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If you spend hours each day staring at a screen—whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or tablet—you’re not alone. The average American adult now logs over 7 hours of screen time daily, and many of us are feeling the effects: dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. You’ve probably heard about blue light glasses as a possible solution, but do they really work?
At The Look Eye Care Center in Mount Pleasant, SC, we hear this question from patients every day. Dr. Chard Carlson, our lead optometrist, shares what the latest research says, when blue light glasses are helpful, and how to protect your eyes in today’s digital world.
What is blue light, anyway?
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum—meaning it's light you can see. It’s emitted naturally by the sun and artificially by digital devices like laptops, smartphones, and LED lights. Compared to other types of visible light, blue light has shorter wavelengths and higher energy, which is why it's often linked to eye strain and sleep disruption.
What are blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses are eyewear fitted with special lenses that filter or block a portion of high-energy blue light. They’re marketed as a way to:
- Reduce digital eye strain
- Improve focus and comfort during screen time
- Protect your eyes from potential long-term damage
- Improve sleep by minimizing screen-related circadian rhythm disruption
You’ll find many styles online, in drugstores, and even as an add-on to prescription lenses—but do they really deliver?
Do blue light glasses actually work?
✅ Yes… but with some clarification.
According to Dr. Carlson, blue light glasses can be beneficial—especially if you suffer from digital eye strain or screen-related fatigue. However, it’s important to understand what they do and don’t do:
🔹 What blue light glasses can do:
- Reduce glare and increase contrast on screens
- Help reduce eye strain during prolonged screen use
- Improve comfort during nighttime or low-light screen use
- Potentially reduce disruption of melatonin production, which helps improve sleep when screen time occurs before bed
🔸 What they don’t do:
- They don’t prevent long-term eye diseases like macular degeneration (no clinical evidence supports this yet)
- They’re not a cure-all for screen time problems
- They won’t replace the need for regular eye exams or correct an unaddressed vision prescription
So yes, blue light glasses can work, but they’re most effective as part of a broader digital eye care strategy—especially if you’re staring at screens all day.
What are the symptoms of digital eye strain?
Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, digital eye strain can cause:
- Tired or burning eyes
- Dryness or watering
- Blurred vision after screen use
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches, especially late in the day
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to an optometrist near Charleston or Mount Pleasant. Dr. Chard Carlson at The Look Eye Care Center can help determine if blue light filtering lenses, updated prescriptions, or other solutions can provide relief.
Who benefits most from blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses are especially helpful for:
👨💻 Office workers or remote professionals spending 6–10 hours/day on screens
👩🎓 Students (especially high school and college) using tablets or laptops for school
🎮 Gamers or people using screens late at night
📱 Anyone who scrolls on phones or tablets before bed
If that sounds like you—or your child—it may be time to consider blue light protection lenses in Mount Pleasant.
Are prescription blue light lenses better than non-prescription ones?
Yes. Prescription blue light glasses, fitted and recommended by your optometrist, typically use higher-quality lens materials, proper coatings, and can be combined with your vision correction needs. Off-the-shelf blue light glasses may offer partial protection but often lack the clarity, comfort, and accuracy of professionally prescribed lenses.
At The Look Eye Care Center, we offer custom blue light lenses that can be built into your everyday glasses—perfect for school, work, or home use.
How else can I protect my eyes from screens?
In addition to wearing blue light glasses, Dr. Carlson recommends these daily habits to reduce digital eye strain:
👁️ The 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
💡 Use Proper Lighting
Avoid working in dark rooms with bright screens. Reduce glare with ambient light.
💧 Blink More
Screens reduce your blink rate. Try artificial tears or take blink breaks.
🪑 Adjust Your Workspace
Keep screens at arm’s length and slightly below eye level.
Combining blue light glasses with these habits helps protect your vision and comfort throughout the day.
Why Choose The Look Eye Care Center?
Families and professionals in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Park West, Shem Creek, and I'On keep coming back to Dr. Chard Carlson for expert, personalized care. Whether you’re interested in blue light lenses, updated glasses, or a full eye exam, The Look Eye Care Center offers:
✅ A curated selection of high-quality blue light eyewear
✅ Personalized lens options for kids, teens, and adults
✅ Same-day or next-day appointments
✅ Compassionate, high-tech, locally trusted care
Ready to protect your eyes from screen time?
Schedule a consultation or eye exam at The Look Eye Care Center today. We’ll help you find the best lens solutions to stay comfortable, productive, and protected.
📍 Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, just minutes from Downtown Charleston
📞 Call us or text us at (843) 543-6333
🌐 Book online at www.thelookeyecare.com
