UV Sunglasses for Laptop and Phone Use: Protection or Harm?
Wearing UV sunglasses while using laptops and smartphones can have both advantages and disadvantages. This article explores the benefits and risks associated with this practice, helping you make an informed decision for your eye health.
Benefits of Wearing UV Sunglasses
There are several reasons why wearing UV sunglasses while using your devices can provide benefits:
UV Protection
UV sunglasses are designed to block harmful UV radiation. Even when using devices outdoors, these lenses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. This is particularly important for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Reduced Glare
The glare from screens, such as from the sun reflecting off glass or other surfaces, can be significantly reduced by UV sunglasses. This can enhance your comfort and reduce eye strain, especially in bright environments.
Drawbacks of Wearing UV Sunglasses
Despite the benefits, wearing UV sunglasses while using devices can also present some drawbacks:
Screen Visibility
Wearing UV sunglasses may reduce the visibility of your screens, making it harder to see details. This can lead to eye strain and discomfort, especially during prolonged use.
Color Distortion
Some UV sunglasses can distort colors, which can affect your perception of images and text on devices. This color distortion may not be what you need for precise work or for enjoying multimedia content.
Blue Light Protection
Standard UV sunglasses do not typically block blue light, which is emitted by electronic devices. Blue light exposure can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns, especially during night shifts or late-night use. Some specialized glasses, specifically designed to block blue light, can be more effective for this purpose.
Conclusion
Wearing UV sunglasses indoors or in low-light situations is generally not advisable, as they can hinder visibility and comfort. However, when used outdoors, they can provide valuable protection against UV rays. If you're concerned about eye strain from screens, consider using glasses specifically designed to reduce blue light.
For individuals with myopia, the use of plus lenses during near work is recommended. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can be caused by excessive near work causing the focusing muscle (ciliary muscle) to spasm, or by the elongation of the eyeball. Standard myopia treatment with minus lenses can lock the muscle in an over-stressed state. Therefore, using plus lenses when doing nearwork may help relax the focusing muscle, reducing the risk of further myopia.
Todd Becker, Otis Brown, Donald Rehm, and Jake Steiner, among others, advocate the method of "Reading at the far point," which involves using plus lenses to reduce the stress on the focusing muscle and prevent myopia from worsening or even eliminating it.
Consider these strategies and consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs.