Do blue light glasses work? I asked an optometrist about the benefits and how they can affect sleep quality

Since becoming a writer, I spend several hours a day (we're talking up to 14!) staring at screens. I've worn blue light glasses for a while, and they've gotten me through several school assignments and writing projects. I rarely stare at a screen without them. Blue light glasses help relax my eyes, and I like that when I wear them, I can look at brighter settings without squinting.
While I personally swear by them, I wanted to get an expert take on the matter: Are blue light glasses worth it? To answer that question, I spoke to Dr. Abraham Yuen, the director and lead optometrist of Downtown Vision in Toronto, Ont.
Yuen says blue light can result in eyestrain, fatigue and sleep disruption without protection. 'It can keep us awake,' he tells Yahoo Canada. He explains that excess digital screen exposure acts similarly to artificial sunlight, affecting our usual sleep-wake cycle. Yuen advises being mindful when shopping for lenses. 'Some [lenses] may have anti-scratch and anti-reflective features, while some may not block blue light due to improper coatings."
Blue light is one of several colours in the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, natural blue light comes from the sun. It helps maintain our circadian rhythm and boosts our mood, memory and cognitive focus. Blue light is also extremely common — it's in fluorescent lighting and the screens of our electronic devices.
Simran Bains from the Canadian eye care brand KITS adds that excess exposure to blue light could lead to health implications.
'My sleep was affected before I started wearing it,' she says. According to Bains, exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin production, which could result in a weakened immune system. 'It's useful to start [wearing blue light glasses] if you aren't already,' she adds. 'The less you wear them, the more your eyes will eventually become dried out.'
According to the Canadian sleep clinic Sleep Therapeutics, blue light can significantly impact sleep quality. Overexposure to blue light before bedtime can not lead to trouble falling asleep but may decrease overall sleep quality by suppressing melatonin production.
What is it: IBOANN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
What they offer: 3-pack of glasses with UV400 protection
Reviews: 12,000+
Average rating: 4.2 stars
These affordable blue light glasses from Amazon Canada have been my go-to pair for years. I love that you get three pairs for $20. They're lightweight, come in three different colours and several style options.
While I love them, smudge marks can be hard to wipe off, and the coating doesn't last very long. Sadly, I've experienced some eyestrain and a slight twitch in one eye. They're great for light reading or answering a few emails but not for hours staring at a screen.
What is it: KITS Zircon Blue Light Glasses
What they offer: 1 pair of lenses with UV420 protection
It's been a month since I got my first pair of glasses from the Canadian brand KITS. And so far, I have little to no complaints. My eyes haven't felt strained, the twitching stopped, and I like that they had sizes available for all face shapes. I'm wearing a large, and it fits my face like a glove. They're not as lightweight as Amazon's, but I actually prefer that. They don't feel flimsy, and you can tell they won't break easily or wear out in a few months. I also got slightly thicker frames, and I like that they feel less rigid than the other ones I've had. It's easier to wipe off smudge marks than with the Amazon pair, and I like the overall feel and quality of the lenses.
Blue light glasses are a must for me. When I wear them, I can work for hours, scroll my phone without worry and watch TV for as long as I want. I also find that I'm more focused and can work without eye strain — my eyes don't feel nearly as dry or as tried as they do without blue light glasses.
If you're considering buying a pair, both sets from Amazon and the Canadian brand KITS are worth trying. The Amazon glasses are affordable and lightweight, and KITS's blue-light glasses are high-quality with a crystal-clear blue-light coating. Between the two, I prefer the pair from KITS, but overall, any blue light protection is better than none.
These made-in-Canada blue light-blocking glasses are "incredible" and come in several colourways.
Warby Parker's popular Esme glasses come in five colourways and progressive, blue-light-filtering, and anti-fatigue lenses.
These stylish Ray-Ban glasses are built with blue-violet light filtering lenses.
These "Amazon's Choice" blue light glasses help with eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches.
Shop these stylish blue light-filtering glasses in two frame options.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

a day ago

• Yahoo

10 best and worst deli meats you can buy at grocery stores in Canada, ranked by a nutrition coach: Turkey breast, ham, roast beef and other popular meats

