Why it makes sense to protect your eyes with blue light filter glasses, valuable tips to help you choose the right model & the best recommendations in this review.
Blue light filter glasses protect the eyes and can help to positively influence falling asleep.
In this text I will explain the different functions of blue light filter glasses:
- I report on the real benefits of such glasses.
- Explain to you when blue light filter glasses make sense.
- What you should pay attention to with and without prescription glasses.
During the research, I took into account both scientific studies on the topic as well as customer opinions and test reports.
If you are looking for a quick purchase recommendation, I can definitely recommend these blue light filter glasses:
In this article I will go into detail on these topics:
Since the possible uses of blue light filter glasses are complex, it is advisable to obtain detailed information before buying.
I hope this text will help you to find the right blue light filter glasses for your needs.
Index
People and light
The human eye is one of the most important sensors we have. The eye tells the brain how much light can be seen and the body reacts accordingly.
For centuries, people’s activity was based on the hours of sunshine.
- When the sun rises, it signals to the body that the active period begins.
- When the sun goes down in the evening, the body automatically reacts with fatigue.
Different hormones are activated in the body depending on the incidence of light.
Nowadays we live surrounded by unnatural light sources that give false signals to the body with their artificial blue light.
Whether it is a lamp, PC screen, cell phone, television or e-book, artificial light has a lasting effect on both our sleep rhythm and our health.
How do blue light filters work?
Blue light filter Glasses should prevent the unnatural blue light from being perceived by the eye. A filter does not allow the blue light radiation to reach the eye and thus ensures that the eye does not transmit any “false” light messages to the brain.
At the same time, the blue light filter protects the eye from the negative influences of unnatural light sources. This is how these protective goggles are effective against eye fatigue, especially when working or playing on the computer.
In the evening, the glasses help the body to prepare for the upcoming night’s sleep.
Since no blue light reaches the eye, which signals daylight and thus activity to the brain, the natural process of tiredness begins.
The body then releases more of the sleep hormone melatonin. This ensures that the body switches from activity to rest.
technology
The technology behind the blue light filter glasses is very simple and comparable to normal sunglasses.
The lenses are provided with a special coating that filters out the wavelengths responsible for the blue light radiation.
Most blue light filter glasses have a 5-7% tint in a light yellow shade.
As a rule, blue light filters in glasses filter out so-called HEV light (high energy visible light) with a wavelength of over 400 nanometers.
Do blue light filters make sense?
Ever larger television and computer screens as well as the constant use of smartphones ensure that people are exposed to ever greater blue light radiation during the day and evening.
Blue light filter glasses can reduce the negative effects of blue light.
- Especially when the environment is dark, the pupils dilate and more high-energy blue light can penetrate the optic nerves.
- When working or playing in front of the computer, the focus is often on these unnatural HEV light sources for hours. This can affect both the optic nerves and the sleep rhythm.
There are currently no long-term studies, but there is a suspicion that intense blue light radiation attacks the optic nerve in the long term.
In the following, I have summarized some of the most common conditions for using blue light glasses for you:
Computer work
Many people today spend eight hours or more a day at work in front of a computer. The amount of blue light radiation that hits the eyes is immense.
The term “office eye syndrome” is already well established among ophthalmologists and general practitioners.
In the long term, visual disturbances, headaches, malaise and dizziness can also occur.
Blue light filter glasses can help protect the optic nerves and reduce symptoms of eye fatigue such as tearing or burning.
watch TV
The longer you watch TV, the more exposure to HEV blue light you are. In the evening in particular, the blue light signals to the body that it is still broad daylight. This can cause problems falling asleep.
In addition to adequate lighting while watching TV, blue light filter glasses can ensure that the body goes into a state of rest despite watching TV.
Consumer electronics
Whether computer games, tablets, e-book readers or smartphones, the displays of all these devices emit blue light. The longer you expose yourself to these rays of light, the more likely it is to have negative effects.
You should therefore limit the use of electronic devices for entertainment, especially in the evening.
Info: You can find out all the important details in the article Why you should banish your cell phone from the bedroom .
Even those who only briefly look at their e-mails before going to bed are sending false stimuli to the brain.
Computer games
Blue light filter glasses are currently the most popular among computer game users.
Since the eyes get used to the filter quickly and do not impair the fun of the game, many gamers use protection from the blue light to protect their eyes.
When should you use blue light filter glasses?
Blue light filter glasses are primarily intended for those who spend a lot of time in front of unnatural light sources or who have problems finding a natural sleep rhythm.
Since the exact effects of blue light have not yet been adequately investigated, there are no specific application recommendations for blue light filters.
In addition, each person reacts very differently to light signals.
- If you have problems with your eyes because you sit in front of a screen for a long time, it is definitely worth trying blue light filter glasses.
- Typical problems such as burning eyes or watering of the eyes may decrease significantly.
- Even if you have problems falling asleep in the evening, appropriate glasses with a blue light filter can help the body find its natural sleep rhythm.
However, it is much more recommendable to avoid unnatural light sources in the evening.
No negative effects
Since no negative effects of blue light filter glasses are known, every person can wear these glasses.
Nowadays there are both glasses and sunglasses that also have blue light filters.
Since some of the glasses are available for as little as € 20, it can be worthwhile to try blue light filter glasses when the first negative symptoms appear. You will quickly notice whether this helps.
