HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A local doctor said there's no evidence to support that blue light is harmful, however there's not a lot of concrete research on the topic.
Many people wonder: Is the blue light emitted from digital screens affecting their vision and causing headaches? Doctor Josh Young said it's probably not the primary cause, but he's not against the blue light blocking glasses.
"One thing that’s even more common than the blue light would be digital eye strain," Dr. Young said, "The fact is, we work all day on computers, and then we go for fun by pulling out our cell phone and using it, and the eyes get tired."
Dr. Young recommends that every 20 minutes you take your eyes off the screen for 20 seconds, and look at something at least 20 feet away.
"Or, I tell people just close their eyes and give them many micro-breaks throughout the day so I find those things to be helpful, but blue light themselves, I think it may be something but the science is not yet totally known," Young said.
Blue light blocking glasses are growing in popularity, but doctors believe the benefit is minimal if anything. "It is not harmful, so therefore if we have someone who comes to us and says 'hey I'm on the computer all day long,' I’ll make mention about turning off, or turning down, the blue light, just changing the colors," Young said.
If you have glasses, Dr. Young recommends a coating. "Anti-reflective is a great technology that I recommend in all of my prescriptions. Blue light is partially blocked, although UV light is completely blocked by anti-reflective coatings," Young said.
While many are skeptical of the blue light emitted from electronics, it could take decades before we understand its effects through research.
According to an email from a spokesperson at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, blue light blocking glasses are not something they recommend to patients at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute because the studies have not proven they are helpful. In addition, there's been similar things said by a researcher at Harvard University.
If you are having consistent eye-related issues, it may be time to get an eye exam, or talk to a doctor.
