Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses Effective?

Blue light blocking glasses have become a multi-billion-dollar industry that is rapidly growing year over year. Blue blockers are marketed and sold in doctor offices, on social media, talk shows, news segments, and paid ads across all platforms. Many famous health influencers such as Andrew Huberman, Gary Brecka, James Swanwick, Dave Asprey, and many more, have formed businesses selling these products with affiliate marketing tactics on their popular podcasts.

Mass media has also promoted the idea that blue light from screens is a toxin people should be blocking to improve their sleep quality and reduce eye strain. Thousands of eye doctors choose to sell these special glasses in fashionable varieties to patients, while the majority of them are aware that the claims are not scientifically proven. These products are sold on the pattern of misinterpreting the science, amplifying the fear, and selling a solution that just doesn’t work.

Our investigation into the literature revealed that the science did not match the sensational claims the public had accepted as true. The core blue light claims are not supported by current research and have also been rejected by the American Academy of Ophthalmology as inaccurate.

We interviewed two leading sleep scientists, Professor Michael Gradisar and Professor Matthew Walker. Their insights from decades of research surprised our team and deepened our understanding of a complex topic. Digging into the universe of wellness influence (and grifting), we also spoke with investigative journalist and best-selling author, Scott Carney. The blue light story is stranger than we imagined. This project evolved from a 2-minute short to a 46-minute deep dive documentary we’re proud to share with you after months of work.

Commonly asked questions about these products:
Are blue light blocking glasses effective?
What blue light glasses should I get?
How do I test blue light blocking glasses at home?
What are the best blue light blocking glasses?
Do blue light blocking glasses actually work?
Can you get blue light blocking prescription glasses?
Why do you need blue light blocking glasses?
Do blue light blocking glasses help sleep?
How do I know if glasses are blue light blocking?
Are blue light blocking glasses a scam?

Join us in the discussion below with your own comments and questions.

‪@interoai‬

List of References used in this documentary:
https://mirror-teacher-807.notion.sit...

‪@sgcarney‬
Scott Carney: The Art of the Grift | How to Get Anything You Want
   • The Art of the Grift | How to Get ANYTHING...  

Chapters:
0:00 Documentary Intro
2:48 BluBlocker Sunglasses Origins
4:09 Surprising Circadian Research
5:42 Eye Anatomy and the Light Spectrum
6:49 Early Blue Light Blockers
8:22 Sleep Improvement Claims
8:50 Eye Health Claims
9:14 Gunnar Computer Glasses
10:01 First Randomized Trial On Blue Blockers and Sleep
11:15 Media Warns About Blue Light
12:08 Michael Gradisar Studies Screens Before Bed
13:14 Harvard eReader vs. Paper Books Study
15:02 Investigating Harvard Study’s Claims
16:57 The Blue Blocker Arms Race
19:46 Types of Blue Blocker Glasses
20:28 Science Rejects Eye Damage Claims
21:23 Misleading Claims From Eye Doctor Offices
22:17 Questioning Claims Without Good Evidence
23:50 Swanwick and Sleepscore Studies
24:11 Dr. Oz Promotes Swanwick Glasses
24:39 Michael Gradisar Analyzes Sleepscore Data
25:29 Blue Light Blocker Sales Peak in 2020
26:19 Eye Damage Claims Falling Apart
26:58 Swanwick and Whoop Marketing
27:49 Gradisar Changes Matthew Walker’s Mind
29:14 Peter Attia Updates His Stance on Blue Light
29:28 Narrative 1
30:13 Narrative 2
31:09 Narrative 3
32:12 Narrative 4
34:15 Sleep Benefits Explained
35:38 Andrew Huberman ROKA Deal
39:58 Unsupported Cortisol Claims
42:40 Influencers Scramble for New Claims
43:55 Ethics of Promoting Health Products
44:46 Blue Blockers Are a Scam
45:23 Credits and References