A Different Type of Shade
Writer: Luci Lammoglia, Photographer: Avery Nielsen, Graphic Designer: Estelle Omotayo
Screen time is valuable. We use our laptops for our homework, our phones to binge-watch our favorite Netflix series, and our tablets for long FaceTime calls with Mom. As much as we wish we could cut the hours spent using our devices, it is inevitable. We need technology to fulfill our daily tasks and often for long periods of time.
Screen time has been negatively spotted on the health radar for a while, but more recently, people are concerned about the “blue light” that radiates from our devices. This is especially true when we are using them in the dark. According to Harvard Health Publishing, blue light has the ability to decrease the amount of melatonin, which contributes to our circadian rhythm. In simpler terms, the blue light that projects from our favorite gadgets tells our bodies to stay alert and awake. Who knew that a type of light could be so disruptive?
Fortunately, the media has become more aware of the dangers of blue light. In fact, you may see blue light filtering glasses marketed much more online and on social media. They are made to filter the blue light from your screen, thus reducing eye strain and improving sleep. This trend has taken the Internet by storm. Research is still not as extensive as it should be on the subject, and some ophthalmologists or optometrists argue that a blue light filter is not necessary.
“ Blue light has the ability to decrease the amount of melatonin, which contributes to our circadian rhythm.”
Since there is so much controversy, I put these glasses to the test. I purchased and used the Blue Light Blocking Glasses from Amazon.com, but there is a wide variety of blue light filtering glasses out there (you can even buy these glasses prescribed)! After I purchased the glasses and looked through the lenses for the first time, they first appeared like sunglasses, creating a warm shade to everything in view. Upon first impression, there was not much to rave about. However, after wearing the glasses for three solid days, the results were surprising. After those three days, I noticed a difference in the two areas it promised to correct: eye strain and falling asleep. Interested yet?
Sleep
Nothing is more frustrating than lying in your bed and not being able to fall asleep. Sometimes it can take hours to doze off. After wearing these glasses, I found myself being carried into a nice snooze at a more decent hour than normal. Instead of becoming sleepy well past midnight, I began yawning around 9 p.m. each night. Prioritizing time is everything to a college student, and the two hours spent staring at the dark wall seem wasted. These glasses are perfect to prevent falling asleep from becoming a chore!
Eye Strain
At one point or another, there will be those days you’re guaranteed to be sitting in front of a computer screen all day long. While cramming for that test, hours go by. It gets to the point where you’re straining your eyes just to read the next paragraph. When you forget your prescribed glasses at home, it is ten times as tiring. I found that while wearing these glasses, I was able to read and do online homework without this worry. My eyes did not feel tired, but rather relaxed and free from strain. In fact, I realized that I didn’t squint even once, which is rare for me. Blue light glasses eliminate the strain and avoid the headache. Catch my drift?
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After trying out the blue light reflective lenses, I found that this product truly is helpful for eye protection. If you decide to buy a pair, you will not be disappointed! Blue light glasses target many of the average college student’s needs. Make blue light filtering glasses a part of your screen time regime to ensure the good night’s sleep you deserve.