Key Takeaways
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Yes, you can enhance your existing glasses with blue light protection.
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Options include applying a blue light filter coating, using clip-on blue light blocking lenses, or replacing your current lenses with blue light filtering ones.
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These filters can help reduce eye strain, improve sleep quality, and help protect your eyes from prolonged screen exposure.
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It’s ideal to consult with an optician to determine the best method for adding a blue light filter to your glasses.
Prolonged exposure to screens has become a normal part of our everyday lives, leading to increased concerns about blue light and its effects on our eyes and sleep patterns.
If you're experiencing eye strain, headaches, or disrupted sleep, you might be wondering: Can I add a blue light filter to my existing glasses? The answer is yes, you can!
In this article, we’ll explore various methods to fit your current eyewear with blue light protection, as well as their pros and cons, in order to help you make the most informed decision to enhance your visual comfort and overall well-being.
Understanding Blue Lights and It’s Effects
Blue light is a high-energy visible light with wavelengths ranging from 400 to 500 nanometers. It's emitted artificially by digital screens and LED lighting, and naturally by the sun.
While some natural blue light exposure is healthy and beneficial during the day, excessive exposure to artificial blue light, especially at night, can increase the chances of digital eye strain and lead to disrupted sleep patterns.
Some of the main symptoms of overexposure include things like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, difficulty focusing, and a hard time falling asleep.
What Does a Blue Light Filter Do?
Blue light filters use innovative technology designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
These special lens coatings work by absorbing or blocking blue light wavelengths.
By filtering out harmful blue light, these lenses might help to alleviate eye strain, reduce glare, and improve sleep quality by minimizing the disruption of melatonin production - your body’s primary sleep hormone.
They're particularly beneficial for individuals who spend extended periods in front of screens or shift workers exposed to artificial lighting late into the night.
So, if you’ve been wondering “do blue light glasses work?,” the answer is yes!
Types of Blue Light Filter Lenses
There are several types of blue light filter lenses available, each catering to different needs and preferences.
1. Coated Lenses
These lenses have a special anti-reflective, clear coating applied to the surface that filters out blue light.
They're ideal for those who want to add blue light protection to their prescription lenses without changing the lens material.
Many companies, such as Torga Optical, offer the service of applying a blue light blocking coating to your existing glasses.
2. Tinted Lenses
Tinted lenses usually come in amber or yellow hues and naturally filter out blue light due to their color. They're commonly used in gaming glasses and are effective in reducing glare and enhancing contrast.
Learn more about the best blue light-blocking glasses for gaming.
3. Photochromic Lenses
These lenses adjust their tint based on light exposure. Almost magically, they darken in bright environments and clear up indoors.
Some photochromic lenses also offer blue light filtering properties, providing more versatile protection throughout the day.
Discover Dream Recovery’s blue light blocking glasses today.
Can You Add a Blue Light Filter to Existing Glasses?
Yes, you can add a blue light filter to existing glasses! Here are a few methods available to achieve this:
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Applying a blue light filter coating: Some optical professionals can apply a blue light filtering coating to your current lenses. However, this depends on the lens material and their condition. You might also be without your glasses for a few days.
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Using clip-on blue light blocking lenses: Clip-on lenses are an affordable and convenient option that can easily be attached to your existing glasses. These are ideal for those who don’t want to replace their lenses or purchase an extra pair of blue light blocking glasses.
They are easy to remove or switch out for different uses (work, gaming, reading), but they might make your glasses look bulky or impact your aesthetic.
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Replacing lenses with blue light filtering ones: You can have the lenses you’re currently using replaced with new ones that have built-in blue light filtering properties (either through your optician or online retailers).
If you want a ready-to-go solution, you can read more in our guides about the best blue light blocking glasses for sleep, the best blue light blocking blasses for men and the best blue light blocking glasses for women
Pros and Cons of Adding a Blue Light Filter to Existing Glasses
Pros
1. Cost-effective solution
Enhancing your current glasses with blue light protection might be more affordable than purchasing a new pair. Therefore, options like clip-on lenses or applying a coating can be budget-friendly alternatives.
2. Convenience
Using clip-on lenses or applying a coating allows you to retain your existing frames, meaning you don’t have to part with glasses you really like or put in the effort to select a new pair.
3. Immediate relief
Adding a blue light filter can provide quick relief from digital eye strain, reducing symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision.
Cons
1. Compatibility issues
Not all lenses are suitable for additional coatings, and some materials may not adhere well to the blue light filter, which could compromise their effectiveness.
2. Aesthetic concerns
Clip-on lenses alter the appearance of your glasses, which can make some users find them less aesthetically pleasing and bulky.
3. Might reduce clarity
Applying additional coatings or using clip-ons may slightly affect the clarity of your vision, reducing the effectiveness of your existing glasses.
Is Adding a Blue Light Filter Right for You?
Adding a blue light filter to your glasses might be right for you if:
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You spend extended periods in front of digital screens.
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You experience symptoms of digital eye strain, such as dry eyes, headaches, or blurred vision.
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You have trouble sleeping, potentially due to blue light exposure disrupting your circadian rhythm.
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You wear prescription lenses and want to keep your existing glasses while benefiting from blue light blocking technology.
If you're still unsure, it’s best to consult with an optician to take a look at your specific needs and determine the best method to add blue light protection to your eyewear.
Choose Blue Light Glasses That Suit Your Needs With Dream Recovery
Adding a blue light filter to your existing glasses is totally doable and and often a really smart move, especially if you wear prescription lenses. However, it’s essential to consult with an optician to chart the best plan forward.
But if you’re looking for a simple and effective option without dealing with additional coatings or lense swaps, consider going for a dedicated pair of blue light blocking glasses.
Dream Recovery offers stylish, effective, and comfortable options that are built specifically to block 98% of harmful blue light, as demonstrated by extensive third-party testing.
Ready to protect your eyes and sleep better? Try Dream Recovery’s blue light blocking glasses now.