Many people experience blurred or distorted vision and wonder if blue light glasses can help, especially concerning common eye conditions. Understanding astigmatism and the function of blue light glasses helps clarify their relationship. This article explores both to address whether blue light glasses help astigmatism.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye’s cornea or the lens inside the eye has mismatched curves. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the affected eye resembles the shape of a football or an egg. This irregular shape causes light entering the eye to bend unevenly, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances, as light rays do not focus sharply onto a single point on the retina. It can occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
While the exact cause is often unclear, it can be present at birth or develop later in life. Many people have some degree of astigmatism, and some require corrective measures for clear vision.
Purpose of Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are designed with special lenses that filter out a portion of blue light. This type of light is emitted by digital screens like computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as LED and fluorescent lights. Their primary aim is to reduce exposure to blue light, often associated with digital eye strain.
The lenses may have a slight yellow tint, which counterbalances the blue light. Some varieties are also marketed to improve sleep quality by reducing blue light exposure, especially in the evening, as blue light can affect the body’s natural melatonin production. However, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving eye health or alleviating digital eye strain symptoms is limited.
The Connection to Astigmatism
Blue light glasses do not correct astigmatism, as they address different aspects of vision and eye comfort. Astigmatism is a structural issue caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that physically alters how light focuses on the retina. Blue light glasses, conversely, filter specific wavelengths of light to reduce digital eye strain or impact on circadian rhythm.
Their filtering mechanism does not change the physical curvature of the eye’s components responsible for astigmatism. Therefore, blue light glasses will not resolve the blurred or distorted vision caused by the irregular eye shape. While individuals with astigmatism might experience digital eye strain from prolonged screen use, and blue light glasses might offer some relief for that symptom, they do not treat the underlying astigmatism itself.
Treating Astigmatism
Correcting astigmatism involves addressing the irregular shape of the eye’s cornea or lens. Common methods include corrective lenses, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyeglasses for astigmatism often feature toric lenses, which are specially shaped to compensate for the eye’s curvature, refocusing light onto the retina for clearer vision. Soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, particularly toric soft lenses, are also used.
Refractive surgery offers a more permanent solution for many individuals. Procedures like LASIK and PRK use lasers to reshape the cornea, correcting how light enters the eye. Orthokeratology, which temporarily reshapes the cornea through overnight wear of rigid lenses, is another option, though its effects are not permanent and require ongoing use.