What is blue light?

Naturally found in sunlight, blue light is a colour in the visible light spectrum that is also emitted from display screens of computers, electronic notebooks, smartphones and other digital devices.

1.

Blue wavelengths of light are most beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood, and help regulate our sleepiness and alert cycles.

2.

Whilst the sun produces significantly more blue light than electronic sources, now more than ever, we are exposed to excess artificial blue light from our devices.

3.

Blue light scatters more easily than most other visible light. This means it might be more difficult for your eyes to focus when exposed to excess blue light, such as during extended screen use.

How does blue light filter work?

Exposure to blue light from screens has been shown to affect melatonin production - the sleep hormone.

A blue light filter is a coating over the lenses in your glasses that works to limit the full spectrum of blue light from passing through the lens.

With many of us staying up scrolling or working late hours on screens, using blue light filter glasses may result in more restorative, undisrupted, and restful sleep.

How do I get blue light filter on my glasses?

At Bailey Nelson, you can add a Blue Light Filter as an extra option onto a new pair of optical glasses for $50 when adding your frames and lenses to your cart.

Shopping in-store? Ask our friendly in-store team to add a blue light filter on to your glasses order.

Tips for reducing eye strain

Spending long hours in front of a screen? Alongside blue light blockers, there are few suggestions we have for reducing the symptoms of eye strain and fatigue.

Get an eye test

Experiencing headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision? Book an eye test with one of our friendly Optometrists for a bulk-billed consultation.

Use lubricating eye drops

For dry eyes, use lubricating eye drops a few times per day to relieve symptoms. Opt for a preservative-free brand if using consistently. Ensure you use a contact-lens safe brand if you wear contacts.

Apply hot compresses to your eyes

A Meimask, wheat bag or tea towel placed over closed eyelids can help with circulation.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule

If you’re on screens for extended periods of time, every 20 minutes, look 20 metres away, for 20 seconds to allow your eyes to relax periodically.

Dark mode, night-time mode, or warm-tone

On most digital devices, you can have the option to adjust your setting to make it warmer (and therefore reduce blue light), or change the display in certain apps to dark mode to reduce eye strain.

Put screens down before bedtime

We know it’s hard, but limiting your exposure to screens and blue light before bedtime can allow you to produce more melatonin - the sleep hormone - which results in more restful, restorative sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

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