Do your eyes feel strained from viewing computer or phone screens? Digital eye strain is common in today’s world where most people are looking at digital devices on a regular basis. Over time, it can cause more serious eye health problems.
I work on a computer much of the time and my eyes were extremely strained. This led to headaches and other problems with my eyes.
In an effort to lessen the strain on my eyes, I learned about blue light exposure from digital devices and how it contributes to eye strain. I immediately sought out glasses to help block the blue light.
I selected the Uvex S0360X Ultra-spec 2000 Blue Light Blocking glasses. In this post, I review the Uvex Ultraspec 2000 glasses and help you understand blue light.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a color that contains the highest amount of energy in the visible light spectrum. Blue light is in the 400 to 500 nanometer range which is a short wavelength. The short wavelengths produce high amounts of energy.
Digital devices emit the high energy blue light. Exposure to blue light contributes to eye problems like:
- Strained eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Tired eyes
- Sore eyes
- Headaches
- Watery eyes
I’ve experienced many of these problems and it’s not been fun to deal with. According to the Vision Council, 65% of Americans experience symptoms.
What is the Difference between Blue Light Filtering and Blue Light Blocking?
There are two types of glasses available to help with exposure to blue light: filtering and blocking.
Most blue light filter glasses are clear and filter a percentage of blue light. After investigating a number of blue light filtering glasses, I found that it can range anywhere from 40% and on up.
Blue light blocking glasses have an orange tint and block out blue light. The downside is that the world appears with an orange tint.
Uvex S0360X Ultra-spec 2000 Blue Light Blocking glasses Work?
I decided on the Uvex S0360X Ultra-spec 2000 Blue Light Blocking glasses for 2 good reasons:
- The price was right (under $10)
- They fit over my prescription reading glasses
They are not the cutest looking glasses but they fit perfectly over my reading glasses. It has a wraparound uni-lens design with side shields, and adjustable temple length.
They do put a bit more pressure on the bridge of my nose due to wearing 2 pair of glasses. But it’s worth it if my eyes feel better and can stay healthy.
This Uvex model is available in a few lens colors but the SCT-Orange is the only one that filters wavelengths including blue.
I was pleasantly surprised that after the first day of wearing the Uvex glasses, my eyes were not strained and I didn’t have a headache!
That was a first in a long time.
I also slept good that night for the first time in forever. It was an added benefit that I had no knowledge about.
I confess that I haven’t slept well in years. My sleep improved 100% since I started wearing the blue light blocking glasses.
It’s my understanding that it helps to adjust the circadian rhythm which is your sleep/wake cycle. Blue light contributes to suppressed melatonin which in turn shifts circadian rhythms.
I’m not a medical professional or scientist. All I know is I am sleeping soundly every night now and my eyes are no longer feeling strained.
The Uvex blue blocking glasses are available in fit-overs or regular if you don’t need to wear over prescription glasses.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, protecting our eyes is crucial to good eye health. Excessive exposure to digital devices (including TV) can lead to many problems including eye strain.
There is also some evidence that blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration.
Protect your eyes with blue light blocking glasses!
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