You’re familiar with blue light blocking glasses and wondering if that same technology can be integrated into contact lenses? We’re here to explain in detail how blue light blocking contact lenses work.
Whether it’s a real solution for gamers or just a medical novelty, we’ll point out the pros and cons of what makes this eye protection worth your while (or not) today.
Blue light blocking contact lenses: how they work and the rules of the game
While it is well known that blue light from our screens affects eye health, there are now solutions to curb this sworn enemy.
Contact lenses aren't just for turning your beautiful eyes into emerald pupils like Neytiri in Avatar; they can also be used for many other reasons:
- To correct refractive errors and vision problems;
- To preserve eye health and reduce eye damage;
- For purely aesthetic purposes.
How do these special lenses work?
Blue light blocking lenses use a specific coating or material that reflects the blue light emitted by digital screens and artificial lighting.
This coating on the lens material can also act as an anti-reflective or anti-scratch layer, allowing the user to have clearer vision when facing a screen.
Why protect yourself from the effects of blue light?
Blue light is a part of the light spectrum that can be harmful to your retina.
Scientific studies have confirmed that prolonged exposure to radiation from this light (also known as artificial HEV light) causes photochemical damage to the lens and cornea.
Among the eye conditions linked to blue light, we can cite the following:
- 👁 increased visual fatigue (stinging, dry eyes, red eyes)
- 👀 development of certain eye diseases (cataracts, age-related macular degeneration or AMD, retinal damage)
- 🥱 insomnia (linked to the disruption of the day-night cycle of our biological clock)
- 🥵 and therefore, also, concentration problems, stress, and a feeling of excitability linked to fatigue.
Protecting the eye from toxic light wavelengths is a priority; this is why lenses can now be a recommended solution for several reasons.
Advantages of blue light blocking lenses: champion-level skills
Contact lenses can be a particularly effective protection against blue light. Some laboratories (such as Bio Infinity, Optix, Acuvue) offer excellent protective lenses to reduce the impact of artificial light on your cornea.
These lenses have a large number of advantages that might interest you – if you ever had any remaining doubts about them.
Aesthetics
Very discreet – unless you opt for "cat eye" models like Cosplay fans – contact lenses have the characteristic of conforming to the shape of your eye and enhancing it. If you are looking to combine utility with aesthetics, lenses will be a top choice.
Practical and comfortable
Lenses are particularly practical if you engage in sporting activities, such as during an intense Fitness Boxing 2 workout on Switch (or any other similar physical adventure).
Contact lenses are also very pleasant to wear – if your eyes don't reject them, of course.
Nowadays, they are increasingly comfortable and adapt to all types of eyes.
Improved field of vision
Unlike glasses, lenses offer a much wider field of vision because there is no frame to block it – a real heavy-hitting argument for the stubborn gamer.
Protection for all ages
Despite what one might think, lenses can be worn by children as well as adults. If you are afraid that your child will damage or break their glasses, lenses can be an alternative to consider.
The disadvantages of contact lenses: penalties
And yes, advantages are always met with a batch of disadvantages, like when a stunning AAA game has a bunch of annoying little bugs. In the long run, you get used to it, but hey, we would have liked to live without them.
We have gathered the most recurring disadvantages when talking about contact lenses.
Regular and meticulous cleaning
Just like you did with your Tamagotchi, contact lenses need to be maintained and cleaned regularly – at least once a day.
For the chronically lazy, this obligation can become annoying, but it is important to take care of it if you don't want to catch infections.
Irritations and allergies to maintenance products
To maintain your lenses, it is necessary to use a multi-purpose solution to decontaminate them from a bunch of not-so-charming little things: bacteria, proteins, and other dirt.
These lotions also help lubricate and rinse your contact lenses.
These products are made of elements that can react poorly in some people. It's rare, but it can happen!
Can cause damage to the cornea
Several years ago, a news story caused some fear among contact lens users.
A girl had worn hers for more than a month, after which she contracted an infection that caused her to lose her sight.
Fact or fiction? We don't really know, but it is important to remember that lenses are medical devices for which some rules must be followed.
If you keep them on for less than eight hours a day, disinfect them after each use, and change them regularly, you will be able to continue watching the most beautiful cinematics of the latest Final Fantasy with peace of mind.
Reassuring, right?
Can disrupt our circadian rhythm
Blue light also has beneficial effects on our body. It helps the body balance our sleep/wake cycle but also our mood.
Indeed, this light wave regulates the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Therefore, prolonged wearing of blue light blocking lenses could play a contradictory role on our biological rhythm if we wear them all the time.
You will need to check here which frequencies are filtered by your lenses to ensure that you still benefit from the good rays.
FAQ: one last look at protective lenses
Can you wear blue light blocking glasses in addition to lenses?
Protective glasses form a shield against blue-violet light. They are generally equipped with non-prescription lenses. It is therefore quite possible to wear lenses (this time, corrective ones) with a pair of blue light blocking glasses.
To learn more, don't hesitate to check out our range of blue light blocking glasses.
How to choose your blue light blocking protective lenses?
To choose your protective lenses, we advise you to consult an ophthalmologist or, to a lesser extent, your optician.
As mentioned above, lenses are medical devices that require a consultation in order to know the shape of your cornea, its sensitivity, and its tolerance. Once the diagnosis is established, you will know better if your lenses need to have a higher breathability index or not, depending on the appearance of your eyes.
A specialist will also be able to guide you towards different brands of contact lenses so you can test which ones will suit you best.
Are blue light blocking lenses useful in my gaming practice?
The use of protective lenses or glasses against harmful radiation emitted by screens is highly recommended. These devices will allow you to preserve the condition of your eyes in the long term as well as in the short term, especially if you spend long hours on video games.
To learn more about the many benefits of these protections, we invite you to read our article here on the dangers of screens when you are a passionate gamer.
Do you need a prescription to get protective lenses?
You will need a prescription to get blue light blocking lenses that match your vision. It is always important to inquire about their use with a professional.
Lenses, at your fingertips
Blue light blocking lenses have many attractive advantages but also a few disadvantages that could discourage their use.
For some, this solution is the ultimate protection to shield their eyes from the dangerous effects of the light from our screens. At Horus-X, we are studying this possibility, but we leave it to you to decide.
But if in doubt, you would like a little pro tip, we strongly advise the combo of regular contact lenses with a superb casual or gaming pair from our online store!
