Blue light protection is a scam. In all my many years I've never seen such a delusion take hold. It speaks to the "disinformation age" in which we find ourselves. (Editorial comment.)
1. Blue light damage from a screen is infinitessimally small, and the concern is way out of proportion. The fact that anyone ever invented the "blue scare" shows how craven our industry is. Pathetic.
2. Some (all?) blue light filters pass light that has blue (somewhat...20%?) subtracted so it functions as a mild warm-toned "tint". Of course one could just as easily adjust the color temperature of their monitors or their devices (and some automatically do that for you, already). But we all know a little tint "feels nice".
3. There is a placebo effect, perhaps. There is a psychological benefit, perhaps.
4. It's akin to a "fashion trend" like thick, black plastic nerd frames became, years ago. It's considered "gaming gear". Etc. No harm, no foul.
Here's my policy, to date.
1. I sure as heck don't promote it. "I'm not a crook."
2. If asked, I tell them the truth. "I'm not at all worried about damage to the eye from blue light. But many people like the comfort of the blue-blocker." Because it's true.
3. If blue light protection is requested, I don't try to disabuse them of their wishes. I'll comply.
But now the question:
There are two kinds of product out there (right?). One is a blue-reflecting AR/mirror-like product. The other is a virtually invisible product that I believe is in the polymer itself, and is not a coating.
Assuming I'm correct, which product is "better" for a guy like me?
If I truly believed that blue light damage mattered (i.e. if I were a stupid person) I would rather have my patients walking around in the invisible form. And "everyone should have it!". But there would be no need to be "showy" about it.
If I believe that its akin to a fashion accessory/placebo (that's me), I believe it makes more sense to bring the dog-and-pony full force. Make those lenses look purpley and all reflective! Let them know they got that blue light coating!!
So my decision is to use a product type that "shows off" the fact that there is blue protection. But I really value the input of the board, here. What do you think?
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