In the age of digital technology, people spend the majority of their day looking at screens. Whether it’s a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, our eyes are constantly exposed to blue light. As such, it’s no surprise that blue light screen protectors have become increasingly popular as they claim to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from screens and protect your eyes from potential harm. But do these products actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
Blue light screen protectors are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The theory behind blue light screen protectors is that the blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt our natural sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, eye strain, and other health problems.
The answer is yes, blue light screen protectors do work. They are designed to filter out the blue light frequencies that are known to disrupt our sleep patterns.1 By blocking these harmful wavelengths, screen protectors can help reduce the negative effects of blue light on our sleep and overall health.
What should you look for in a blue light screen protector?
There are a few different types of blue light screen protectors available on the market. Some are made from special materials that filter out the blue light, while others use a coating or film that is applied to the screen. These different materials or films afford varying amounts of protection. Some screen protectors offer little to no protection from blue light.
When shopping for a screen protector, look for:
- Transparency: Look for a screen protector that does not significantly alter the color or clarity of your device's display. A high-quality blue light blocking screen protector should be virtually transparent and not affect the display quality.
- Blue light blocking properties: Look for screen protectors that block a significant percentage of the harmful blue light spectrum. Not all wavelengths of blue light are bad, the screen protector should target the harmful wavelengths.
- Durability: Look for a screen protector that is made from durable materials, such as tempered glass, that will protect your device's screen from scratches, cracks, and other types of damage.
- Compatibility: Make sure the screen protector you purchase is compatible with your specific device model. Some screen protectors are designed for specific devices, while others are more universal.
- Easy to install: Some screen protectors are easy to install, while others may require more skill and patience. Make sure the product you choose is easy to install, to avoid any issues during the process.
- Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand that has positive reviews and a history of producing high-quality products.
It's also important to note that blue light is not the only factor that can disrupt our sleep patterns. Other factors such as stress, caffeine, and electronic device use close to bedtime can also have an impact. Therefore, it's important to use blue light screen protectors in conjunction with other healthy sleep habits such as avoiding electronic devices close to bedtime, creating a comfortable sleep environment and practicing good sleep hygiene.
Overall, blue light screen protectors can be an effective tool in reducing the negative effects of blue light exposure on our sleep and health. However, it's important to remember that they are not a magic solution, and should be used in conjunction with other healthy sleep habits.
1. Salamon, Maureen. How Blue Light Affects Your Sleep. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-blue-light