What do blue light filter glasses cost?
As with all glasses, there is a wide price range for blue light filter glasses. One
- Cheap models can be had for around € 20.
- More elaborate models or clip-ons for glasses wearers can also cost up to € 50.
- Blue light filter glasses with prescription are more expensive to buy.
But don’t just consider the price, because choosing the right blue light filter glasses depends on your personal needs.
Blue light filter glasses in the test
Since the filter technology is not very complicated or expensive to produce, many models get the marks good or very good in the product test.
The decisive factor for the test results is usually the bandwidth of the wavelengths against which the glasses protect.
Very good blue light filter glasses sometimes cover a range from 300 to 500nm, with good protective glasses the range can also be 410-460nm.
Testimonials
The experience reports that you can find in the various sales portals are also consistently positive.
For most of the users, the previously identified symptoms such as eye redness or headaches have significantly improved.
- The only “negative” reports indicate that no effect was seen.
- But this is quite normal. Only when negative symptoms have already appeared, you can determine whether they are alleviated.
However, I have to add that most testimonials and reviews are written by young people who use glasses in front of the computer. Experience has shown, however, that this age group suffers the least from vision or sleep problems.
Different models of blue light filter glasses
Since there are very different areas of application, very different models of blue light filter glasses are available in stores.
You receive:
- Blue light filter glasses without prescription.
- Blue light filter prescription glasses.
- Clip-ons to attach to your glasses.
Here is an overview including some purchase recommendations.
Blue light filter glasses without prescription
Blue light filter Glasses without prescription are suitable for all those who do not suffer from visual problems, but still want to protect themselves against blue light.
The glass of these glasses is normal window glass, which is provided with a protective filter.
Blue light filter glasses without prescription can be purchased freely in stores and are portable for everyone.
Further purchase recommendations can be found below under computer glasses.
Blue light filter prescription glasses
If you already have glasses with optical lenses, you can ask your optician whether it is possible to get glasses with your prescription with a blue light filter.
In any case, let us advise you when you can use these glasses and when glasses with normal lenses are more recommendable.
You can also get prescription glasses with blue light filters from Fielmann or Apollo. Alternatively, you can use a clip-on, which I will explain below in the text.
Blue light filter glasses for motorists
There are special driver glasses with blue light filters, especially for older people.
When driving at night, these are designed to protect you from dazzling light sources that are too bright.
However, since protective glasses with filters can sometimes cause color shifts, you should also seek advice from an optician or ophthalmologist.
Blue light filter glasses for computers
Most blue light filter glasses that are available nowadays also have names such as “computer glasses” or “gamer glasses”. That shows the main target group of the product.
Regardless of whether you sit in front of the screen many hours a day for work or for fun, I recommend that you try protective glasses if you have problems.
The Prisma blue light filter glasses are winners in several product tests and users are also enthusiastic about the quality:
The blue light filter glasses from KLIM Optics are also very popular and impress with their quality:
Tip: Some employees even pay for blue light filter glasses on request.
The SFL set includes two glasses that are suitable for many activities. Whether playing computer games, watching TV, playing sports outside or driving a car.
So don’t let the name “computer glasses” confuse you. The blue light filter glasses are versatile.
Blue light filter clip on for glasses wearers
There are special clip-on blue light filters for people who wear glasses, which can be attached to the existing glasses. This saves you from buying expensive glasses with optical lenses.
During my research, I was particularly impressed by the Prisma Clip On plug:
Some blue light filter glasses are also made particularly large, so that it is possible to wear them over conventional glasses. You can use this when, for example, you work on your computer or watch TV in the evening.
If you just don’t need the blue light filter, you can simply fold up the clip and see through your normal glasses – without a filter.
All advantages and disadvantages at a glance
For a quick overview, I have compiled a summary of the most important advantages and disadvantages of blue light filter glasses.
Benefits:
- Prevention of vision problems
- Protection of the eyes
- Extends the possible working or playing time on the computer
- Can reduce problems falling asleep
- Relatively inexpensive
disadvantage
- Yellow-tinged depending on the model
- Color shifts
- No known science-based consequences
If you choose the right model, blue light filter glasses have many advantages and you can protect your eyes with them.
Conclusion: Blue light filter glasses can help and protect in many areas
If you have read the article carefully, you already know about the protective functions that glasses with a blue light filter can offer you.
In most cases, users only use such glasses when they have impaired vision or falling asleep.
Since everyone has a different sensitivity threshold, blue light filter glasses are not recommended for all users.
- Many people do not feel influenced by the blue light radiation, and long-term studies are also not available.
- If you belong to the risk group (just check how many hours a day you look at screens), blue light filter glasses can be recommended.
Since the acquisition costs are not too high, it is definitely worth trying out these glasses.
These three models are each without prescription, with prescription and a clip-on for your glasses:
However, I find it much more recommendable if you reduce your personal blue light influence, especially in the evening.
Alternatives
Many smartphones and computers offer their own blue light filters for the screen. These filter the harmful blue light directly from the projection.
There are also additional programs for computers that help to calibrate the screen.
If your electronic devices have blue light filters, it is worth programming them so that they activate automatically after sunset.
More tips for a better sleep
If you have restless sleep or have trouble falling asleep, the following articles are sure to be of interest to you:
I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.