Deli meats are a convenient go-to for lunches, charcuterie boards and grab-and-go snacks. Some are lean, protein-packed choices that make lunch a little easier. Others are heavy on sodium and saturated fat, with a side of added preservatives. For Canadians navigating the deli counter, it's worth learning the difference between a healthy pick and an ultra-processed one. Health Canada classified deli meats as highly processed foods, and for good reason. Many varieties are packed with salt and preservatives, which have been linked to increased risks of heart disease and colorectal cancer. That doesn't mean you have to give them up entirely, but it does make it important to choose wisely regarding which options deserve a regular spot in your rotation. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. As a nutrition coach, I know consistently eating balanced meals sometimes means choosing convenience. Deli meats are a super quick source of protein that can help people create more nutritious meals when they're short on time. Here, I've ranked 10 of the most common deli meats found in Canadian grocery stores — like turkey breast, ham, roast beef and Canadian-style bacon — using nutritional breakdowns and official health recommendations to give you a clear picture of what you can safely add to your cart and what might be worth rethinking. Processed meat has been under scrutiny for years. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified processed meats (like bacon, ham and bologna) as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there's sufficient evidence linking them to colorectal cancer. In response, the Canadian Cancer Society recommended limiting red and processed meat to three servings or fewer per week. But that doesn't mean you have to cut out deli meats completely. You can enjoy them occasionally as part of a balanced diet, especially if you choose leaner, lower-sodium options. The key is to read labels carefully and prioritize minimally processed sources of protein whenever possible. You should also keep an eye on portion sizes to limit your overall exposure to high sodium and fat in processed meats. Health Canada uses 56 g as the serving size for sliced meats like turkey, chicken, ham, and roast beef, which is about two slices of typically sized deli meats. Claims you see on the front of deli meat packaging like "natural," "nitrate-free" or "artisan" aren't regulated in Canada. Instead, check the Nutrition Facts table and ingredients list. Here's what to aim for: Protein: At least 8 to 10 g per 56 g serving Sodium: Preferably under 500 mg per serving (Canada's recommended sodium limit is 2,300 mg/day) Fat: Lean options will have 2 g or less per serving Ingredient list: Shorter is better. Look for real cuts of meat ("turkey breast" or "top round") over vague blends ("mechanically separated meats"). To create this list, I started with Canada's most common and popular deli-style meats — turkey, chicken, ham and roast beef — and added a few popular extras like prosciutto, back bacon and Montreal smoked meat. Each meat was ranked using: Nutrition per 56 g serving: Protein, fat and sodium Processing level: Is it oven-roasted, cured, smoked or ultra-processed? Health guidelines: from Health Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society Health Canada recommended limiting highly processed foods and keeping sodium intake under 2,300 mg per day. The Canadian Cancer Society also advised eating no more than three servings of red or processed meat per week. These guidelines shaped the cutoff points I used in this ranking. Per 56 g (about two slices): Calories: 56 Protein: 12 g Fat: 0.3 g (Saturated: 0.06 g) Sodium: 431 mg Carbohydrates: 1.1 g Turkey is a popular protein (Canadians spent about $466 million on turkey in 2024). It's lean, relatively low in fat and delivers a decent protein hit per serving. The ultra-lean turkey option from Schneider's is low in fat and sugar, high in protein and made with straightforward ingredients. Its sodium is moderate compared to most deli options. For health-conscious shoppers, this is a consistent front-runner. Per 56 g (about three slices): Calories: 56 Protein: 9 g Fat: 1.4 g (Saturated: 0.35 g) Sodium: 438 mg Carbohydrates: 0.9 g Chicken is the most popular meat in Canada by a landslide, but hasn't been a top choice as a deli meat until more recently. Chicken is a great deli option since it's more nutritionally balanced than other cuts. Olymel's version is nitrite-free, sans preservatives and contains solid lean protein, minimal fat and moderate sodium. It's a reliable choice if you want to avoid preservatives, and its flavour is neutral enough to include in sandwiches or wraps. Per 56 g (about eight to nine slices): Calories: 58 Protein: 12 g Fat: 1.1 g (Saturated: 0.6 g) Sodium: 464 mg