Blue Light and Your Eyes

What is blue light?
Artificial blue light is visible light at the blue end of the colour spectrum. It is emitted by computer monitors and other devices like tablet screens and is a leading cause of digital eye strain, a discomfort felt after prolonged use of a digital screen. Symptoms of eye strain may include dry eyes, feeling your eyes are tired, blurred vision and headaches.

Eye strain caused by exposure to blue light is often temporary; taking a break from using your computer will often relieve the discomfort. But if not dealt with digital eye strain may cause longer lasting problems. And besides it is not always possible to take a break from using a computer screen, particularly if your job requires one.


How can I protect my eyes from blue light?
First talk to your optician if you have experienced any of the symptoms above. If your optician believes reducing your exposure to blue light would help, then consider using blue filter lenses.

Blue filter lenses are one of the newest developments in spectacle lens technology and have been specifically developed to protect against eye strain caused by blue light. The lenses filter out the narrow band of visible light (around 420 - 460nm) that can cause the discomfort while allowing the remaining colour spectrum through. Vision remains sharp and your perception of colours isn't altered. An anti-reflective coating on the front of the lens also dramatically reduces glare making the lenses appear clearer than standard glasses lenses. Finally, a tough scratch resistant layer on the outside of the lenses protects them, making far less likely to scratch than standard lenses.