Increasingly, people are looking for ways to prevent eye strain from long-term exposure to digital screens. Some are turning to bluelight glasses.

These eyeglasses filter out a percentage of the high-energy blue light that reaches our eyes from digital screens and other electronic devices, which is thought to be harmful to our vision. They come in a variety of colors, some with yellow tints, and others with clear lenses that reflect some of this light away from our eyes.

While these filters may protect your eyes from some of the damage that can result from prolonged exposure to high-energy blue light, they don’t prevent retinal damage. Fortunately, there are many regulations in place to limit the amount of blue light that is allowed to enter our eyes without damaging the retinas.

In 2019, one study found that wearing blue light filtering glasses before bed improved the quality of sleep among users who were suffering from digital eye strain. The glasses were also shown to increase the amount of melatonin in the bloodstream, which helps regulate our sleep rhythms.

Some researchers believe that the effect of blue light on your sleep patterns is even more important than its impact on your eyes. That’s because blue light messes with your circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep and wake up.

The good news is that you can make some changes to your screen habits that are guaranteed to reduce the effects of digital eye strain, such as taking 10-minute breaks every hour and using eye drops. In addition, you can talk with your eye doctor about getting glasses that have lenses designed for light sensitivity and migraines.

How to choose a pair of bluelight glasses

The first thing to do is find a pair that fits well and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, says Zee Bajic, MD, an ophthalmologist at Blue Optical. They should have a soft temple and an adjustable bridge, so they don’t irritate your face or neck.

You should also look for glasses with a lens that is a polarized type, which means it reflects incoming light and reduces the amount of harmful rays coming in through your lenses. This makes them less likely to damage your eyesight and help improve your vision over time, according to Dr. Bajic.

Another thing to look for is a pair that offers UV protection, which can be helpful for those with skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. These glasses can be expensive, but they’re worth it for their UV protection and other benefits, such as reducing the risk of cataracts.

Ultimately, though, the best way to reduce digital eye strain is by making other lifestyle changes such as practicing the 20-20-20 rule, taking extended screen breaks and avoiding the use of digital devices in the evening. Luckily, there are many other ways to get a better night’s sleep, too, including using a device with a dark mode and working to reset your circadian rhythm, which is the same internal clock that controls our moods and when we should be sleeping and awake.