Carbohydrates: 1.1 g Red meat has a bad rap, and while it's best to limit your overall intake, lean cuts will give you a hefty serving of protein with minimal fat, plus iron and vitamin B12. A grocery store staple, Maple Leaf's Natural Selections Roast Beef, is gluten- and nitrite-free, made from natural ingredients and has a clean, lean protein profile. With about 12 grams of protein and just over 1 gram of fat per serving, it'll help keep you full with moderate sodium. Per 56 g (about four slices): Calories: 56 Protein: 11g Fat: 2g (Saturated: 0.6g) Sodium: 481mg Carbohydrates: 0g Pork-based deli meats like ham and salami are the most popular type in Canada, but they can also be higher in fat and sodium. One exception is lean ham, including Olymel's smoked black forest version, which is nitrite-free, gluten-free and made with natural ingredients. At just 2 g of fat and 11 g of protein per serving, it's leaner than many traditional ham products, but sodium is moderate at around 20 per cent of the daily value. Keep in mind, even lean ham varieties can add up in sodium, so limit servings to once per week or swap in turkey to stretch your intake. Per 56 g (about three to four slices): Calories: 47 Protein: 9 g Fat: 0.6 g (Saturated: 0 g) Sodium: 455 mg Carbohydrates: 1.2 g (Sugars: 1.2 g) Ziggy's, which is a Loblaw brand, makes a smoked turkey that is extra lean and decently high in protein. It would make a killer sandwich paired with veggies and honey mustard on high-fibre bread. But sodium is still an issue at 20 per cent of your daily recommended amount in a 56 g serving. Choose this for extra flavour once in a while, but for more frequent bites, substitute lower-sodium cooked turkey. Per 56 g: Calories: 59 Protein: 8 g Fat: 2 g (Saturated: 0.66 g) Sodium: 421mmg Carbohydrates: 2 g (Sugars: 1 g) Peameal bacon — what non-Canadians ironically call Canadian bacon — is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, and Lou's version holds up relatively well. It's low in fat and calories, but sodium still climbs to nearly 30 per cent of the daily limit in a single serving, which is 85 g (two slices), according to the package. Stick closer to a 56 g serving, or go with a single slice to limit your sodium intake. Per 56 g (about two slices): Calories: 61 Protein: 8 g Fat: 3 g (Saturated: 1 g) Sodium: 479 mg Carbohydrates: 1 g No Canadian deli meat list would be complete without Montreal-style smoked meat, used to make the classic sandwich on whole grain rye with mustard or paired with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese in a Reuben. M&M Food Market Montreal Smoked Meat gets high praise from customers for its tenderness and authentic flavour. Although it's not overly salty and less processed than salami and many cured meats, it's still moderately high in fat and sodium. It has a decent amount of protein from lean brisket, but its preparation means it's best positioned midway in the list as an occasional protein swap for sandwiches or charcuterie. Per 56 g: Calories: 78 Protein: 10 g Fat: 4 g (Saturated: 2 g) Sodium: 493 mg Carbohydrates: 0.6 g (Sugars: 0.6 g) Traditional kolbassa can be pretty fatty, but this European-style lean ham version from Piller's is higher in protein with moderate fat. The sodium content is respectable for a ham product, but it nearly hits 20 per cent of the daily limit with just 493 g in a 56 g serving (the package serving suggestion is 100 g with 880 mg sodium). The ingredient list is traditional, though it includes nitrates. Try pairing a small portion with extra veggies to balance sodium intake. Per 56 g (about three to four slices): Calories: 134 Protein: 16 g Fat: 8 g (Saturated: 3 g) Sodium: 986 mg Carbohydrates: 1 g (Sugars: 0 g) San Daniele is a brand owned by Ontario-based company Sofina Foods, which makes a range of authentic Italian charcuterie meats. This juniper-scented smoked prosciutto is rich in flavour, blending Italian salt-curing with Central European smoking. It's high in sodium, though — nearly 1,000 mg per 56 g serving — and moderately fatty. A little goes a long way, making it better suited to charcuterie boards in small portions (the package suggests 30 g) with fresh fruit, greens or whole grains to balance the saltiness. Per 56 g (about 10 to 11 slices): Calories: 224 Protein: 15 g Fat: 17 g (Saturated: 6.5 g) Sodium: 653 mg Carbohydrates 1.9 g (Sugars: 0 g) For a deli salami, this German-style option from Schneider's edges out other brands with its higher protein and slightly less sodium content than other brands. Still, it's high in fat and saturated fat, which places it near the bottom of the health rankings. Enjoy this one occasionally or pair it in small amounts (the suggested serving size is 30 g) with high-fiber, low-sodium ingredients like whole grain crackers or crisp vegetables.

