Glasses for the Digital Blue Light Era

Protecting our eyes is more important today than ever before. With the growing use of smartphones, tablets, computers and modern LED light sources, our eyes are exposed daily to high levels of blue-enriched light.

This constant sensory strain can have noticeable long-term effects on wellbeing and health — ranging from dry, irritated or tired eyes, headaches and difficulty concentrating, to sleep disturbances caused by disrupted melatonin production. In some cases, even a potential impact on the retina is being discussed.

Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive: as the lens of a child’s eye is clearer than that of an adult, a greater amount of blue light can penetrate into the interior of the eye. At the same time, many children today spend regular periods in front of screens from a very young age — often for many hours each week. This makes it all the more important to ensure effective protection at an early stage.

Why Today’s Light Is Different

Modern screens and LED light sources emit a comparatively high proportion of short-wavelength blue light. What is often missing, however, is the balancing spectrum found in nature — particularly the regenerative component in the near-infrared range. As a result, the quality of artificial light differs significantly from natural daylight and, over time, may place strain on both the eyes and the body.

Why Many “Blue Light Glasses” Offer Little Protection

Many commercially available spectacle lenses — especially clear lenses — reduce blue light only to a very limited extent. In optics, there is an important principle:

If a lens does not appear slightly yellowish, it will generally filter only minimal amounts of blue light.

At the same time, a yellowish tint alone does not automatically guarantee sufficient protection. Not every tinted lens filters the specific blue wavelengths that may be particularly relevant to the eyes and retina. What matters is not only whether filtering occurs, but how precisely and within which wavelength range it takes place.

Computer & Screen Work (Office / Home Working)

Anyone who spends several hours a day working at a computer will be familiar with the feeling of tired eyes, dryness and declining concentration. Modern monitors often emit a high proportion of blue light — combined with the constant close-range focusing required for screen work.

The solution: Anti-blue light glasses can noticeably reduce strain on the eyes, enhance visual comfort and help you remain comfortable and focused for longer while working at a screen.

Children & Tablets (School, Learning, Leisure)

Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive because the lens is still very clear, allowing a greater amount of blue light to enter the eye. At the same time, many children begin using tablets or smartphones at an early age and often for extended periods.

The solution: Blue light protection can help reduce strain on young eyes and may support children in settling more easily in the evening — particularly when screens are used in the late afternoon or evening.

PlayStation & Screen Gaming (TV / Console / PC)

Gaming often involves long sessions, rapid image changes, strong contrasts and intense colours. As a result, the eyes and nervous system are placed under greater strain than during ordinary television viewing.

The solution: Blue light filtering glasses can help reduce visual stress, make viewing more comfortable and support the eyes in becoming less quickly fatigued during extended gaming sessions.

Night Driving & LED Headlights (Glare / Oncoming Traffic)

Modern LED headlights are often very bright and emit a cool white light with an increased blue component. Many people perceive them at night as harsher and more uncomfortable than the earlier, warmer light produced by halogen lamps.

The elevated blue content can increase sensitivity to glare and – particularly during night-time exposure – may influence the natural sleep–wake cycle. The glare effect is further intensified in rain or on wet road surfaces, as the light is more strongly reflected and scattered.

The solution: Blue light filtering glasses can reduce subjective glare, improve visual comfort and decrease the proportion of short-wavelength (blue) light. As a result, they can help reduce eye fatigue during night driving.

With regard to the internal body clock (circadian rhythm), which is regulated by light stimuli and the hormone melatonin, reducing the blue light component may have a supportive effect – particularly during prolonged night-time light exposure, such as may occur during extended night driving.