This week I SCOOPED with Susan Halstead, optician and owner of Family Vision Care Center of Saratoga Springs, NY. With the rise of screen time this past year, I’ve been seeing more and more people wearing these glasses. I thought she’d be the PERFECT person to answer… what is blue light, anyway? And are these glasses actually helping? Here’s what she had to say!

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT? Blue light is located at an area of the light spectrum that can be harmful to your eyes.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? It comes from LED bulbs, computer screens, tablets, cell phones and televisions. Due to the dramatic increase in computer usage, blue light exposure has also increased dramatically.

HOW IS AFFECTING US? Exposure to blue light can result in digital eye strain, which causes symptoms of dry eyes, red eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and interruption of the sleep cycle.

ARE ALL BLUE LIGHT LENSES THE SAME? No. If you’re on a computer for 2 hours or less per day, Susan recommends a clear lens with a blue blocker coating. If you’re on for more, feel tired by the end of the day, or you have difficulty falling asleep, she recommends a stronger blue light protection including both a tint and coating.

CAN I ORDER ANY FRAME? It’s important that your frame fit properly, to ensure that the center of your eye lines up with the optical center of the lens. An off-center lens will actually CREATE eye strain and fatigue.

Family Vision Care Center has been providing comprehensive eye health exams, contact lenses and glasses for individuals and families for 100 years. More information about Family Vision Care Center can be found at https://www.familyvisioncarecenter.com/