Blue light filters in computer glasses are becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly do these filters do? And how do they help protect your eyes from blue light from digital screens? In this blog, we explain how a blue light filter works and why it can be a smart choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen.

What is blue light?

Blue light is part of the light spectrum that comes from both natural and artificial light sources. Sunlight, for example, contains blue light, but digital devices such as phones, tablets and computers also emit blue light. This type of light has a short wavelength and high energy, which can contribute to digital eye strain and even sleep problems may cause.

Blue light has a wavelength of approximately 380 to 500 nanometers (nm), and is often divided into two categories:

• Blue turquoise light (465-500 nm): This light is less harmful and plays a role in regulating our biorhythm. It is necessary to stay alert and maintain our energy levels, especially during the day.
• Blue-violet light (380-465 nm): This part of the blue light spectrum has the highest energy and is often associated with possible retinal damage. In the long run, this light can contribute to digital eye strain and even the risk of macular degeneration increase.

Natural and artificial sources of blue light

Blue light occurs naturally in sunlight and is essential to our biological processes. Exposure to sunlight, including blue light, helps regulate our biorhythm (the internal biological clock), making us alert during the day and tired at night. This is because blue light affects the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycle. During the day, exposure to blue light causes us to produce less melatonin, so we stay awake and energized.

However, with the rise of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers and LED lights, we are now also exposed to blue light at night and at night. These devices mainly transmit blue-violet light out, which can have a negative impact on our eyes and sleep. Because this blue light has a short wavelength, it spreads more easily and causes more glare and visual noise, contributing to digital eye strain.

Why is blue-violet light potentially harmful?

Blue-violet light, with its short wavelength (between 380-465 nm), is energy-rich and can penetrate deep into the eye, up to the retina. Prolonged exposure to this type of light can lead to a range of problems:

• Digital eye strain: This is the feeling of tired, dry, or irritated eyes after prolonged use of digital devices. It occurs because the eye has trouble constantly focusing on the high-energy blue light.
• Risk of retinal damage: Research suggests that blue-violet light can damage the retina in the long term, contributing to conditions such as macular degeneration. This degenerative eye disease may eventually impair vision, especially in people who are more genetically susceptible.
• Sleep problems: As mentioned earlier, exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can suppress melatonin production. This makes it harder to fall asleep and causes a disturbed night's sleep.

A blue light filter in computer glasses helps block some of the blue light. This can reduce eye fatigue, improve sleep rhythm, and increase your overall viewing comfort. Research supports these benefits. From a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health for example, it appears that blue light filtering glasses help maintain melatonin production in the evening and lower alertness, which promotes better sleep for people who are exposed to LED screens at night [Van der Lely et al., 2015]. This is because without a blue light filter, your eyes receive all wavelengths of blue light, which can lead to fatigue and dry eyes after a long day at work.

Why a blue light filter?

A blue light filter in computer glasses helps block some of the blue light. This can reduce eye fatigue, improve sleep rhythm, and increase your overall viewing comfort. This is because without a blue light filter, your eyes receive all wavelengths of blue light, which can lead to: tiredness and dry eyes.

How does a blue light filter work?

A blue light filter works by blocking the harmful short wavelengths of blue light. Most blue light filters focus on the range of approximately 400-450 nanometers, which is known as the most harmful part of the blue light spectrum. There are two main types of blue light filters:

1. Reflective filters — These filter blue light by simply reflecting it away from the lens. This prevents the blue light from reaching your eyes.
2. Absorbent filters — These filters absorb blue light, which means that the light is captured by the lens instead of penetrating to your eyes.

By using a blue light filter, your eyes can relax better, especially when you look at screens for long periods of time.

Do blue light filters have a color?

Some blue light filters have a slight shade of yellow or orange. This helps to block blue light even better, but can give your vision a slight tint. However, modern blue light filters are designed to minimise color contrast so that your screen still looks natural.

Benefits of a blue light filter

A blue light filter offers a number of important benefits, including:

• Less eye fatigue — Less blue light means less strain on your eyes after long hours in front of a screen.
• Better sleep quality — Blue light influences the production of melatonin, a hormone that is important for a good night's sleep. By wearing a blue light filter, you can reduce this effect, especially if you still have screen time at night.
• Improved productivity — Less eye fatigue and better concentration help you stay productive longer without discomfort.

Who is a blue light filter useful for?

A blue light filter is particularly useful for people who work in front of a screen for several hours a day. Think of office workers, students, and anyone else who has a lot of digital screen time. Especially in the evenings, a blue light filter can be used in a monitor goggles are valuable for protecting your eyes and supporting your sleep rhythm.

With computer glasses with a blue light filter, you can work more comfortably without suffering from eye fatigue and sleep disturbances. This type of glasses helps to reduce the harmful effects of prolonged screen time, keeping you more productive and keeping your eyes healthy.

A blue light filter helps

A blue light filter in your computer glasses helps block harmful blue light, reducing eye strain and preventing sleep. For those who spend a lot of time sitting in front of a screen, a blue light filter offers a simple but effective way to improve viewing comfort.

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