Different Types of Blue Light Blocking Technology

In today’s digital age, we spend more time than ever staring at the digital screen - whether it’s a tablet, a laptop, or a TV. But did you know that the blue light emitted by these devices can cause digital eye strain and other complications in the long run? That’s one of the major reasons behind the popularity of blue light-blocking glasses. However, they’re not the only way to block blue light from digital devices.

For those who are unaware of blue light, it is a high-energy light in the visible spectrum with a short wavelength. The natural source of blue light is the sun but artificial sources of blue light include digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computer screens. Blue light from the sun keeps us active during the day but excessive blue light from artificial sources especially during the night can cause multiple complications.

So, what can we do to safeguard ourselves from the adverse effects of blue light? There are several types of blue light-blocking technologies in the market, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options.

Blue light-blocking technologies

1. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Let’s start with the most accessible and popular option in the market - blue light glasses. These glasses work on a simple technology where they have a specialised coating applied on the surface of the lenses to filter harmful blue light and reduce the amount reaching your eyes. Many studies have shown the benefit of blue light glasses in reducing eye fatigue even after significant screen time. However, some of them still need more evidence to reach a decisive conclusion.

One of the major reasons behind this conflict is that there is no fixed standard in blue light filtering offered by various eyewear brands. That means the blue light-blocking technology of every brand can differ. Hence, it’s important to consider what particular wavelength of blue light is being blocked by the glasses of a particular brand. The good news is that we offer X-Blue lenses that have a blue light filter built into the monomer of the lenses instead of applying the coating on the lens surface. As a result, it offers better protection against blue light between 400 to 455 nanometres range where most of the artificial short-wavelength blue light vibrates.

2. Blue Light Blocking Contact Lenses

Blue light-blocking contact lenses are also available in the market these days. These lenses are designed to filter out blue light before it reaches your eyes. They are available in prescription and non-prescription options, so you can wear them even if you don't need corrective lenses. However, they won’t offer the style statement and flexibility you get with eyeglasses.

3. Blue Light Blocking Screen Protectors

If you don’t want to wear blue light glasses, another option is a blue light-blocking screen protector. These protectors are placed over your phone or computer screen and work by filtering blue light from the screen. They are often made from a thin layer of tempered glass or plastic and are easy to install.

Again, there is no standardisation in this technology so it’s really hard to differentiate between actual blue light blocking screen protectors. Another problem is that it might not work with all your devices.

4. Blue Light Blocking Software

Another option for reducing blue light exposure is to use blue light-blocking software. There are several apps and programs available that can adjust the colour temperature of your screen to reduce blue light emission. Some popular options include f.lux, Iris, and Night Shift.

One advantage of using software to block blue light is that it’s easy to customise. You can adjust the colour temperature and intensity to your liking, and some programs even allow you to schedule the blocking to turn on automatically at certain times of day. However, software solutions are only effective on the device on which they're installed, so if you use multiple devices, you'll need to install the software on each one. If you combine it with blue light glasses, the result will be even better.

5. Blue Light Blocking Bulbs

The last option on the list is blue light-blocking bulbs. These bulbs emit warm, amber-coloured light instead of blue light like traditional bulbs. They're often used as a nighttime light source, as the warm colour can help promote relaxation and improve sleep.

Benefits of Blue Light Blocking Technology

Blue light blocking technology is designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes, which can have a range of positive effects on your health and well-being. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits.

1. Improved Sleep

One of the biggest benefits of blue light-blocking technology is that it can improve your sleep. Exposure to blue light in the evening can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Reducing the amount of blue light can help in melatonin production, leading to better sleep during the night.

2. Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue

Another benefit of blue light-blocking technology is that it can reduce eye strain and fatigue. Staring at screens for extended periods can cause a range of symptoms, including dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Less exposure to artificial blue light can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall comfort.

3. Improved Productivity

As a result of reduced eye strain and better sleep, your productivity also improves. When your eyes are comfortable and relaxed, you'll be able to work more efficiently and effectively.

Final Words

In conclusion, blue light-blocking technology has a range of benefits. If you spend a lot of time staring at screens, investing in blue light-blocking technology may be a worthwhile investment for your health and mental well-being. At Specscart, you can get X-Blue lenses which are designed to offer superior protection against harmful blue light. The lenses also come with anti-glare, anti-UV, anti-scratch, and impact-resistant coatings for free. If you have any concerns, you can try our free try-at-home 2.0 service where you get four frames of your choice with 3 demo lenses including X-Blue lenses and a UV pen for 7 days.