CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As you enjoy the tail-end of your winter holidays, it will be back to work at the start of the New Year for many. Some of you might have made it a New Year's resolution to complete more work. However, sitting at your desk and working at a computer can strain your eyes. Some swear that blue light glasses improve their sight while working.
THE QUESTION:
Do blue light-filtering glasses significantly prevent eye strain and improve sleep?
OUR SOURCES:
THE ANSWER:
No, blue light-filtering glasses do not significantly prevent eye strain or improve sleep.
WHAT WE FOUND:
According to Harvard Medical School, the full spectrum of visible light is translated by our brains, so it appears to be white. Light that's part of the blue wavelengths can affect our alertness and sleep.
Dr. Bajic said the blue light-filtering glasses you can buy, however, might not have a big effect.
"Unfortunately, the research that's gone into it hasn't found that it's effective in reducing eye strain," Dr. Bajic said.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine conducted three tests with 136 people. Some wore blue light glasses and others wore clear lenses. Researchers found no difference in eye strain or sleep quality.
So if blue-blocking glasses don't work, what does?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology instead suggests sitting 25 inches away from the computer screen, taking breaks every 20 minutes and shifting your eyes to an object 20 feet away. Adjust your room lighting or screen or wear your glasses instead of contacts to give your eyes a break.
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