Business Wire

3 days ago

• Business Wire

Venuiti Health Launches Powerful New Conformance Suite to Advance Digital Healthcare in Canada

WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cementing its role as a Canadian technology leader, Venuiti Healthcare, with support from Amplify Care, has launched a powerful new Conformance Testing Suite—designed to give healthcare professionals and their software vendors unprecedented visibility and control over their compliance to health information standards while accelerating the digital transformation of patient care. Built to meet the growing complexity of provincial, national, and jurisdictional healthcare standards, this next-generation platform empowers organizations to stay compliant without slowing operations—and ensures that healthcare systems across Canada move forward together. 'This is more than a testing suite—it's a tool for transformation,' said Jordan Schroecker, Director at Venuiti. 'As two Canadian companies deeply invested in the future of our healthcare system, we designed this to give healthcare professionals exactly what they need: clear insights, actionable outcomes, and the confidence to modernize while staying aligned.' Full Transparency. Real Action. What sets this solution apart is its focus on total transparency. Healthcare professionals don't just get a pass/fail, they receive: Downloadable, audit-ready reports Complete history of testing and changes Granular, code-level insights that pinpoint exactly what needs to be fixed to meet standards This empowers IT teams, compliance leads, and clinical decision-makers alike to take informed, immediate action—without ambiguity or delay. 'Healthcare providers want to do the right thing and comply with standards—they just need better tools,' said Alexey Sidelnikov, CTO at Venuiti. 'By turning regulatory complexity into clear, testable outputs—right down to the lines of code—we're giving them the ability to move fast, stay aligned, and focus more energy on delivering care.' Real Interoperability for a Unified Healthcare Future This suite is tailored for the real-world pressures of compliance to health information standards. Conformant software solutions used by healthcare professionals can now interoperate confidently, scale systems, and stay aligned with evolving mandates, all while driving measurable improvements in care delivery. 'In healthcare, innovative new products can reduce clinician burden and improve patient outcomes only if they integrate well with existing systems. We're proud that we're able to help enable standards-based interoperability in Canadian healthcare through our relationship with Venuiti - making compliance less daunting for clinicians.' - Russell Buchanan, Director, Architecture & Standards – Provincial Programs, Amplify Care About Venuiti Healthcare Venuiti is a Canadian technology company specializing in custom software and digital transformation solutions for healthcare. With a focus on real-world application and future-ready innovation, Venuiti helps healthcare providers navigate complexity, scale smartly, and deliver better patient outcomes. About Amplify Care Amplify Care, formerly known as the eHealth Centre of Excellence, advocates for clinicians by amplifying their voices and supporting the adoption of digital health solutions that reduce workload, improve workflows, and empower clinicians to focus on patient care. Since its inception in 2014, Amplify Care has reached over 17,000 clinicians across Canada and supported more than 60 digital health initiatives.

Time​ Magazine

3 days ago

• Time​ Magazine

Israeli Hospital Damaged by Iranian Airstrike as Missile Exchange Continues

Seventy-one people have been "slightly injured" after an Iranian missile strike damaged a hospital in Southern Israel, according to the country's health ministry. The strike on Soroka Medical Center, in the city of Beersheba, was part of a wider barrage from Iran, hitting neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, including Holon and Ramat Gan. Israel's health ministry has said that a total of 271 people were injured in the strikes, including those at Soroka, with four in serious condition. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 'can no longer be allowed to exist,' speaking to reporters at the site of missile strikes in Holon. 'Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed—he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal,' Katz said before threatening the Ayatollah. Iranian state media has said that the strike in southern Israel targeted a military command and intelligence center near the hospital, and that the blast from the strike caused damage to the medical center, The Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Israel has launched a series of its own missile attacks on Iran, targeting a nuclear reactor in Arak, nuclear facilities in Natanz, and ballistic missile sites, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says that since Israel's initial missile attack on Iran, 639 people have been killed there and a further 1,329 injured. HRANA reported on Thursday that 263 of these deaths have been confirmed as civilians and 154 as military personnel. In Israel, 24 people have been killed so far by Iranian strikes, with 838 injured. Israel reacts to Iranian strike damaging hospital Israeli government officials have responded to Thursday's strike on the hospital, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying, 'We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.' Before his comments threatening Khamenei on Thursday morning, Katz said: 'The cowardly Iranian dictator sits in the depths of the fortified bunker and fires aimed shots at hospitals and residential buildings in Israel. These are war crimes of the most serious kind— and Khamenei will be held accountable for his crimes.' 'The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to increase the intensity of attacks against strategic targets in Iran and against government targets in Tehran in order to remove threats to the State of Israel and undermine the ayatollahs' regime,' Katz continued in a statement on social media. While visiting the damaged hospital in Beersheba, Itimar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Security Minister said: 'The regime of the ayatollahs needs to be annihilated." 'This is an historic moment, we have the opportunity to defeat the Iranian nukes, the Nazis, the ayatollahs, anyone who hates the state of Israel,' he added. Ben-Gvir has recently been in the spotlight after he was sanctioned by the British, Canadian, Australian, Norwegian and New Zealand governments for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also faces the same sanctions, including a travel ban and the freezing of all assets in those countries. The question of U.S. involvement in the conflict continues On Thursday, while visiting the Soroka Medical Center, Netanyahu was asked about potential U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran. He said: 'President Trump will do what's best for America. I trust his judgment, he is a tremendous friend, a tremendous world leader, a tremendous friend of Israel.' Donald Trump has been considering direct U.S. military action against Iran in recent days. On Wednesday, he told reporters, ' I may do it, I may not do it, nobody knows what I'm going to do… I can tell you this. Iran's got a lot of trouble,' when asked if the U.S. was moving closer to striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian leader Khamenei issued a grave warning to the U.S. earlier on Wednesday, saying, 'The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,' during a public address. Russia has also warned about the consequences should President Trump decide to take action against Iran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media U.S. intervention would mar 'an expansion in the conflict's geography. We are hearing from Tehran that this could lead to another dangerous escalation."