Blue Light Glasses: Do They Actually Work? What Our Eye Doctors Say
You’ve probably seen ads for blue light glasses everywhere — from online shops to local stores to social media influencers. They promise to reduce eye strain, protect your eyes from screens, and improve your sleep.
But do blue light glasses really work? And should you invest in a pair?
At Lakeview Eye Care, we get these questions from patients all the time. Here’s what our eye doctors want you to know before you buy.
What Is Blue Light, and Where Does It Come From?
Blue light is a high-energy visible light that comes from both natural and artificial sources. The biggest natural source is sunlight, but digital screens — including smartphones, tablets, computers, and LED lighting — also emit blue light.
In recent years, concerns have grown about whether the amount of blue light we get from screens might be harming our eyes or disrupting our sleep.
What Do Blue Light Glasses Claim to Do?
Blue light glasses are designed with special lenses that filter or block blue light. Manufacturers often claim they can:
Reduce digital eye strain
Protect against long-term eye damage
Improve sleep by reducing blue light exposure before bedtime
But what does the science say?
What the Research Shows
According to current research and guidance from major eye health organizations, blue light from screens is not known to cause eye disease or permanent eye damage. However, extended screen time can lead to digital eye strain — symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder pain.
The key point is this:
Digital eye strain is caused more by how we use screens (long hours without breaks, poor posture, improper lighting) than by the blue light itself.
Blue light glasses may help reduce subjective discomfort for some people, but they are not a medical necessity for most.
Tips From Our Eye Doctors
If you’re experiencing eye discomfort from screen use, here’s what we recommend:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Adjust your screen brightness and positioning.
Use lubricating eye drops if you experience dryness.
Schedule an eye exam to ensure your prescription is up to date.
If you still want to try blue light glasses, that’s perfectly fine — just understand they are a comfort product, not a medical treatment.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
If you’re having persistent eye strain, headaches, or vision issues, it’s a good idea to see an optometrist. Sometimes, the problem is not blue light, but an underlying vision issue or need for specialized lenses, like computer glasses.
At Lakeview Eye Care, we can help determine the right solution for your eyes and lifestyle.
Why Trust Lakeview Eye Care?
At Lakeview Eye Care, we stay up to date on the latest research and trends in eye health so we can give you honest, expert guidance.
Comprehensive eye exams
Personalized recommendations
Friendly, professional care
We’re here to help you navigate your eye care decisions with confidence.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
If you have questions about blue light glasses or digital eye strain, we’re here to help.
Call us or book online now to schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Lakeview Eye Care — your trusted local optometrist.
