Hey, there, have you ever caught yourself rubbing your tired eyes at the end of a long day of staring at your computer screen? Or perhaps you’ve recently been finding yourself having more headaches or eye strain than normally. If so, you're not alone. We spend more time than ever staring at screens in today’s digital world, which has detrimental effects on our eyes.
The good news is that there are some strategies that can help counteract some of the damage that screen time does to the eyes. One of these options is a screen protector – more exactly, one that says it will protect our eyes from blue light emissions from our digital screens. But can it really make a difference? Do they actually work?
In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at the world of screen protectors and blue light, finding out whether their claims are supported by science and how effective they really are. We'll also give you some tips and best practices to reduce eye strain and eye fatigue when using digital devices, and take a look at what's next in eye protection technology. Well, then, let's move on and find out how to take care of our eggies in this lifestyle of technology.
The Effects of Blue Light on Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Did you know that blue light can affect your eye health in a big way? Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is emitted by your digital devices and the sun and indoor lighting too. Some exposure to blue light is also essential for our bodies to regulate our sleep-wake cycle and our mood, but excessive exposure to blue light can be harmful to our eyes.
Studies have found that extended exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain, which includes headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and neck and shoulder pain. It can also sabotage our circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to fall asleep at night.
There is also evidence that exposing your eyes to this light for an extended period of time may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can be a serious condition causing loss of vision in people over the age of 50.
But fear not, there are ways to limit your exposure to blue light and protect your eyes. In the following sections, we’ll look at how screen protectors work to counteract the ill effects of blue light (and other ways to keep your eyes healthy in a digital world).
Understanding Screen Protectors: How They Work and Types Available
Now that we have covered the effects of blue light damage on our eyes, we’ll go more in depth into blue light screen protectors and their functions.
Blue light screen protectors are specifically engineered to block some of the blue light coming from screens. They do so with special coatings or layers of materials that take in or reflect blue light before it gets to your eyes. While some blue light screen protectors are tinted yellow or orange offer the protective benefits without altering the way your screen looks (they’re basically clear and appear transparent).
All blue light screen protectors are not created equal, however, and their effectiveness will depend on the brand and type you choose. The pros and cons of blue light screen protector, does it work? In the following article, we will try and understand: “is a blue light screen protector is good for your eyes?” and how the screen protector can be beneficial for you and your device.
Pros and Cons of Using Blue Light Screen Protectors: Are They Effective?
Well, let’s take a look at a few advantages and disadvantages of using a blue light blocking screen protector for everyday-purpose:
Pros:
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Blue light blocking: The core purpose of this screen protector is to filter out blue light in a way that can help protect your eyes from blue light damage that can cause digital eye strain and sleep issues.
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Extra protection: Screen protectors can also protect our devices from scratches and cracks, in addition to filtering out blue light.
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It’s Economical: Most of these blue light screen protectors are not costly, and are widely available for purchase from local electronics retailers and online.
Cons:
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Compromised Effectiveness: Just how effective a blue light screen protector will be against digital eye strain can vary by type and brand. Some may not block enough blue light to affect a difference that you can perceive. Hence only buy from professionals!
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Tints the screen: A few of the screen protectors will leave a tint on the screen that can annoy some people who are looking for a true blue light screen protector.
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Deeper screen dimming: Some blue light screen filters might darken your screen as a side effect, especially if you opt for one with a high protection level.
In general, blue light screen protectors are a good way to help decrease our exposure to harmful blue lights. However, it’s well worth doing your homework and opting for a great screen protector which is just right for your own needs and preferences. Next we will look at some other ways to shield your eyes from blue light and alleviate digital eye strain.
Tips for Reducing Eye Strain and Fatigue When Using Digital Devices
We've talked about the damage blue light might be causing to our eyes, and about whether blue light screen protectors are actually all that useful. But there are some other tactics that you can use to save your eyes, and help lower your risk of digital eye strain and fatigue.
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Take breaks: Regularly take breaks while using digital devices for long periods. The American Optometric Association suggests the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your book (or your screen) — about 20 feet away — for 20 seconds.
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Adjust your screen: Confirm that your screen is set at the proper distance and angle to help relieve eye strain. Your screen should be at or just below eye level, with the top of the screen at about an arm’s length from your face.
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Cut down on glare: An anti-glare screen can help — so can tilting your device to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows.
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Increase font size: Adjust your device’s font size so that you don’t strain your eyes when reading or surfing!
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Get the right light: Keep your workspace lighting correct to avoid eye strain. Don't use it in total darkness, consider using a desk lamp or any other light source.
By following these easy tips, you may reduce digital eye strain and fatigue, safeguard your eyes from damaging blue light and maintain your overall eye health in the digital age.
Best Practices for Eye Protection: Balancing Technology Use and Eye Health
In the digital world of today, it is hard to avoid the signs of technology and the effect it may have on our eyes. But by following some eye care best practices, we can strike the right balance when it comes to technology use and eye health.
Limit screen time: Establish what the limits are for your computing screen time. This can minimize your exposure to damaging blue light and avoid digital eye strain.
Blue light screen protectors; these are not the long-term answer, but are an option and get the best ones! Generally when it comes to screen protectors; the better they are, often the more they reduce glare and the greater span they have of blocking out blue light. Ensure to use a good quality screen protector, which blocks a good portion of the blue light.
Sit well: Ensure you sit with good, ergonomic posture at your monitor when using digital devices to help keep your eyes relaxed and prevent neck and shoulder pain. Sit upright with your feet on the floor and your device at eye level.
Take breaks regularly: As we mentioned above, it’s essential to take regular breaks when using digital devices for prolonged periods. Give yourself a brief break to rest your eyes, stretch, or just do anything that isn’t looking at the screen.
Get eye exams: You should get regular eye exams as they can detect any eye conditions early and can also make sure that your eyes are healthy. Booke an appointment with your eye doctor, at least once a year Make sure to take the time to book an appointment with an eye doctor, at least once a year.
By following these best practices you will be able to manage your technology use and if you need to take breaks to avoid long term damage to your eyes. Remember to be responsible about your screen time and to take care of your eyes in the digital age.
Conclusion
That's a wrap! We hope this article has provided some insight to the impact of blue light on your eye health and how screen protectors can help. There's still research to be done on how effective blue light screen protectors are, but there are no qualms about taking precautions against digital eye strain.
Just don’t forget to take regular breaks, cut down on screen time and get some decent screen protectors to minimise your exposure to damaging blue light. And, of course, be sure to take care of your eye health with routine eye exams and good eye hygiene.
And, with technology ever-advancing, we will likely see plenty more in the future. As long as we keep current with these advancements, and keep putting our eye health first, we’ll be able to do our best to protect our eyes in the age of the screen.
