Lenses
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4 min read
What blue-light glasses do, and don’t do
Blue-light filters are popular, but the evidence is modest. Here’s an honest look at when they’re worth adding to your lenses.
Dr. Hana Sato, OD
It’s one of the questions we hear most at the frame wall: should my new lenses have a blue-light filter? Here is the honest answer we give patients.
What the research says
Current research has not shown that blue light from screens damages your eyes, and studies have not found that blue-light filtering lenses reliably reduce digital eye strain. Most screen discomfort comes from focusing up close and blinking less, not from the color of the light.
Why some people still like them
Some patients find the faint tint more comfortable, and the coating can cut glare from bright LED lighting. If that’s you, it’s a reasonable $45 add-on, just not a treatment.
What tends to help more
An up-to-date prescription
An anti-glare coating to cut reflections
Regular breaks with the 20-20-20 habit
Night mode on your devices in the evening if screens keep you up
Not sure? Ask during your exam and we’ll tell you whether it’s worth it for the way you work.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your eyes. Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, new floaters or a painful red eye need urgent care, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Lumen Eye Studio · Ballard
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