Blog Hero

Do I need special blue light blocking glasses for my computer or phone?

Request Appointment

I get asked this question almost daily, and the short answer is no! I get asked this question almost daily, and the short answer is no!

Much to do has been made in the last couple of years about the damaging effects of blue light from our computers and phones on our eyes. This worry has come from research at Toledo University that was published in Scientific Reports. This research examined a naturally occurring chemical found in the human eye called retinal. The research found that when retinal is exposed to blue light, it is more toxic to other cells.

There are several problems with jumping to the conclusion that blue light will damage our eyes. First, in the living retina, there are proteins that protect against the toxic effects of retinal. Second, the research was done on cells that were not derived from the retina. Third, the cells were not exposed to the blue light the same way they are in our eye.

In fact, we need blue light to help regulate our circadian rhythm. We need blue light to feel alert and awake during the day. If we block blue light, we may feel sluggish and sleepy.

We get most of our blue light from the sunlight. Some research is suggesting that this may, in fact, be beneficial in the growth and development of children’s eyes and may decrease the risk of developing myopia.

Blue light is high energy light (380nm-500nm) so it scatters more. This does make it more difficult for us to focus and so can lead to more eyestrain.

We often use lens coatings that block 20 percent of the blue light to help decrease this eyestrain.

We recommend using special blue blocking lenses if you have glasses that you use just for computer work, or if you have glasses that you wear JUST in the evening before bed.

Written by Dr. Sherri Norris

More Articles By Dr. Sherri Norris

Our Location

Our Address

  • #243, 414 3 St S.W.
  • Calgary, AB T2P 1R2

Contact Information

Hours Of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

PARKING AVAILABLE

Parking is available in the Calgary Place Parkade. Entrance is off 4th Ave. across from the Keg. Be sure to take a ticket when you enter and we’ll provide a voucher for the time of your visit.

Our Blog

Check out our Blog for news updates and eye care tips!

What Is a Dry Eye Exam?

Dry Eye

If you’ve ever felt a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes while going about daily tasks, you may have experienced dry eye disease. It’s one of the most common eye conditions and can affect nearly anyone. So, what can you do? The first step to any treatment is uncovering the cause. A dry eye […]

Read More…

January 25, 2024
Dr. Sherri Norris

Can Diabetic Eye Problems Be Reversed?

Eye Health

In case you’re not familiar, diabetes is a condition where your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause many of health problems if left unchecked. This includes your eyes. Unfortunately, many of the most common diabetic eye […]

Read More…

January 20, 2024
Dr. Sherri Norris

Do I Need a Different Prescription for Computer Glasses?

Frames & Lenses

We live in a digital world, from television and phones to computers and tablets, it’s almost impossible to go a day without looking at a screen. Many people notice this is causing digital eye strain, which causes tired eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and more. Computer glasses can help reduce these symptoms.  Computer glasses often need […]

Read More…

January 20, 2024
Dr. Sherri Norris
Young female patient getting an eye exam at Downtown Vision Care in Calgary.

If you’ve ever felt a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes while going about daily tasks, you may have experienced dry eye disease. It’s one of the most common eye conditions and can affect nearly anyone. So, what can you do? The first step to any treatment is uncovering the cause. A dry eye […]

Read More…

Logo outside the main entrance of Downtown Vision Care.

In case you’re not familiar, diabetes is a condition where your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause many of health problems if left unchecked. This includes your eyes. Unfortunately, many of the most common diabetic eye […]

Read More…

Young female patient examined by a phoropter at Downtown Vision Care in Calgary.

We live in a digital world, from television and phones to computers and tablets, it’s almost impossible to go a day without looking at a screen. Many people notice this is causing digital eye strain, which causes tired eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and more. Computer glasses can help reduce these symptoms.  Computer glasses often need […]

Read More…

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax