The Solution for Screen Time—Blue Light Glasses

Written by Hanaa Saleem

I first discovered blue light glasses last school year when my workload increased, and I found myself staring at a screen for insanely long periods of time. Between assignments, online meetings, research for projects, and simply just relaxing, I was putting in more screen time than I thought was even possible. I started noticing my eyes were more tired than usual, and my sleep patterns were all over the place. That year, my optometrist recommended I get a back up pair of glasses, but with blue light lenses built in. At first I was hesitant—I wore contacts, I didn't want to go back to wearing glasses. So what I started doing was wearing my contacts at school and then switching to glasses at home. This way, I had a balance of both. Within a week, I felt a noticeable difference. My eyes were less strained, and I could focus for longer periods of time without discomfort. Not only did my eyes feel better, but my sleep had also seemed to improve.

So with technology evolving faster than ever, our daily lives have become increasingly intertwined with screens. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and even smartwatches, we are constantly in front of digital displays. As high school students, we find ourselves spending hours a day on our devices—whether it's for schoolwork, socializing, or entertainment. While technology offers countless benefits, it also comes with a few drawbacks, particularly when it comes to our eyes. That's when blue light glasses come into play.

Blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by digital screens. Blue light has been linked to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns, especially when we're exposed to it for long periods, such as when studying for exams or doing homework on our laptops. These glasses are equipped with special lenses that block or absorb blue light, providing protection and helping to reduce discomfort caused by extended screen time. They help to reduce digital eye strain, which is becoming a common issue for people of all ages, but specifically students who spend long hours in front of screens. By protecting our eyes, these glasses can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. They can also promote better sleep by reducing exposure to blue light in the evening, which interferes with the body's natural circadian rhythm.

To get the most out of blue light glasses, it's important to wear them consistently when using digital devices for extended periods. Whether you're reading online materials, participating in virtual classes, or just scrolling through social media, these glasses can help reduce eye strain. For even more relief, make sure to take regular breaks from screens. The 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can also give your eyes a much-needed rest.

In a world where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, protecting our eyes has become more important than ever. Blue light glasses offer a simple yet effective solution to reduce digital eye strain, especially for high schoolers who spend hours on screens for schoolwork. Whether you're studying for an exam or binge-watching your favorite series, these glasses can help you keep your eyes healthy and your sleep uninterrupted.

Written by Hanaa Saleem from MEDILOQUY