Do polarized sunglasses block blue light?

Polarized sunglasses have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with good reason. They are designed to reduce glare from the sun, making outdoor activities like fishing and driving much more enjoyable. However, it is important to understand that polarized lenses do not block blue light, which can be harmful to your eyes.

Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is emitted from digital screens, fluorescent lights and the sun. This type of light has been linked to symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and even insomnia. Although there is no definitive proof that blue light causes permanent damage, long-term exposure may lead to vision problems like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

To protect your eyes from the potential effects of blue light, you should look for prescription glasses that feature special lens coatings designed to filter out blue light. Several companies now offer lenses with blue light protection, including Essilor, Zeiss, Hoya and Rodenstock. These lenses are typically made of polycarbonate material, which is lightweight and impact-resistant. Additionally, these lenses provide excellent UV protection and can help reduce eye strain caused by extended screen time.

If you don't require prescription glasses but still want to protect your eyes from blue light, there are a few options available. Specialized blue light blocking computer glasses are designed to filter out HEV and UV light without impacting color or clarity. Alternatively, you can purchase non-prescription sunglasses with lenses specifically designed to block blue light.

For those who already wear prescription glasses, adding blue light protection is a simple process. Many online retailers now offer prescription glasses with blue light protection, so you can easily upgrade your existing glasses with just a few clicks. With this option, you can choose from a wide selection of frames and select the lens coating that best suits your needs.

In conclusion, polarized sunglasses do not block blue light. To protect your eyes from the potential harm caused by blue light, you should look for lenses with specialized coatings designed to filter it out. Additionally, you can purchase specialized computer glasses or non-prescription sunglasses that feature blue light blocking lenses. Finally, if you already wear prescription glasses, you can easily upgrade them with blue light protection through online retailers that offer prescription glasses online.