Blue light glasses are marketed to people who spend significant time using digital screens. They feature a subtle yellow tint or a reflective coating designed to filter a portion of the high-energy visible light spectrum. The classification of these glasses depends on whether they are an optional accessory or include vision-correcting power.
The Role of Eye Doctors in Recommending Eyewear
Eye doctors, including Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, frequently recommend blue light filtering lenses as an optional feature. This recommendation is based on a patient’s reported discomfort during extended screen use, not on a diagnosis that makes the feature medically required. The distinction is between a medical prescription for treating a diagnosed condition and a professional recommendation for comfort and preventative care.
A true prescription is required only for vision-correcting lenses, such as those treating nearsightedness or astigmatism. Non-prescription blue light glasses are readily available over the counter. If a patient requires corrective lenses, an eye doctor can easily dispense lenses that include a blue light filter as an add-on coating or material.
Standard medical insurance rarely covers the cost of blue light filtration, as it is not deemed a medical treatment. However, prescription blue light glasses are generally eligible for reimbursement through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) because they are considered corrective eyewear. Non-prescription glasses may also qualify for FSA/HSA funds if a doctor provides a Letter of Medical Necessity certifying they are required to treat a specific condition.
Understanding Blue Light and Eye Health
Blue light is a segment of the visible light spectrum, operating at wavelengths between 380 and 500 nanometers, and carrying high energy. The sun is the primary source of human exposure, emitting a vastly greater amount than digital devices like smartphones, computers, and LED lighting.
Blue light filtration is promoted to reduce digital eye strain and prevent long-term retinal damage. However, the current scientific consensus suggests the amount of blue light emitted by digital screens is too low to cause permanent physical harm to the retina. Studies have not established a clear link between typical device use and an increased risk of eye disease.
Evidence is inconclusive that blue light filtering benefits digital eye strain, also known as asthenopia, over standard lenses. Eye strain symptoms—including dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision—are primarily linked to behavioral factors, such as reduced blink rates and sustained focus. The most established effect of blue light is its influence on the body’s circadian rhythm, as exposure late in the evening can suppress the sleep hormone melatonin.
Doctor-Recommended Solutions for Digital Eye Strain
Since discomfort from screens is mostly behavioral and environmental, eye care professionals recommend actionable strategies before relying solely on lens technology.
Behavioral Adjustments
- The 20-20-20 Rule: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This allows the focusing muscles inside the eye to relax from constant near-focusing.
- Increase Blink Rate: Consciously increasing the blink rate combats dry eye, a common symptom of digital strain. Concentration on a screen can cause the natural blink rate to drop significantly, leading to tear film evaporation.
Environmental and Setup Changes
- Adjust Workstation Setup: Ensure the computer screen is positioned about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.
- Control Lighting: Adjust the brightness of the screen to match the ambient lighting. Minimize reflections from overhead lights or nearby windows to reduce glare and strain.
For persistent dry eye symptoms, doctors may suggest using preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate the eye surface.