Why are blue light blocking computer glasses essential in the digital age?
We have reached an era where digital devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. This development has occurred so rapidly that our biology has not been able to keep up. Let’s take a closer look at how we got here and why orange-tinted computer glasses have become essential.
Past vs. future: Natural light and modern challenges
Just a few decades ago, our exposure to artificial light was mainly limited to daylight hours. Evenings and nights were traditionally dedicated to rest and sleep. Our biological clock was tuned to natural light and darkness cycles.
Today, the situation has changed drastically. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even smart home devices have brought screens into our bedrooms. We spend hours before bedtime reading news, interacting on social media, or watching videos. This constant exposure to blue light disrupts our natural circadian rhythm.
Evolutionary mismatch: Human biology vs. the digital world
Human evolution is a slow process that spans thousands of years. In contrast, technological development has exploded over the last couple of decades. As a result, our eyes and brains have not had time to adapt to constant blue light radiation, especially at night.
Our eyes have evolved to function optimally in daylight, which contains a balanced spectrum of different light wavelengths. However, the artificial blue light emitted by screens is more intense and focused. This causes eye strain, dryness, and can damage the retina in the long term.
In addition, blue light affects melatonin production in our brain – the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Nighttime exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the quality of sleep.
Standard vs. orange-tinted computer glasses: Why is full protection needed in the evening?
A revolution is taking place in the world of computer glasses. While standard blue light glasses have been on the market for some time, a new, more effective solution has emerged – computer glasses with special orange filters.
What is the difference?
Standard blue light glasses block, on average, about 50% of blue light. This is certainly better than nothing, but it still lets a significant portion of harmful light through. Orange-tinted computer glasses are capable of blocking nearly 100% of blue light. This difference becomes especially important in the evening.
Why is it so important to block blue light late at night?
The answer lies in our biological clock. After sunset, our body naturally begins to produce melatonin, or the sleep hormone, which prepares us for sleep. The natural blue light of the sun, which stimulates us and keeps us alert during the day, naturally disappears in the evening.
However, our digital devices continue to emit blue light even after dark. Blocking even 50% of this light may leave enough to disrupt our body's natural sleep cycle. Orange-tinted glasses, however, create an almost complete barrier, simulating the effect of a natural sunset.
Scientific proof: The effect of blue light on sleep
A 2001 study conducted by researchers at Flinders University showed that blue light at a wavelength of 497 nanometers was able to reduce nighttime melatonin production by nearly 81%. This means that even maintaining a small amount of blue light exposure can significantly impact our sleep quality.
4 reasons how orange-tinted computer glasses help you in the evening:
1. Protects melatonin production, promoting higher quality sleep: Orange-tinted computer glasses block almost all blue light, which allows the body to produce melatonin naturally. This hormone is essential for achieving deep and restorative sleep, ensuring that you wake up in the morning feeling rested and refreshed.
2. Reduces eye strain, preventing dryness and itching in the evening: By blocking intense blue light, these glasses help reduce the load on your eyes. This, in turn, helps prevent uncomfortable symptoms like eye dryness, itching, and irritation, which are particularly bothersome in the evening when your eyes are already tired from the day.
3. Helps you transition into "sleep mode" from screens faster: Orange-tinted glasses help your body and brain switch from "wake mode" to "sleep mode" faster. This means that even if you use screens in the evening, your body is better prepared for sleep, allowing you to fall asleep faster and more easily after putting your devices away.
4. Brings on sleepiness faster, promoting better digital hygiene: Since the glasses help maintain your body's natural sleep cycle, you are more likely to start feeling sleepy at the right time. This, in turn, motivates you to put your phone or computer away earlier, creating a healthier habit and better digital hygiene. The result is an easier and more natural transition from wakefulness to sleep.
There was no opportunity to buy such glasses on the Estonian market. Having used them myself for 4 years, they had not yet reached our market. I decided to create them myself and offer this opportunity to our technology-friendly home country. Come check out the selection here.
