Now that we spend more time than ever in front of a screen, we must take into account all the contraindications that this artificial light can have for our eyes. Whether you work in front of a computer or spend many hours on your mobile, you should know that the light emitted by screens can have consequences on the health of your eyes.
Luckily there is a way to avoid the worst evils and start protecting yourself from them.
What is blue light?
The light that reaches our eyes is a set of visible radiations of mixed colors, going from 380 nm of the broad electromagnetic spectrum where blue or violet light is perceived to 750 nm, where red light would be.
The extremes of these figures would be the non-visible light waves. Those below 380 nm would be the most harmful, as are UV waves, X-rays, and Gamma Rays. Above 750 nm would be the other waves considered harmless to the human eye, such as infrared and radio waves.
What we perceive as white light contains 25% blue light. White light is the result of the fusion of the entire chromatic range of light that our eyes receive. There are parts of blue light that are not harmful, but there are others that can be dangerous, especially if we are exposed to it for a long period of time.
Blue light is made up of blue-turquoise Light and blue-violet Light:
Blue-Turquoise Light:
The first is more beneficial. It is the one that makes our brain control its biological rhythm (temperature changes, time of day…). Even blind people can come to perceive this type of light since it does not go through the visual pathways, but instead reaches the brain in another way and interprets it. Turquoise blue light helps concentration and even protects the eyes from the sun.
Blue-Violet Light:
It is harmful to our eyes. Long exposure to it causes tiredness, stinging eyes, and visual stress. It is the type of light that we must protect ourselves from as it can also be harmful to the eyes. Although it has not yet been scientifically proven, it is suspected that it could help in the formation of cataracts and even cause blindness.
How can you protect yourself from blue light?
Luckily and by evolution, the eyes have learned to protect themselves from blue light. At least from the blue light that can reach our eyes naturally. However, the blue light that we perceive artificially is something that the human body still does not fully control.
With new technologies, we are overexposed to this type of light and our eyes are not fully prepared for it. Viewing your mobile phone at night with the light off, working for many hours in front of a computer, or spending long hours playing video games can be very damaging to your eyesight.
LED screens brought with them a great technological evolution in televisions and monitors; much thinner screens and better definition. However, not all are beneficial. To protect ourselves from this exposure, we can follow the following tips.
Light Filtering Screen Protectors
Today we put screen protectors on mobile phones, tablets, and even consoles like the Nintendo Switch. This way you also protect your eyes from that harmful blue light.
These protectors are filters that ensure that blue light does not reach the outside, absorbing its harmful waves. These types of filters are recognized by having a yellowish color. We have them for mobiles, tablets and also for computers. You can also find privacy filters, which serve to make the screen look dark or black from other viewing angles. These also help to considerably reduce the blue light that reaches the eyes.
Blue Light Filter Glasses
Perhaps it is the most effective remedy that we can find today. They are glasses that are simply prepared with that anti-blue light filter. We can spend hours and hours in front of any screen, and our eyes will not notice those harmful waves. If you wear prescription glasses, they can also be graduated and carry the anti-blue light filter.
Some sunglasses are also prepared to protect us from the harmful reflections of that blue light.
Switch to dark mode on the screen
It is recommended to read on device screens the black background with white letters. In this way, the eyes tire much less. It is not something definitive but it does relieve if you are going to spend a long time on a screen.
Mobile phones and tablets are already prepared to be able to choose the option of ‘ dark mode ‘ or ‘ night mode ‘, which converts all the device settings to a black background instead of the usual white.
This will considerably reduce the amount of white light reaching us and, consequently, blue light. On computers and laptops, you can choose this type of configuration in Windows or download a Chrome extension for this kind of ‘dark mode’ while browsing.
Calibrate screens
Another option is to reduce the brightness of the screens as much as possible. It can be calibrated by reducing the brightness, saturation, and contrast of the monitors or TV. In the case of a computer, the operating systems have their own calibrators to be able to obtain adequate brightness of the screen.
If you are not convinced by the lower brightness of the screen to avoid that harmful light, you can always set it as you like best and opt for the aforementioned options to try to protect your eyes from that light.
How to choose your blue light glasses
With hundreds of options on the market, choosing the right pair can seem like a daunting task. Arming yourself with an idea of your own preferences is key.
Comfort and fit
It is important that the glasses you choose fit comfortably on your face without causing pain or irritation. If the manufacturer lists specific dimensions, you can compare the size of the frames to your glasses. And also with the measurements of your face. Some frames are also made with flexible materials designed to accommodate different face shapes.
Light blocking
Blue light-blocking glasses come in different ranges of light blocking. Consider what time of day you will use them most before. And also how much blue light blocking do you really need?
Glasses with red or orange lenses block a broader spectrum and a higher percentage of blue light. Keep this in mind before your purchase so that it does not take you by surprise.
Shape and weight
It is important that they adapt to the shape of your face and are not uncomfortable to wear. If you already wear eyeglasses, consider looking for ones that block bluelight. And that these are large enough to be placed comfortably on top of the current ones. Many people also prefer them to be lightweight, so be sure to check the weight of your chosen model.
Size options
For the best chance of finding one that fits your face, you’ll want to look for a model that offers multiple sizing options. Before you buy, try them on or double-check the dimensions. Two of the most important measurements to consider include the width of the face and the nose. With this, you will get them to adapt well to your face.
Style and color options
Blue light-blocking glasses are available in many different colors and styles. Some manufacturers sell them in packs of two or three so you can switch them up depending on your style.
If this is important to you, you may prefer to go for classic blacks that go with almost everything and can be worn when you go to the office.
We hope that among these options you will find your blue light glasses. In case you would like to see any other model, we invite you to visit the amazon catalog. Do not forget to subscribe to the blog to receive the latest news and the best tutorials on technology and computing
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