Blue light blocking glasses: our opinion?

Blue light blocking glasses, our opinion... But what is blue light?

Some opticians invoke blue light and its consequences to extol the virtues of glasses designed to counteract its harmful effects. Blue light blocking glasses have indeed been very fashionable for a few years now, but opinions on their effectiveness are divided.

It is above all certain arguments often put forward to promote blue light blocking glasses that most ophthalmologists consider exaggerated, or even false.

But before going further and looking at blue light blocking glasses, let us focus on what these glasses are supposed to protect us from — namely this famous blue light.

Blue light is referred to as such when it is characterised by wavelengths shorter than those of the illuminant. More commonly, however, the term blue light is used to refer to artificial light and the light emitted by computer, tablet, television and smartphone screens.

Devices that are all around us, which means that many of us are regularly exposed, to varying degrees, to blue light. Indeed, it is estimated that we spend an average of around 6 hours per day in front of a screen.

This artificial blue light mimics the blue light found in nature. Nevertheless, it penetrates our eyes with greater intensity. In this area, LED screens (OLED, AMOLED, etc.) appear to emit it in greater proportions than LCD-type screens (liquid crystal displays).

There is therefore indeed a potential risk to take into account with blue light, but further studies are still needed to confirm all aspects of it. The danger of blue light concerns mainly younger people, and even more so infants.

Indeed, the eyes of a child under one year of age allow more blue or blue-violet light to reach the retina, making them more vulnerable to its possible effects.

Blue light has also been linked to AMD (age-related macular degeneration) in elderly people, although other factors are implicated at higher levels. Tobacco is one of them, as it accelerates cellular ageing in general and that of eye cells in particular.

Blue light has also been associated with disruption of the sleep cycle in people excessively exposed to screens: gaming enthusiasts, computer workers...

Ophthalmologists urge caution, particularly with young children. Exposing them frequently and for long periods to artificial blue light sources cannot, in any case, be beneficial to them. They do however express some reservations regarding the supposed performance of blue light blocking glasses.

What protection do blue light blocking glasses really provide?

Is the danger of blue light exaggerated to promote the sale of blue light blocking glasses? This is, in any case, what many ophthalmologists believe.

According to these specialists, the filtering effect of blue light blocking glasses only stops around 20% of blue light. These estimates are considerably lower than those put forward by some manufacturers and distributors of blue light blocking glasses, who claim figures in the region of 30 to 40%.

There is therefore a degree of protection provided by blue light blocking glasses, but it is generally of lesser magnitude than what is advertised.

How do blue light blocking glasses filter radiation?

In their overall structure, blue light blocking glasses differ from prescription glasses only by the additional treatment they undergo.

The base material used in the design of blue light blocking lenses is the same as that used for prescription lenses. However, blue light blocking lenses are treated so as to reflect a certain percentage of this radiation (around 20%, therefore).

In this way, this reflected blue light does not reach the eyes and more specifically the retina.

But do blue light blocking glasses protect against eye fatigue, one of the most common complaints experienced by people who work for long periods on a computer? It would seem to be the additional concentration required by screen work that is more likely to blame.

Moreover, the intense concentration required when working in front of a computer screen or using a smartphone for extended periods tends to reduce the frequency of blinking.

Now, it is known that blinking plays an essential role in eye health and performance. Simply because blinking promotes eye hydration and, during these very brief closures, provides the eye with repeated moments of rest.

The view that glasses specifically designed to block blue light from screens can effectively provide a lasting solution to eye fatigue and dry eyes is therefore not shared by all ophthalmologists.

Whatever the case, Céline Roland Opticien Lunetier offers a wide variety of men's and women's prescription glasses made by the most renowned luxury and high-end brands. A great many models of prescription glasses, as well as sunglasses, await you at perfectly competitive prices.

At Céline Roland Opticien Lunetier, you can also have your frame fitted with prescription lenses. Our opticians are available to fit your glasses with lenses suited to your correction needs. Visit the lens replacement page to find out more about our service.

Furthermore, please note that by purchasing your prescription glasses on our website or in our Riedisheim shop, you can be certain of receiving all the reimbursements to which you are entitled. Céline Roland Opticien Lunetier is indeed approved by health insurance and social security providers.

Finally, you have the assurance of receiving glasses of the very highest quality when ordering from Céline Roland Opticien Lunetier. All prescription and sunglasses available in stock are certified as genuine. Your pair of glasses is delivered with its original accessories and case, along with its certificate of authenticity.