Since digital tool usage is up in both the workplace and schools, we are hearing a fair amount of discussion on blue light. But what is blue light and how can you perform an accurate blue light test? Let’s dig in to the details.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light (and we aren’t referring to the kind you cringe to see in your rearview mirror) sends high amounts of energy in short wavelengths. This type of light is visible to the human eye. Outside it comes from the sun. But inside, it can be emitted from electronic devices and artificial lighting.
You know how the sky appears blue? Well, that’s thanks to blue light. That same natural blue light helps to regulate our sleep, boost your spirit and alertness and contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Still, because of its high energy, it can cause flickers on our digital devices. Although it is largely unnoticeable most of the time, that blue light is still hanging out causing issues. In fact, you could begin experiencing headaches, fatigue and eye strain. In the worst-case scenario, it could even cause permanent vision loss. Doesn’t that make you give all that cell phone and computer usage a second thought?
Protecting Yourself Against Blue Light
Since blue light occurs both naturally and not so naturally, it is wise to take proactive steps to reduce it. A few ideas are:
- Blue-light filtering glasses
- Anti-glare screen covers
- Frequent eye breaks
- Blue-light filtering software
Of all these suggestions, taking frequent breaks away from your screen will be highly beneficial no matter what.
The Blue Light Test
Now, we get to the actual blue light test. Once again, we are not referring to the kind where you see how fast you can go before the dreaded lights are in your rearview mirror.
There are two ways to perform a blue light test.
- RGB color chart test: On your digital device, look up RGB color test. There, you’ll see an interlinking colorful diagram of circles. Then, put on your blue light filtering glasses. If the blue center of the image is gone once you’re wearing your glasses, that is a good sign.
- Blue light filter software: Various options are available for blue light filtering software. One option is IrisTech. Visit their website and follow the directions for the test. You may do the same for whichever software you choose.
Note that red lenses block 100 percent of blue light wavelengths. Other lens colors are significantly less effective.
Glasses- Recommendations
If you’re ready to purchase blue light glasses, here are the ones that we’ve found pass the blue light test:
- BLUblox: This brand offers plenty of sizes and frames from which to choose. They even offer kid sizes, as well.
- RaOptics: These come in various sizes as well as the choice of prescription or non-prescription lenses.
- Uvex Skyper: These handy glasses can fit right over your current prescription frames. However, there are fewer sizes available.
Of course, there are many more options out there that are available with a quick Google search.
The bottom line is that if you choose to purchase a pair of blue light glasses then you want to know they work. Whether they are needed due to digital device usage or to improve sleep, make sure you know they will do their job. A blue light test is easy and quick. Take a moment to test your glasses’ performance.
