Should You Wear High Blue Light Filtering Glasses for Eye Strain?

Q: Should You Wear High Blue Light Filtering Glasses for Eye Strain?

Hello： For your situation, blue light filtering glasses can indeed help alleviate eye fatigue and discomfort, which is particularly important for individuals with high myopia. <br>Blue light emanates from many everyday items, including electronic devices such as computers, smartp

Blue light blocking glasses

Hello, Doctor Gao: I am a patient with high myopia, with both eyes exceeding -1500 diopters.
In recent years, my symptoms of floaters have continued to worsen, with a large area of white floating objects and black threads drifting in front of my eyes.
My eyes have also become light-sensitive.
I would like to ask: My high prescription glasses filter out 60% of blue light, and I usually wear a pair of glasses made by Parks that filter out 70% of blue light (wearing two pairs is a bit heavy).
Considering my sensitivity to light, would wearing glasses that filter out 90% of blue light while using the computer help reduce eye strain? Thank you for your response.

Shabina, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/12

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: For your situation, blue light filtering glasses can indeed help alleviate eye fatigue and discomfort, which is particularly important for individuals with high myopia.
Blue light emanates from many everyday items, including electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to eye strain, dryness, and discomfort, especially pronounced in those with high myopia.
Based on your description, wearing two pairs of glasses may feel somewhat inconvenient; I would recommend wearing glasses that filter 60% of blue light for regular use.
When using a computer or other digital devices for extended periods, switching to glasses that filter 90% of blue light can provide better blue light protection, further reducing the strain on your eyes and minimizing fatigue and discomfort.

Reply Date: 2024/05/12

More Info

When it comes to managing eye strain, especially for individuals with high myopia (nearsightedness), the choice of blue light filtering glasses can play a significant role. Given your situation, where you have over 1500 degrees of myopia and are experiencing symptoms like floaters and light sensitivity, it’s crucial to consider how blue light exposure from screens can affect your eyes.

Blue light is emitted from various sources, including digital screens, LED lights, and even the sun. Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and fatigue. For someone with high myopia, these symptoms can be exacerbated due to the increased strain on the eyes.

Your current setup includes glasses that filter out 60% of blue light, and you also wear a second pair that filters out an additional 70%. While this dual-layer approach may seem beneficial, it can indeed become cumbersome and uncomfortable over time. The weight of wearing two pairs of glasses can lead to additional discomfort, which is counterproductive when trying to alleviate eye strain.

Considering your symptoms of light sensitivity, it may be advantageous to invest in a pair of glasses that filter out a higher percentage of blue light, such as 90%. This could potentially provide greater relief during extended periods of screen time. However, it’s essential to ensure that these glasses are comfortable and suitable for your specific vision needs.
Moreover, it’s important to note that while blue light filtering glasses can help reduce eye strain, they are not a cure-all. It’s also advisable to practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This practice can help reduce the strain on your eyes and provide them with the necessary rest.

In addition to blue light filtering glasses, consider other factors that can contribute to eye strain. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit, and adjust the brightness and contrast of your screens to comfortable levels. Regular eye exams are also crucial, especially for individuals with high myopia, to monitor any changes in vision and address any potential issues early on.

Lastly, regarding your concern about the reflection of blue light from your glasses, it’s true that certain coatings can cause reflections that may allow some blue light to enter your eyes. If you notice significant reflections, it might be worth discussing with your optometrist about anti-reflective coatings that can minimize this issue.

In summary, wearing high blue light filtering glasses can be beneficial for reducing eye strain, particularly for individuals with high myopia. A pair that filters out 90% of blue light may provide additional comfort during screen time. However, it’s essential to combine this with good eye care practices, regular check-ups, and ergonomic adjustments to your workspace to achieve the best results in managing eye strain.

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