We have reached the six-week mark of this semester, and now is about the time for reflection. We can reflect on study habits, grades, schedules or on online purchases made throughout the semester so far. It’s difficult at times to connect academic happenings to purchases that are made to relieve stress, but once in a while, the two can join hand in hand.
One purchase in particular — actually relating to education — is my purchase of blue light glasses right as the semester began. Week six of online classes marks six weeks of using these glasses. Here is my verdict:
The glasses are designed to alleviate the strain put on eyes, which is caused by taking in blue light from screens. They are said to help with headaches, and as a frequent headache sufferer about to dive into many months of staring at a screen, I decided to give them a try.
I eased my way into wearing the glasses, and it was surely not an immediate all-day use. At first, it felt bizarre to actually have glasses on my face as someone who does not wear glasses. Over the course of time, it became a habit that as my screen opened, so did my glasses. There are still times where I forget or even times where I find myself oddly moving them to the top of my head to look at the screen. With regard to the ratio of use to no use with looking at my computer screen, I would say I am wearing them very regularly.
In terms of headaches, I haven’t found myself hurting any more than usual. This result could very well be used as a plus for the glasses. With more screen time, there is a higher possibility for more headaches to occur. On the other end, I wouldn’t say that I have experienced life-altering results at this point, either. The glasses certainly make me feel more studious, though, which could be another plus.
My phone screen is another factor to consider while wearing these glasses for my courses. Blue light is also produced by phones, and I am not the best at wearing them with the amount of time spent on my phone. For me, I use the glasses solely to complete work on my computer.
The overall verdict? I’m not entirely sure. I am able to feel better about myself while wearing the glasses, and they do make me feel as though I am doing a beneficial procedure. The glasses comically allow me to feel a bit smarter by giving me an item to wear for online classes that is not pajama pants. The results so far haven’t been amazing, but they also have not been bad by any means, either. I am interested in continued use to experience possible long-term effects. If you are searching for an experiment to conduct and adding an element of reflection as the semester carries on, blue light glasses are definitely a practical and compelling choice.
Lauren Patterson is a sophomore studying journalism. Please note that the views and ideas of columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Lauren? Tweet her @lpaatt.
