Many sunglasses today are marketed as offering a blue light filter, but do they actually block blue light? The short answer: not all sunglasses block blue light, and most regular sunglasses are not designed for that purpose. Most regular sunglasses do not effectively block blue light from digital screens, though they may provide some protection from blue light emitted by the sun.
What is blue light?
Blue light refers to high-energy visible light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers. The primary source of blue light is the sun, but it's also emitted by digital devices (smartphones, computers, tablets), LED lights, and fluorescent lighting. Blue light can be divided into two categories:
Blue-violet light (400-455 nm): The high-energy portion that may be potentially harmful
Blue-turquoise light (450-500 nm): Lower energy light that impacts sleep-wake cycles
Can Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
Not all sunglasses can block blue light. Sunglasses are primarily designed to block ultraviolet (UV) rays, not necessarily blue light. While UV rays (below 400 nm) are invisible and harmful to your eyes, blue light (400–500 nm) is part of the visible light spectrum and includes both beneficial and potentially harmful wavelengths.
So, do sunglasses help with blue light?
Only sunglasses with specific tinted filters (such as amber or yellow) can offer effective blue light protection.
Do Polarized Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
Polarized sunglasses may block some blue light wavelengths but should not be relied upon for blue light protection. Polarized lenses are specifically designed to reduce glare by blocking horizontal light waves, not to filter blue light.
What Sunglasses Could Block Blue Light?
Blue light blocker sunglasses are with certain lens tints:
Yellow and Amber Lenses
Yellow Lenses: Filter approximately 60-70% of blue light
Shop yellow lens sunglasses for blue light blocking—DEMETER
Shop yellow lens sunglasses for blue light blocking—ARROWS
Amber Lenses: Can block up to 100% of blue light in the 400-500nm range
Amber lens Sunglasses provide the best balance of blue light protection while maintaining color perception
Shop amber lens sunglasses for blue light blocking—Gothic
Shop orange round sunglasses for blue light blocking—HESTIA
Orange and Red Lenses
Orange lens sunglasses block approximately 95% of blue light.
Shop orange square sunglasses for blue light blocking—WHISKER
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Shop orange shield sunglasses for blue light blocking—T4 Industry
Red Lenses
Red-lens sunglasses can block up to 98% of blue light. Most effective for evening use and sleep protection
Shop red mirror sunglasses for blue light blocking—AVA ZERO
Shop red mirror sunglasses for blue light blocking—CIR ZERO
Brown Lenses
Brown or amber-tinted sunglasses can help block out blue light. They enhance warm colors and improve contrast.
Shop brown-lens sunglasses for blue light blocking—EAGLE
Shop havana sunglasses for blue light blocking—DAMAR
Shop brown-lens sunglasses for blue light blocking—MYTHPUNK
When shopping for blue light filter sunglasses:
Don't rely on dark-lens sunglasses or high prices alone.
Check for product specifications and certifications, and use simple tests if needed.
Consider blue blocker sunglasses if you want all-around protection in outdoor settings.
How to Identify Blue Light Blocking Glasses or Sunglasses
1.Look for Certifications or Lab Reports
Trustworthy blue light sunglasses brands will often provide third-party testing or certifications. Look for:
CE (European safety standard)
FDA registered (U.S. standard)
ANSI Z80.3 (U.S. standard for sunglasses)
2.Use a Blue Light Testing Tool
Many eyewear brands provide a blue light testing kit, which includes a test card and blue light torch. You can use it as follows:
Steps:
Shine the blue light onto the test card without lenses: you'll see a bright blue glow.
Place your sunglasses between the light and the card.
If the lenses significantly reduce or block the blue glow, they are working.
Check the video tutorial to help you.
[Testing Blue Light Blocking Eyeglasses]
If you don't have a test card, you can:
Shine the blue flashlight onto a white surface (e.g., paper or wall) and check whether the lens dims the blue intensity.
Look for slight color change or reduced brightness through the lens.
Aside from blue light blocking glasses and sunglasses, are there other effective ways?
Screen positioning: Maintain appropriate distance and angle
Consider amber or brown lens sunglasses for blue light filtering
Polarized lenses for glare reduction in bright conditions
Conclusion
While many sunglasses are excellent at blocking UV rays and reducing glare, not all sunglasses block blue light. To protect your eyes from harmful blue light, especially from screens or high-glare environments, make sure to choose blue light sunglasses that are verified.
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