In our daily life we are surrounded by blue light, as we all know being exposed to it, our eyes would be harmed serioursly. And a lot of people choose to wear sunglasses to it, but do sunglasses block blue light? The quick answer is yes, but they can only indirectly block some blue light, while it's enough when you use them in outdoor. RVR sunglasses will tell you how do sunglasses block blue light, and how much can they block it.

What is Blue Light?

Before knowing do sunglasses block blue light, we shall first know what is blue light. Blue light refers to a specific range of visible light with a relatively short wavelength and high energy. It falls within the wavelength range of approximately 400 to 500 nanometers (nm) on the electromagnetic spectrum. Blue light is present naturally in sunlight and is also emitted by various artificial sources such as LED lights, computer screens, smartphones, and other electronic devices.

what is blue light

Blue light plays an important role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and has an impact on various physiological processes in our bodies. Exposure to blue light during the day helps to boost alertness, mood, and cognitive function. However, excessive or prolonged exposure to blue light, particularly during evening or nighttime hours, can have potential negative effects on our health.

Does Blue Light Exist in Outdoor? How Much is it?

Blue light is present in sunlight, particularly in the blue wavelength range. The exact amount of blue light in outdoor environments can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, geographic location, weather conditions, and atmospheric conditions. Generally, blue light is more prevalent during midday when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

do sunglasses block blue light

However, it's important to note that the intensity of blue light outdoors is significantly higher compared to indoor environments, where artificial lighting sources may emit lower levels of blue light.

What Does Blue Light Do to Your Eyes?

Prolonged direct exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic screens can chronically irritate the eyes, leading to inflammation and swelling of the macula, the central part of the retina. This can cause the formation of hidden lesions in the macular area, and once these lesions rupture, it inevitably brings disaster to our eyes.

 Effects of Blue Light on the Eyes Explanation
Eye Strain and Fatigue Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause dryness, irritation, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and discomfort.
Sleep Disruption Blue light exposure, especially in the evening, can disrupt the production of melatonin, affecting sleep quality and leading to difficulties falling asleep.
Retinal Damage Blue light exposure at night disrupts the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, impacting overall health and well-being.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythm Blue light exposure at night disrupts the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, impacting overall health and well-being.
Glare and Visual Discomfort Blue light can cause glare and visual discomfort, especially when using digital devices or in bright light conditions.

 

Do Polarized Sunglasses Block Blue Light?

For the question of "Do polarized sunglasses block blue light?" the direct answer is a Yes, but polarized sunglasses are not specifically designed to block blue light. The primary purpose of polarized sunglasses is to reduce glare caused by reflections from horizontal surfaces such as water, snow, or roads. While polarized lenses can indirectly reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes by reducing overall brightness and glare, they do not provide significant protection against blue light compared to lenses specifically designed for blue light blocking. To effectively block blue light, you would need sunglasses with lenses that have a yellow or amber tint, which are specifically designed to filter out blue light.


Advantages of Polarized Sunglasses for Blue Light

1.Glare reduction: Blocks intense, reflected light, reducing glare.
2.Blue light attenuation: Filters out a portion of blue light.
3.Improved visual clarity: Enhances visual clarity and vibrancy.
4.Increased contrast and depth perception: Sharpens object details.
5.Eye protection: Blocks harmful UV rays and reduces eye strain.

Do Regular Sunglasses Block Blue Light?

Do regular sunglasses block blue light? Regular sunglasses typically do not block a significant amount of blue light. The level of blue light blockage in regular sunglasses can vary depending on the specific tint or coating applied to the lenses, which is even less than polarized sunglasses. The primary function of regular sunglasses is to reduce brightness and protect the eyes from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.

Do UV400 Polarized Sunglasses Block Blue Light?

Although UV400 polarized sunglasses primarily focus on blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, their ability to block blue light may vary.

Polarized sunglasses, including UV400 polarized sunglasses, can indirectly reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes by reducing glare and overall brightness. However, their blue light-blocking capability is typically limited compared to sunglasses specifically designed for that purpose, which often have lenses with a yellow or amber tint.

Protecting Your Eyes from Blue Light

Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule - every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps reduce eye strain and gives your eyes a break from continuous blue light exposure.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Minimize your exposure to screens, especially in the evening, as blue light can disrupt your sleep patterns. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep.



Optimize Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in your environment. Use soft, warm lighting for indoor spaces and avoid excessively bright or cool-toned lighting that may contribute to eye fatigue.

Get Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams can help detect any eye-related issues and provide personalized recommendations for protecting your eyes from blue light or other potential hazards.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Consider wearing blue light blocking glasses, especially when using digital devices for extended periods or during evening hours. These glasses have lenses with a yellow or amber tint that filters out a portion of blue light, reducing eye strain and potential sleep disruption.

Protecting Eyes from Blue Light in Outdoor With Amber &Yellow Polarized Sunglasses


All in all, do sunglasses block blue light? the answer is yes, the polarized sunglasses do help with blue light protecting for your eyes, but not much as specially blue light glasses, while enogh for outdoor needs. It can be achieved by wearing amber or yellow polarized sunglasses. These sunglasses feature lenses with an amber or yellow tint, which effectively filter out a portion of blue light. By wearing these sunglasses in bright sunlight, especially during midday when blue light is more intense, you can significantly reduce the amount of blue light reaching your eyes. The polarized feature also helps to minimize glare from reflective surfaces, enhancing visual clarity and comfort.

July 10, 2023 — RVR OPTICS