Key Takeaways
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Use a blue light pen test: Shine this special pen through your glasses onto a white surface. If the blue light is blocked or dimmed significantly, your glasses likely filter blue light.
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Check for a yellow or amber tint: Many effective blue light glasses have a visible tint that filters harmful artificial wavelengths.
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Look for the right specifications: Glasses that block blue light should list their wavelength filtration at around 400-500 nanometers (nm).
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Do a screen glare test: A noticeable reduction in glare when looking at screens may indicate blue light blocking lenses, but this isn’t a very accurate test.
Digital eye strain is, unfortunately, becoming the norm. We’re all staring at screens more than ever before, not just for entertainment but as a part of our work lives too. Many people have started turning to blue light glasses for relief, to improve sleep, reduce headaches, and make screen time more comfortable.
But there's a catch… Not all blue light glasses actually block blue light like they claim to. Some barely filter anything! While others are specifically designed to block the right wavelengths.
So, how do you know if your glasses really work?
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to test your blue light glasses, what features to look for, and how they compare to other types of eyewear.
Blue Light Glasses Explained
Blue light glasses are designed to filter or block high-energy visible light, particularly in the 400-500 nm wavelength range. This includes blue and violet light emitted by screens like phones, TVs, and computers, as well as LED lights.
Excessive exposure to blue light, especially at night, can lead to digital eye strain and disrupted sleep, since it can disrupt your circadian rhythm by tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
So, are blue light glasses worth it? Yes! They aim to reduce the negative effects of blue light by absorbing or deflecting harmful wavelengths, making screen use more comfortable.
Simple Methods to Determine If Your Glasses Block Blue Light
If you’re wondering, “Do blue light glasses really work?”, there are several easy and reliable ways to test your blue light glasses at home. Here are the best options:
1. Use a Blue Light Pen Test
Blue light pens can be bought online and work by shining a beam of blue light when switched on.
Simply shine a blue light pen through your lenses onto either a white card or surface on the other side. If the blue light is totally blocked or at least significantly reduced, your lenses are likely absorbing the blue light as they should.
2. Check Using a Color Chart
Another way to check that your glasses are filtering blue light is by looking at an RGB color chart.
The blue circle on the chart should look dimmed, darker, or almost black if your glasses are filtering out the right wavelengths.
3. Look at Screen Tinting While Wearing Them
Put on your glasses and stare at a white screen or website. Do you notice that the whites appear slightly yellow or warmer? If so, that’s the lens filtering out blue hues.
4. Review The Product Info
Always check the lens specs on the product label before purchasing. It should mention specifically filtering blue light between 400-500 nm and give you a filtration percentage. Be careful of vague marketing claims with no data or certifications.
Dream Recovery Blue Light Glasses have been third-party tested and shown to filter out at least 98% of blue light. This ensures you have total peace of mind that they’re working as promised to protect your eyes and improve sleep.
Shop Dream Recovery Blue Light Glasses now.
Features of Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Understanding what to look for helps you separate real blue light blockers from fake lenses.
1. Yellow or Amber Tint
Most effective lenses will show a visible tint. Yellow, orange, and amber all block blue light efficiently, especially in the evening when you want to minimize any disruptions to your sleep.
If there’s no tint, there’s a higher chance they might not be filtering anything meaningful. However, some clear lenses may still be effective if they come from a premium brand.
Explore some of the best blue light glasses for women and the best blue light glasses for men here.
2. Anti-Reflective Coating
Anti-reflective coatings on blue light lenses reduce screen glare, which can make your eyes feel more relaxed and comfortable. This type of coating is a must-have if you're spending long hours in front of digital screens for either work or entertainment.
3. Wavelength Filter Range
Look for glasses that clearly state the filtered wavelength range, which should ideally cover 400 to 500 nm. This ensures protection from high-intensity blue light emitted by screens and LEDs. Don’t skip these technical specs!
Take a look at our list of the best blue light glasses for sleep.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses Compared to Other Types
Not all glasses are designed for the same purpose. Here's how blue light glasses compare to some other types.
Vs. Sunglasses
Sunglasses block UV rays, which are shorter wavelengths of light known for their damaging effects on the skin and eyes. Some premium sunglass lenses include blue light filters, but their main focus is on protecting you from sunlight, not from screens.
If you want to learn more, check out our guide on UV glasses vs. blue light.
Vs. Green Light Glasses
Green light glasses are used in migraine therapy and to reduce light sensitivity. They don’t target the blue light spectrum and are used for specialized cases, instead of general protection from screens.
Vs. Computer Glasses
Computer glasses usually focus on reducing glare and eye fatigue, but they don’t always include blue light filtering technology, tints, or coatings.
Blue light glasses are usually a better option since they also protect against the harmful effects of blue light on your sleep while reducing eye strain.
Choose Dream Recovery Blue Light Glasses
Want to get your hands on blue light glasses that you know you can trust to actually do their job?
Dream Recovery Blue Light Glasses are tested, optimized, and designed for comfort and efficacy. They block 98% of harmful blue light across the 400-500 nm range and are lightweight and stylish for everyday wear.
Transform your sleep and protect your eyes with Dream Recovery Blue Light Glasses.