Blue Light Glasses

I look at a computer screen for hours each day, to be exact about 12 hours a day during a normal shift. I have my own designated computer where I enter prescriptions, review DURs, and do product verification. Those are the standard steps for prescription processing, without going into too much detail. 

My Exposure to Blue Light

I’ve often thought about the long term effects of looking at a screen for that many hours, 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, approximately a 40 year career. I have been working in a pharmacy for over half of my life, and my vision has definitely declined. I’m not at the point where I have to wear glasses, but it just seems like a matter of time.

What is Blue Light?

To try to protect my eyes, I have been wearing blue light glasses at work. Blue light is the wavelengths we see when we look at electronics or computer screens. There have been studies shown that over time it can cause damage to retinal cells and vision problems.

My Thoughts

Exposure to blue light at night can cause sleep trouble as well. I have a couple different pairs of blue light glasses, do they actually work? One thing I've noticed is that when I consistently wear them at work I do have an easier time falling asleep and less headaches. For me that is enough to continue to wear them.