
When Should You Wear Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses are typically worn during extended use of digital devices. They may be helpful for people who experience eye fatigue, headaches, glare sensitivity, or difficulty falling asleep after evening screen exposure.
At Youth Vision, we may recommend blue light glasses during:
- Long hours of computer work or virtual school
- Gaming for extended periods
- Using tablets or smartphones in the evening
- Working under bright LED office lighting
- Experiencing eye strain at the end of the day
They are generally not necessary for brief or occasional screen use.
What Do Blue Light Glasses Help With?
Blue light glasses are designed to filter a portion of high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by digital screens and LED lighting.
Some patients report improvement in:
- Digital eye strain symptoms
- Glare sensitivity
- Eye fatigue during long work session
It is important to note that digital eye strain is often caused by reduced blinking, poor posture, and extended focus at one distance. Blue light filtering lenses may be part of the solution, but screen habits are just as important.
Do Children Need Blue Light Glasses?
Children and teens spend a significant amount of time on digital devices for school and recreation. Blue light glasses may be considered if a child frequently experiences visual discomfort after extended screen use.
However, blue light glasses are not necessary for every child. In many cases, symptoms are related to prolonged near work, reduced blinking, or an uncorrected vision problem. An eye exam can determine whether blue light filtering lenses, prescription glasses, or changes in screen habits are most appropriate.
What to Look for in Blue Light Glasses
If you are purchasing non-prescription blue light glasses, lens quality can vary widely. Some glasses filter only a small amount of blue light, while others are designed to block specific wavelengths produced by digital screens.
When choosing blue light glasses, look for:
- Lenses that specify which wavelengths they filter, particularly around 455 nanometers, the peak blue light emitted by many digital screens.
- Anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare from computer screens and overhead lighting.
- Clear information from the manufacturer about lens testing or spectral analysis rather than vague marketing claims.
- Lens tint that matches your intended use. Clear lenses typically filter a smaller amount of blue light, while yellow, amber, or orange lenses block progressively more.
- Very dark lenses may block a high percentage of blue light but can significantly change how colors appear. For daytime screen use, many people prefer lenses that remain mostly clear.
Blue Light Protection in Prescription Glasses
For patients who already wear glasses, blue light filtering can be incorporated directly into prescription lenses. This allows the lenses to address both vision correction and screen-related visual demands.
At Youth Vision, blue light protection may be added to prescription lenses when patients report eye strain during prolonged screen use. Prescription lenses from an eye care provider also allow for customized lens coatings, improved clarity, and proper optical alignment.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our doctors evaluate focusing ability, eye alignment, and visual habits to determine whether prescription lenses with blue light filtering may improve visual comfort.
Protecting Your Eyes in a Digital World
If you or your child experiences frequent headaches, eye strain, or visual discomfort after screen use, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Identifying the underlying cause allows for targeted treatment and long-term visual comfort.
To schedule an eye exam, contact the location most convenient for you:
Phone: (303) 825-2295
Phone: (303) 343-3133
Phone: (303) 450-0184
FAQs
Are blue light glasses worth it?
Blue light glasses may be worth trying if you spend several hours a day on digital devices and experience eye fatigue, glare sensitivity, or headaches. They are not necessary for everyone, but some people notice improved comfort during prolonged screen use.
Do blue light glasses help with eye strain?
They may help reduce glare and visual discomfort for some users. However, digital eye strain is often caused by reduced blinking and prolonged near focus, so regular screen breaks are equally important.
Should I wear blue light glasses all day?
Most people wear them only during extended screen time rather than all day. If your work or school requires continuous device use, wearing them during those hours may be reasonable.
Do blue light glasses help you sleep?
Wearing them in the evening may reduce exposure to stimulating blue light before bedtime. Limiting screen use before sleep remains one of the most effective strategies for improving sleep quality.
