Blue light is part of ordinary daylight. The sun is by far the biggest source: a sunny day outdoors gives you many times more blue light than any screen. Phones, computers and LED lights give off a small amount too.
Does screen light damage your eyes?
There is no good evidence that the blue light from screens damages the eyes. Tired, sore eyes after screen use are real, but they come from long periods of close focusing and blinking less, not from the light itself. The 20-20-20 rule helps far more.
Blue light and sleep
Bright screens late at night can make it harder to fall asleep, because light in the evening tells your body it’s still daytime. Switching on night mode, dimming the screen and putting the phone down an hour before bed all help.
Should I buy blue-light-filtering lenses?
Some people find them comfortable, and they are safe to wear, but they are not a must-have for eye health. What makes the biggest difference to comfort is:
- an up-to-date prescription;
- an anti-reflective coating to cut glare from screens and lights;
- regular breaks and full blinks.
The light that really matters: UV
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can contribute to cataracts and other eye problems over time. Outdoors, especially at midday, wear sunglasses or lenses with full UV protection, and a hat with a brim. Photochromic lenses, which darken in sunlight, are a handy way to have both in one pair.
Not sure which lenses suit you? Ask us at your next eye exam.
