When staring into the browser of a monotonous Zoom class meeting, there’s a common set of constants a DGS student is bound to observe: webcams positioned at foreheads, shared screens reflecting Google slide presentations and notifications detailing breakout room assignments.

Among these familiarities is a new trend that has come to fruition, one that is cementing itself as a Zoom normality and is on track to outnumber the masses of students who turn their cameras off during seminars—Blue Light Glasses.

Though not marketed as a medical device or regulated by the FDA, Blue Light Glasses are currently being praised online by some eyewear professionals who claim they protect users’ eyes from high frequency, high energy blue light emitted from digital screens. When regularly exposed to blue light for more than six hours a day, eye strain and retinal damage may occur. Even further, prolonged blue light exposure is said to be linked to reduced, inconsistent sleeping patterns.

Whether or not Blue Light Glasses benefit those who wear them regularly is yet to be determined, as they are currently undergoing intensive testing. With the internet ablaze in conversation, however, it’s clear many DGS students are willing to give the glasses a try. Upon entering a Zoom meeting, one can expect to be greeted with an array of peers wearing the clear-framed glasses and want in on the trend—I sure did.

So when my sister knocked on my bedroom door and handed me a pair of Blue Light Glasses she bought in a two-pack for $22 off Amazon, I was definitely interested in giving them a try. After a week of use, I have conflicting thoughts on this new Zoom phenomenon.

It is worth noting the aesthetic of the glasses are clean and polished. Despite their evident plastic frame, sporting clear Blue Light Glasses adds a notable sense of sophisticated style to one’s remote learning outfit. If a modern Zoom look is to be desired, Blue Light Glasses are a viable option to consider on a budget.

That being said, it is difficult to justify purchasing Blue Light Glasses if solely interested in their advertised blue light blocking properties. Many laptop and cell phone models, including all Apple and Google products, dim blue display light when night mode is activated and therefore accomplish the same safeguards the glasses promote. Additionally, I noticed little difference in my sleeping habits after wearing the glasses consistently for a week; this was a disappointing conclusion to accept as I was hopeful the product would help to stabilize my internal clock.

Unfortunately, the same level of disappointment was endured in regards to the proposed eye strain alleviation. Seven days into using the glasses, my eyes did not feel significantly more at ease or attentive throughout remote learning.
If purchasing Blue Light Glasses means taking a few accessorized selfies and solidifying an in-crowd spot amongst other Zoom participants, the relatively inexpensive product is worth a buy. But if one is interested in improved optic and sleep pattern results, look elsewhere.