Welcome to a new season! Don’t miss your chance to save on designer styles made for brighter days

Computer Glasses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Computer glasses

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Computer glasses - Specialised eyeglasses that optimise your vision when working on computers or other digital screens. Their viewing zone is at the correct distance for computer work, thereby reducing digital eye strain and discomfort at intermediate distances. They also tend to come with blue light-blocking coating and an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and improves contrast.

What are Blue Light Glasses?

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light explained |
Purpose |
Benefits |
When to use them
By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Aug 17, 2023
Discover how blue light affects our eyes and dive into how blue light glasses work.
Disclaimer: Blue light glasses are intended to benefit individuals who spend long hours in front of digital screens or are exposed to artificial blue light sources. However, it’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these benefits is still evolving, and individual experiences may vary.

Have you ever finished your gaming session or work day with tired and irritated eyes?

In today’s digital era, our lives are intricately intertwined with screens, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and e-readers.

As we navigate this digital landscape, we often overlook the potential implications of prolonged screen exposure on our eye health and overall well-being.

That’s where blue light-blocking glasses step in, offering a potential solution to the problems caused by blue light emitted from digital devices.

What is blue light?

Blue light refers to a specific range of electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum.

Blue light rays are at the high end of the visible light spectrum and have the shortest yet most powerful wavelength (380-460nm).

Blue light waves are the closest to invisible waves and ultraviolet rays, which are known to be the most dangerous of all light waves.

Because of its higher energy, blue light is more likely to scatter in the atmosphere, which is why the sky appears blue during the day.

So is blue light harmful?

It’s important to note that not all blue light is harmful. Blue light is present naturally in sunlight (largest source of blue light) and plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms.

The primary concern arises from excessive exposure to artificial sources of blue light, particularly from digital devices, LED lighting and energy-efficient light bulbs. 

Therefore, it is best to be safe and protect your eyes from blue light with a pair of blue light-blocking glasses.

The purpose of blue light glasses

The primary purpose of blue light-blocking glasses is to reduce digital eye strain and discomfort caused by digital devices (that emit blue light).

When we spend long hours in front of computers, smartphones, tablets or other electronic screens, we expose our eyes to higher levels of blue light than what they would naturally encounter from daylight.

Symptoms of digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) may include eye fatigue, dry eye syndrome, blurry vision, headaches, discomfort in the neck and shoulders and difficulty falling asleep. 

Blue light-blocking glasses work by selectively blocking or filtering out a portion of the blue light spectrum, aiming to reduce these potential negative effects.

By wearing blue light-filtering glasses, some individuals report experiencing less eye strain and improved comfort while using a digital device for extended periods.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common symptoms of the negative effects of blue light are: eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

What are the benefits of blue light glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive blue light exposure from digital screens.

While the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is still evolving, many users who wear plano and prescription glasses with a blue light filter report experiencing some positive results.

Reduced eye strain

Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and eye discomfort.

Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain by filtering out a portion of the blue light that contributes to these symptoms.

Improved sleep quality

Blue light exposure, especially during the evening or nighttime, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Wearing glasses that block blue light in the evening or using devices with blue light filters can help maintain the body’s natural circadian rhythms and improve sleep patterns.

Enhanced comfort

People often report feeling more comfortable when using a computer screen and other devices while wearing blue light glasses, as the glasses can help reduce the harsh glare and intensity of screens.

Potential retinal protection

Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to blue light, particularly high-energy blue-violet light, might contribute to retinal damage over time.

Blue light glasses with specific coatings may offer protection against potential long-term damage, although more research is needed to establish this and other benefits conclusively (Dawnie et al. 2019).

Minimised risk of macular degeneration

Some researchers believe that long-term exposure to blue light could be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Zhao et al. 2018).

Wearing blue light glasses might help reduce this risk by limiting the amount of harmful blue light reaching the eyes, safeguarding your macular health.

When should you use blue light glasses?

Since blue-blocking glasses filter out possible harmful wavelengths of light, they are best worn in situations where you risk being exposed to too much blue light.

This includes almost all electronic devices with screens – so, whether you’re watching television, checking your phone or working at a computer, blue light-blocking glasses can prevent sleep issues and minimise your risk of eye strain, headaches and difficulty sleeping. 

We suggest wearing blue light-filtering glasses:

  • On extremely bright, sunny days
  • In front of a computer monitor (i.e. when playing video games)
  • When using your phone (especially at night)
  • When a migraine feels imminent

When having long sessions of extended screen time, it is strongly recommended to safeguard your visual performance by taking frequent breaks, wearing computer glasses and making sure the device is at least at arm’s length.

Are blue light glasses really necessary?

If you worry about the impact of blue light on your eyes and sleep patterns, you may consider trying a quality pair of blue light-blocking glasses, especially if you have a lifestyle that involves extensive screen use. 

As always, it’s a good idea to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

References

Downie, L. E., Keller, P. R., Busija, L., Lawrenson, J. G., & Hull, C. C. (2019), Blue‐light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(1), CD013244.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013244

Zhao, Z. C., Zhou, Y., Tan, G., & Li, J. (2018). Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. International journal of ophthalmology, 11(12), 1999–2003.
https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2018.12.20

Cataracts

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Cataracts

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Cataracts - A condition where the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. Cataracts often develop with age but can also result from injury, medication, or other conditions such as congenital cataracts, which individuals are born with. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens to restore clear vision.

Astigmatism

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Astigmatism

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Astigmatism - A common vision condition that consists in a refractive error due to the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), lens, or both being too curved. This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Corrective lenses or minimally-invasive surgery can typically address this issue, providing clearer vision.

Corneal Ulcer

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Corneal ulcer

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Corneal ulcer - A serious eye condition that affects the cornea, usually due to infection from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, discharge and blurred vision. Corneal ulcers require prompt medical treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Blue Light Lenses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Blue light lenses

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Blue light lenses - Lenses that are specifically designed to filter out a portion of high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted from digital screens and artificial lighting. Prolonged exposure to blue light can contribute to digital eye strain and may disrupt sleep patterns. These lenses are particularly useful for those who spend extended periods in front of screens.

Corneal Abrasion

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Corneal abrasion

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Corneal abrasion - A scratch or injury to the cornea, the eye's clear, protective layer. Symptoms include pain, redness, watery eyes or increased tearing and sensitivity to light. While some corneal abrasions heal on their own, more often they need additional eyedrops to speed up the cell regeneration. They can also sometimes lead to infections if not properly treated, so it’s important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Anti-reflective Lenses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Anti-reflective lenses

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Anti-reflective lenses - Lenses treated with a multi-layer coating that reduces reflections from the lens surface and reflects artificial light. This enhances clarity, minimises glare from screens, headlights and bright lights, and allows others to see your eyes clearly. These lenses are ideal for driving at night, working on computers, or any situation with significant light exposure.

Conjunctivitis

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Conjunctivitis

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Conjunctivitis involves the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching and discharge. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens (in which case it's also known as pink eye), or irritants, Bacteria conjunctivitis is often highly contagious.

Anti-fog Lenses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Anti-fog lenses

By Isabella Sara Novack
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Mar 18, 2025
Anti-fog lenses - Specially coated lenses that prevent the buildup of fog caused by sudden temperature changes or humidity. These lenses are particularly useful for people who move between different environments frequently, like going from cold outdoors into a warm room, ensuring your vision remains unobstructed.