Some Doctors Say Blue Light Glasses May Protect Eyes From Overexposure To Tech Devices

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Technology is making its way into every facet of our daily lives and that means we're all spending more time in front of digital screens.

But the blue light rays given off by these tech devices could be detrimental to the eyes, according to optometrist Rezah Mohamed.

"The blue light we're talking about affects the back of the eye," explained Mohamed. "We're exposed to way more than we really should be. This could start to cause problems not only for our vision, but also our health."

In fact, studies have shown that blue light rays can age vision much like UV rays age the skin.

Ana Bauer, a marketing executive, says she noticed a change in her vision not too long ago.

"My emails were getting hard to see," Bauer said. "I recently have been having issues seeing my computer screen."

Bauer expressed she never expected to have trouble reading in her mid 30s. Her life changed, however, when Mohamed realized the source of her difficulty.

She was offered a new type of glasses featuring lenses with blue light protection. The glasses place a filter between the glasses and the screen, which protects the patient from exposure to the harmful rays.

"What's happening is the blue light that's coming off these devices is actually getting blocked through the lens," Mohamed said. "Some lenses absorb the blue light while some lenses reflect the blue light. Either way, it's kind of blocking it from getting to the back of the eye where it does most of the damage."

The lenses are made by several companies and cost between $150 to $400.

Vision problems are not the only concern for screen exposure. The harmful blue light rays can also affect the user's sleep.

"Blue light actually stimulates daylight," Mohamed said. "So when people look at these devices and they try to go to sleep the brain actually thinks its daytime. So, they aren't able to fall asleep."

Bauer says her life has been changed after just three months of using the glasses.

"I don't have eye fatigue at all anymore," she remarked. "I can see my emails without zooming in. It's made a huge difference."

Doctors who don't believe in this form of therapy have recommended patients blink more often and shut off screens at least an hour before getting in bed.

To see what patients and others are saying about the lenses, click here.

For a review of what optometrists are saying about blue light and eye health, click here.

*This story was produced by Gerri Shaftel Constant, CBS2/KCAL9 Medical Producer.