How to Tell if My Glasses are Blue Light Blocking: 1 Minute to Identify Blue Light Glasses Easily

Blue light blocking glasses have surged in popularity as more people spend extended hours in front of digital screens. But with so many eyewear options available, how can you confidently determine if your glasses truly block blue light? In this guide, I’ll walk you through straightforward methods to check your lenses, and—drawing on my experience as a designer—offer insights on choosing glasses that blend function with style in your home or office environment.

1. Check for a Subtle Tint

Authentic blue light blocking glasses often have a slight yellow or amber tint when held up to natural light. This tint is designed to filter out blue wavelengths from screens and artificial lighting. Hold your glasses up against a white background or under daylight and see if you notice any hue. Not all blue light coatings are easily visible, but a very faint warm tone is usually present.

2. Use a Blue Light Test Card or Laser

Some glasses come with a blue light test kit: a card and a blue laser. When you shine the blue laser through your lenses onto the test card, blue-blocking glasses will significantly reduce or even block the light's effect on the card, while regular lenses let the blue color shine through. If you didn't receive a card with your purchase, inexpensive test kits are available online.

3. Look for a Coating Reflection

Hold your glasses at an angle in front of a light source—especially an LED screen or lamp. Blue light blocking coatings sometimes reflect blue, purple, or green colors. If your lenses reflect more blue than clear lenses, that's a sign of the special coating at work.

4. Review Product Labels or Documentation

Legitimate blue light lenses, especially from reputable brands, will be labeled accordingly. Review any paperwork, receipts, or product descriptions to confirm that blue light protection is listed as a feature.

5. Ask Your Optician

If you purchased your glasses through an eye care professional, ask them to verify the lens coating. Many opticians have lab tools or light meters that accurately demonstrate blue light filtration.

Design Insight

As a designer, I always remind my clients that eyewear is both a style statement and a tool that can influence productivity and comfort in their living or workspaces. When selecting blue light blocking glasses for your home office layout, consider not only protection but also frame aesthetics to complement your interior style. Statement frames or minimalist designs can reinforce the mood you want in your workspace, balancing visual comfort and design harmony.

Tips 1:

For optimal screen protection and overall eye comfort, ensure your desk or workspace is set up with sufficient ambient lighting to reduce glare and eye strain—blue light glasses work best as part of a holistic setup.

FAQ

Q: What is blue light and why is it harmful?

A: Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital screens and LED lighting. Prolonged exposure can contribute to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and, in some cases, retinal stress.

Q: Do all glasses block blue light?

A: No. Only glasses with a special blue light filtering coating or material block significant amounts of blue light. Regular prescription or reading glasses do not offer this protection unless specified.

Q: Can I test blue light blocking at home without a special kit?

A: Yes. You can try viewing a blue-colored image on your phone through your glasses and see if the intensity changes. However, for accurate results, a test kit or optician is recommended.

Q: Will blue light blocking glasses change screen colors?

A: Quality lenses should only introduce a very subtle color shift, usually barely noticeable. If the tint is strong and distorts colors, the lenses may be of lower quality.

Q: Are blue light glasses only useful for office work?

A: No, they’re beneficial any time you’re exposed to screens or artificial lighting, including gaming, watching TV, or smartphone use, making them versatile for any modern living environment.