Living in an increasingly digital age, you may have heard of the term “blue light” and its negative impact on our overall health. Blue light is ubiquitous and is a major contributor to the escalating global vision problems. Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions emit blue light, which can be harmful to our eyes. Where there’s a problem, there’s a solution. Blue light glasses can filter out the harmful blue light emitted by digital devices. These glasses can reduce the damage to the eyes caused by digital products, alleviate sleep problems, and headaches. This article will explore what blue light is, how blue light glasses work, and do they have a yellow tint.

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light, also known as HEV (High Energy Visible) light, is a color within the visible light spectrum that the human eye can perceive due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy level. Unlike certain other types of light, the human eye struggles to efficiently filter out blue light, allowing it to penetrate through to the retina.

Blue light blocking lenses are specialized eyeglass lenses designed to reduce the harmful effects of blue-violet light exposure from digital screens, artificial lighting, and the sun. Blue light blocking lenses block out the blue light emitted to your eyes, which we already know are very damaging to eyesight – all this in a virtually clear lens. Some high index anti-blue light lenses also contain special coatings, such as blue light filters, that can further reduce the amount of time your eyes are exposed to harmful blue light.

Why Do Some Blue Light Glasses Have a Yellow Tint?

One common feature of blue light lenses is that they often appear yellow or slightly yellow. This is not a flaw, but rather an intentional design based on the principles of blue light filtration. So why is this the case?

1. The Working Principle of Blue Light Filtration

Blue light glasses use special coatings or lens materials to block or absorb blue light. Blue light falls on the short-wavelength, high-energy end of the visible light spectrum, so it needs to be absorbed or reflected to reduce its impact on the eyes. Yellow or amber lenses are particularly effective because yellow is the complementary color of blue. When the lens is yellow, it can filter out a significant amount of blue light, helping to ease eye strain. Clear blue light glasses, on the other hand, rely on reflective coatings (such as anti-reflective coatings) and typically block only a portion of blue light—usually around 10%~40%.

2. Different Levels of Blue Light Blocking Effectiveness

If your goal is to block a higher percentage of blue light—especially to improve sleep quality or reduce visual fatigue at night—then darker yellow or amber lenses are more effective and can filter out more than 90% of blue light. Clear blue light lenses filter about 10%~40% of blue light, which is more suitable for daytime use, as moderate exposure to blue light can help maintain alertness and improve mood.

Do All Blue Light Glasses Have a Yellow Tint?

People commonly ask whether all blue light glasses have a yellow tint. The answer to this question is simply no. Only some blue light glasses have a yellow or amber tint. This tint is due to the addition of special dyes or coatings in the lenses, which are used to enhance the blue light filtering effect.

The choice of lens color may vary depending on the type of protection you want and how you use digital devices. We offer completely transparent and slightly yellow-tinted blue light glasses for you to choose from. The decision will depend on your personal digital usage. It’s important to consider factors such as the amount of time you spend consuming content and the level and type of protection you need.

If you require high blue light resistance from your blue light glasses but prefer not to have a yellow tint, regular slightly yellow-tinted blue light glasses can fully meet your needs. These lenses also meet the needs of most customers, are cost-effective, can resist 100% of harmful blue light, and have a minimal difference in appearance compared to regular lenses. Of course, we also offer completely transparent blue light lenses, which can filter out high-energy blue light, designed to alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain and completely reduce glare, resulting in better contrast and clearer vision. Blue light glasses with no tint are designed so that even when placed on white paper next to regular lenses, there is no noticeable color change.

Are Blue Light Glasses Worth It?

The worth of blue light glasses depends on individual needs and lifestyle. For those who spend a significant amount of time in front of digital screens, such as working on computers or using smartphones, blue light glasses can be beneficial. Here are some factors to consider when determining if blue light glasses are worth it for you:

• Eye Strain Reduction: Blue light glasses can reduce eye strain and discomfort associated with prolonged screen time. If you frequently experience eye fatigue, these glasses may be worth it for you.
• Better Sleep: Blue light can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Blue light glasses can help block blue light in the evening, potentially improving your sleep quality. If you use digital devices before bedtime and struggle with sleep, these glasses may be beneficial.
• Protection for Eye Health: Long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to eye health issues. Blue light glasses can help reduce the risk of these problems. If you are concerned about protecting your eyes from potential damage, these glasses could be worth considering.
• Visual Comfort: Blue light glasses can improve contrast and clarity, making it easier to see clearly, especially during long periods of screen use. If you value visual comfort, these glasses might be worth it.

So, do blue light glasses really have yellow lenses? The answer is: many of them do, but there are also clear lens options available. Yellow lenses offer stronger blue light protection, but they come with some trade-offs in color accuracy and appearance. Fortunately, Aogang Optical offers a variety of lenses in different colors and functionalities, allowing you to choose freely based on your specific needs.