Introduction

COVID has amplified the use of screens and other gadgets. This has led to concerns about digital eye strain, especially for our children. You may have heard of blue light blocking glasses or UV eye protection glasses in this regard.

These protection glasses have blue-blocking lenses. The logic is that they block the blue light that is emitted from the computer screen and relieve eye strain. For older individuals protection glasses for the mobile and laptop may also have a small power to enable the individual to see without eye strain.

Effect of screen time on eyes

Here are some of the effects that excessive use of screens can have on our eyes

Dryness – leading to blurred vision
Allergies
Redness
Watering
Itching
Discharge
Disturbed sleep – This occurs because blue light decreases the level of a hormone, melatonin which is responsible for sleep. This disturbs your circadian rhythm.
Eye Strain – especially when not wearing the correct reading glasses for older individuals.
Feeling of fatigue

Solutions to reducing risks of increased screen time

Here are some tips and tricks to reduce the effects of increased use of digital screens:

Blink often
20-20-20 rule – Take a break from your digital device every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away
Don’t sit under the draft of the air conditioner
Maintain correct posture while using the computer
Use glasses meant for looking at near things or your progressive glasses
Wear blue protective or UV protection glasses – especially if you spend more than six hours on the computer. These are different from ordinary glasses.
Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears

The need for eye protection glasses

There are two reasons why one may consider wearing computer and laptop protection glasses

1. If you are above 40 years of age then there is a possibility of you facing issues while reading small print. In that case, you may be straining your eyes while trying to look at the small fonts on the screen. To avoid this, it’s advisable to use correctly numbered reading glasses to avoid fatigue.

2. Many of us are spending more and more time on the computer in the evenings or after the kids go to sleep. This leads to increased exposure to blue light from the screens affecting our sleep.

Pro tip: This is not the only thing affecting sleep. It’s important to not use gadgets one hour before sleeping and also to avoid alcohol and caffeine after 4 pm. It’s also useful to have a winding down routine where the room lights are dimmed and lastly set the AC at 20-21 degrees celsius.

How glasses work to protect the eyes

The logic of wearing eye protection glasses is to block blue light.

Blue light is present in white light and is present everywhere. Even sunlight has blue light.
Normally by evening, the sun goes down and we are less and less exposed to blue light.
Blue light reduces the level of a hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for sleep. Thus, if the levels of this hormone are reduced, our sleep gets affected.
With the increased use of screens, this reduction in blue light that should normally be happening in the evening does not happen.
This is where the blue protection glasses come in. These glasses if worn while using the screen will not lead to a reduction in levels of melatonin

Sleep is the most underrated mechanism to maintain good health. We all are aware of the effects of a disturbed sleep cycle.

Where can you get the glasses from?

Blue blocking glasses are available everywhere. Online and offline. We believe that blue-blocking glasses are useful for those using the computer for more than 6-7 hours a day. Since they would anyway be wearing glasses it would make a lot of sense to get a complete eye examination to make sure that their eye health is normal. This eye examination would also ensure that they don’t have eye power. If they do they can make blue-blocking glasses with that eye power and further reduce eye strain.

The protective glasses are available in all shapes and sizes and also in frames of different kinds. Eye Solutions has partnered with Iksana Opticals and when our patients are making glasses anyways for their eye power, it’s then that we encourage them to get the blue-blocking feature also. We prefer making these lenses to order because we can then control the quality of the lens based on what the patient wants.

Conclusion

It may seem impractical to expect to have no eye issues after spending hours and hours viewing and working on screens. However, if one follows the simple tips mentioned, one may be able to keep these symptoms at bay. While the blue light blocking protection glasses have been there for some time, they dramatically rose to popularity post the COVID lockdown. We think when used by a certain group of people, like those who already wear glasses or who spend more than 6-7 hours on a computer or those who spend time on the computers in the evenings benefitted more than others.

Short Form:-

The Importance of Eye Protection Glasses for Mobile and Computer Use

In our increasingly digital world, screen time is at an all-time high. Whether for work, entertainment, or social interaction, we often find ourselves glued to our mobile devices and computers for hours on end. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen exposure can lead to various eye-related issues, making the use of eye protection glasses essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of these glasses, the types available, and tips for choosing the right pair for your needs.

Understanding Digital Eye Strain

Before diving into the benefits of eye protection glasses, it’s crucial to understand digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include:

Dry eyes: Staring at screens often reduces blink rates, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Blurred vision: Focusing on screens for extended periods can cause temporary blurriness.
Headaches: Straining to see the screen or dealing with glare can trigger headaches.
Neck and shoulder pain: Poor posture while using devices can lead to muscle strain.

The American Optometric Association estimates that up to 90% of people who work on computers experience some form of DES, underscoring the importance of proactive eye care.

The Role of Eye Protection Glasses

Eye protection glasses are designed to reduce the risks associated with prolonged screen exposure. Here are some key benefits:

1. Blue Light Filtering

Screens emit blue light, which can contribute to eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns. Blue light-blocking glasses filter out a significant portion of this light, helping to reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality. Some glasses also feature anti-reflective coatings to minimize glare, further enhancing visual comfort.

2. Enhanced Visual Comfort

Many eye protection glasses come with lenses that are optimized for screen use. These lenses can help improve contrast, reduce glare, and provide a more comfortable viewing experience. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who spend long hours in front of screens, as it allows for clearer vision and reduced fatigue.

3. UV Protection

Although primarily associated with outdoor activities, UV protection is also essential for individuals who spend extensive time indoors, particularly near windows or under bright lighting. Quality eye protection glasses can offer UV filtering, helping to shield your eyes from harmful rays that can contribute to long-term eye damage.

4. Reduced Dryness and Irritation

Certain eye protection glasses are designed with moisture-retaining features or specialized coatings that help to minimize dryness. By maintaining optimal moisture levels in the eyes, these glasses can help reduce irritation, making screen time more comfortable.

Choosing the Right Eye Protection Glasses

When selecting eye protection glasses, consider the following factors:

1. Lens Type

Blue Light Filtering Lenses: Look for lenses that specifically mention blue light filtering properties. Some options may also have a slight yellow tint, which can enhance contrast but may not be ideal for all users.
Anti-Reflective Coating: This feature helps to minimize glare from screens and overhead lighting, making it easier to see and reducing eye strain.

2. Frame Style and Fit

Comfort is key. Choose a frame that fits well and suits your personal style. Many brands offer lightweight options that won’t add extra pressure on your nose or ears during extended wear.

3. Prescription vs. Non-Prescription

If you wear prescription glasses, consider options that can incorporate your prescription into the blue light filtering lenses. Many eyewear brands offer customizable solutions that cater to your vision needs.

4. Quality and Certification

Invest in high-quality eyewear from reputable brands. Look for certifications that guarantee the lenses’ effectiveness in blocking blue light and UV rays.

As our reliance on technology grows, so does the need for effective eye protection. Eye protection glasses can significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged screen time, offering relief from symptoms of digital eye strain and enhancing overall comfort. By choosing the right pair, you can protect your vision and enjoy your digital experiences without compromising your eye health.

Incorporating regular breaks and practicing the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can further enhance your eye comfort. With the right eye protection glasses, you can ensure that your eyes stay healthy, allowing you to thrive in our digital age.

Eye protection glasses for mobile and computer