In today’s digital age, our phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them to stay connected with friends and family, scroll through social media, check emails, and access a wealth of information at our fingertips. However, this constant screen time has sparked a crucial debate: should you wear glasses when using your phone? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think.
The Rise Of Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a growing concern in the wake of increasing screen time. According to a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the average person spends around 7-10 hours per day staring at digital screens, including phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Prolonged exposure to digital screens can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Eye fatigue and dryness
- Headaches and blurred vision
- Neck and back pain
- Dizziness and nausea
These symptoms can be attributed to the way digital screens emit blue light, a high-energy visible (HEV) radiation that can disrupt our vision and overall health. Blue light has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, and other sleep-related disorders.
The Benefits Of Wearing Glasses When Using Your Phone
So, should you wear glasses when using your phone? The answer lies in understanding the benefits of corrective eyewear in the digital age.
Reduced Eye Strain
Wearing glasses specifically designed for digital use can significantly reduce eye strain and alleviate the symptoms mentioned above. These glasses are equipped with blue light filtering lenses that block or absorb blue light emitted from digital screens, reducing the risk of digital eye strain.
Improved Sleep Quality
By blocking blue light, glasses designed for digital use can also help improve sleep quality. When blue light is reduced, the body’s natural production of melatonin is not suppressed, allowing for a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Enhanced Visual Clarity
Glasses with corrective lenses can also improve visual clarity when using your phone. If you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, corrective lenses can help correct your vision, making it easier to read and view content on your phone.
Types Of Glasses For Digital Use
If you’re considering wearing glasses when using your phone, you may be wondering what types of glasses are available. Here are a few options:
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Blue light blocking glasses are designed specifically to block blue light emitted from digital screens. These glasses can be worn while using your phone, computer, or any other digital device. They are available in various styles, from prescription glasses to non-prescription, fashion-forward options.
Gamer Glasses
Gamer glasses are designed specifically for gamers who spend extended periods playing games on their phones, computers, or gaming consoles. These glasses often feature yellow-tinted lenses that reduce blue light emission and enhance visual clarity.
Prescription Glasses With Blue Light Coatings
If you already wear prescription glasses, you can opt for blue light coatings on your lenses. These coatings can be applied to your existing prescription glasses, providing an added layer of protection against blue light.
When To Wear Glasses When Using Your Phone
While wearing glasses when using your phone can be beneficial, it’s not necessary to wear them all the time. Here are some scenarios where wearing glasses may be particularly useful:
Extended Screen Time
If you spend more than 2-3 hours per day using your phone, it’s a good idea to wear glasses with blue light filtering lenses. Prolonged exposure to digital screens can increase the risk of digital eye strain.
Reading And Writing
If you use your phone to read or write for extended periods, wearing glasses with corrective lenses can help improve visual clarity and reduce eye strain.
Gaming And Video Watching
If you’re an avid gamer or love watching videos on your phone, wearing glasses with blue light blocking lenses can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding whether to wear glasses when using your phone is complex. While it’s not necessary to wear glasses all the time, wearing them when engaging in extended screen time, reading, writing, gaming, or video watching can be beneficial. By understanding the risks associated with digital eye strain and the benefits of corrective eyewear, you can make an informed decision about whether to wear glasses when using your phone.
Remember, taking care of your eyes is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being in the digital age.
Do I Really Need To Wear Glasses When Using My Phone?
Wearing glasses when using your phone is not a hard and fast rule. However, it’s highly recommended to reduce the risk of eye strain and other vision problems. Prolonged screen time can cause digital eye fatigue, dry eyes, and blurry vision, which can be alleviated by wearing glasses specifically designed for screen use.
Moreover, if you already wear glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other vision corrections, wearing additional screen-time glasses can provide extra protection for your eyes. Even if you don’t need vision correction, screen-time glasses can help reduce blue light emission, which has been linked to potential long-term eye damage.
What Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses, And Do I Need Them?
Blue light blocking glasses are special glasses designed to block or filter out blue light emitted from digital screens. Blue light, which is a high-energy visible (HEV) light with a wavelength of around 400-450 nanometers, has been known to contribute to digital eye fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, and potential long-term eye damage. These glasses can be especially helpful for people who spend extended periods in front of screens, especially at night.
It’s essential to note that not all blue light blocking glasses are created equal. Some glasses may only block a portion of blue light, while others may block up to 90% or more. When choosing blue light blocking glasses, look for ones that block at least 90% of blue light in the 400-450 nanometer range for maximum protection.
Can I Use Just Any Glasses Or Do I Need Special Screen-time Glasses?
While any glasses with a blue light blocking coating can provide some level of protection, special screen-time glasses are designed specifically for prolonged screen use. These glasses often have prescriptions tailored to your specific near vision needs, anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare, and blue light blocking capabilities. They may also have other features such as anti-fatigue lenses, which can help reduce eye strain.
Using just any glasses may not provide the same level of protection as special screen-time glasses. For example, reading glasses or distance glasses may not have the correct prescription for near vision, and may not block blue light emissions as effectively. If you’re concerned about your eye health, it’s best to consult an eye care professional for personalized recommendations.
How Do I Choose The Right Screen-time Glasses For My Needs?
Choosing the right screen-time glasses can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous options available. Start by consulting an eye care professional, who can assess your individual needs and provide personalized recommendations. Consider factors such as your prescription, lifestyle, and budget when selecting glasses.
When trying on glasses, look for ones that fit comfortably, have a clear and unobstructed view, and block blue light emissions effectively. If you’re purchasing online, read reviews and product descriptions carefully to ensure you’re getting the right level of protection for your needs.
Can I Wear Screen-time Glasses All The Time?
While screen-time glasses are designed for prolonged screen use, they can be worn during other activities as well. However, it’s essential to remember that these glasses are tailored to your near vision needs, so wearing them for distance activities or driving may not be suitable.
It’s recommended to wear screen-time glasses only when using digital devices, such as computers, phones, or gaming consoles, to maximize their benefits. If you need prescription glasses for other activities, consult an eye care professional for advice on the best options for your lifestyle.
Are Screen-time Glasses Suitable For Children?
Yes, screen-time glasses are suitable for children, especially in today’s digital age where kids are increasingly exposed to screens from an early age. Children’s eyes are more susceptible to blue light damage, and prolonged screen time can have long-term effects on their vision health.
When choosing screen-time glasses for children, consider factors such as their age, prescription needs, and lifestyle. Look for glasses with durable frames, scratch-resistant lenses, and blue light blocking capabilities. It’s also essential to consult an eye care professional to ensure the glasses meet your child’s specific needs.
Do Screen-time Glasses Come With A Prescription Or Are They Non-prescription?
Screen-time glasses can come with or without a prescription, depending on your individual needs. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other vision corrections, your eye care professional can prescribe screen-time glasses with your specific prescription. These glasses will have a blue light blocking coating tailored to your prescription needs.
Non-prescription screen-time glasses, on the other hand, are available for people who don’t need vision correction. These glasses typically have a blue light blocking coating and may have other features such as anti-reflective coatings or anti-fatigue lenses. They can be purchased online or at eye care stores without a prescription.