The light from screens is omnipresent in our lives; computers, TVs, smartphones, tablets—we have plenty of choices. It contains a lot of blue light, which is harmful across a good portion of its spectrum! Are there screens without blue light that would allow us to avoid it? If not, what can be done to protect ourselves with the equipment we already own?
Do all screens emit blue light?
Almost all of them...
You should know that blue light is part of the visible light spectrum.
👉 This means that there is a bit of blue light everywhere there is light with a blue color, and therefore your eyes are constantly exposed to it.
Moreover, the sun itself emits blue light, but in a certain proportion and at a certain wavelength that is not harmful to humans—quite the contrary.
Indeed, the blue light emitted by the sun is actually beneficial because it helps us regulate our circadian rhythm and thus our sleep.
To return to our color screens, they all emit light, light primarily emitted by LEDs, which have the particularity of emitting a lot of blue light concentrated at frequencies that are unusual for the eye (biologically speaking).
... with a few exceptions
For this reason, it is therefore impossible to find a screen without blue light that will display colors.
👉 I say colors because that is an important component. It is much easier to have little blue light when you do not need color.
And it is precisely on this that the most ingenious manufacturers have focused to create digital ink technology.
In summary, this technology visually resembles a sheet of paper, thus drastically reducing blue light and digital eye strain.
Example of screens without blue light
A black and white screen will emit little to no blue light. This is the solution that more and more manufacturers are offering, based on digital ink or e-ink technology.
- 🖥 The Paperlike e-monitor from Dasung: to connect to your computer
- The Remarkable 2 tablet: for taking notes
- Digital e-reader Kindle: for reading all your e-books
Digital solutions
For the most modern screens, some have blue light reduction display modes. You need to go into the settings and search for this mode. It may also be called "night mode."
On computers
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If you use an external monitor, you need to check directly on the screen using the built-in controls.
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If you use a laptop (PC/MAC), you must go directly into the computer's settings.
For MAC, the feature is called "Night Shift"; it is accessible directly in the top menu by clicking on "Display."
If you use Windows, the feature is titled "Night light." Quick access: Start > Settings > System, and there under Display you should find the function. For more details, you can consult our article HERE.
On phones/tablets:
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If you use an iPhone or iPad, as on a Mac, this is the "Night Shift" feature. We wrote a complete article on how to remove blue light on iPhone; otherwise, here is the express version below.
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If you use a smartphone running Android, the feature is specific to the phone/Android version, but generally you can access it quickly via the pull-down menu on the home page.
On TVs:
This is a bit more hit-or-miss because few LED televisions have an anti-blue light mode. This is a shame because people generally watch TV before going to bed and thus expose themselves to blue light right before closing their eyes.
Check if your TV has such a mode; otherwise, keep reading, as we will provide a physical solution.
Whether on a computer, a phone, or a TV, each of these anti-blue light modes tends to give the screen warmer tones.
Be careful, however, because this impression of warm colors can provide a sense of protection, but in reality, the protection is not total/optimal.
Another solution exists for when, for example, no anti-blue light mode is integrated. There are software programs/extensions to download that allow for filtering part of the blue light. The most well-known is probably f.lux. These are generally free and constitute a decent alternative that allows for initial protection.
Physical solutions
You should know that the options above are interesting options and a first step in protecting against blue light, but these options do not allow for filtering ALL harmful blue light in a perfectly optimal way, or if they do, the color distortion is barely tolerable.
👉 "It's good, but not enough!"
In parallel with the digital solutions we saw previously, there are therefore physical solutions that allow for more complete and often more practical protection.
Anti-blue light glasses
This is our core business, so we know what we are talking about.
As you will have understood and probably already heard, there are glasses that allow you to filter blue light and thus avoid a certain number of problems linked to it (AMD, headaches, dry eyes, visual fatigue, sleep problems, etc.).
Anti-blue light glasses are not all created equal, and different brands exist that offer different filtration rates. Be careful in your choice!
Anti-blue light glasses have different advantages when compared to the digital solutions listed above.
🛡 The first advantage, and the most important one, is that if you choose your glasses well, you will be better protected. Indeed, ocular technologies have been developed to filter out a maximum amount of harmful blue light.
🛡 The second advantage is that if you have good glasses, it is super practical and versatile. Your eyes are protected for all screens. The digital filter on the computer is nice, but if you switch to your smartphone or TV, it requires being configured, and besides, most TVs do not have a digital filter. Let's be honest, it's not ideal when switching from one screen to another. If you work with other people, you can hardly go around your office and force your colleagues to put on a filter. With glasses, you are equipped to switch from one screen to another.
For us, this is the most complete and best-adapted solution. Don't hesitate to take a look at our comparison and our shop for anti-blue light glasses.
Anti-blue light screen filters
Another physical solution exists to protect your eyes; we will mention it, but it is not the most practical nor the most common. It involves applying a physical filter, basically like a protective filter for smartphone screens that we all know, but with an integrated anti-blue light filter.
It is an interesting solution for those who cannot use a digital filter.
These filters are not always easy to find, especially since every computer and smartphone has different screen dimensions.
Moreover, few companies offer filters that combine visual comfort and proper filtration.
Final word: screen without blue light
As you will have understood, a screen as we know it today (computer/smartphone/TV) without blue light does not exist. Thus, if you want to protect your eyes and decrease your exposure to harmful blue light as much as possible, there are interesting solutions, the best being to use anti-blue light glasses. In addition to the style, you will be protected in all circumstances, and it will save you from recurring headaches.
