Do photochromic lenses block blue light from your computer?
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Do photochromic lenses block blue light from your computer?
Do photochromic lenses block light from your computer? Maybe surprisingly, the answer is yes. While photochromic lenses were designed to darken in sunlight and protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, the lenses also shield you from blue light from the sun and your digital devices. It makes sense if you think about it:
Blue light is just a level down from UV rays on the light spectrum. Although UV exposure can be avoided by staying inside or forgoing tanning beds, blue light shines from every digital screen we interact with: smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.
Buying glasses with photochromic lenses can shield your eyes from excess exposure to blue light, thus preventing digital eye strain, mid-afternoon fatigue, headaches and trouble sleeping.
Learn more about the protective benefits of Transitions lenses
How do photochromic lenses block blue light?
Photochromic lenses are infused with a chemical reactant made of special dyes and molecules that shift and change when presented with high-energy light. A color-balancing aspect of the photochromic molecules combats blue light, in particular, with a yellow filter, though the color is undetectable to the naked eye. What this means: Photochromic lenses provide UV protection even on overcast days, when the sun isn’t bright enough to trigger the lenses’ darkening effects. Just as photochromic lenses shield you from the sun’s rays even on cloudy days, light-adaptive lenses block blue light from your digital devices whether you are indoors or outside.
What’s so bad about blue light?
Blue light can be good for you — in moderation. A small amount of blue light can aid your sleep habits, but blue light in excess can disrupt sleep patterns. Too much blue light also can lead to eye strain and headaches. If you have pre-existing eye conditions, like dry eye syndrome, blue light can make these eye issues worse.
Photochromic lenses offer a wider range of protections for your eyes in all light settings and all in one pair of glasses. Photochromic glasses protect you from UV rays while you’re out in the sun and from blue light from your computer and other digital screens when you are in your office and at home.
Want expert advice on photochromic lenses? Find an optician near you today.