Blue filter cell phone

Night mode on the smartphone

67.6 million - that's how many smartphone users Germany has currently. What an astonishingly high number. This means that more than three out of four Germans have a smartphone.

What is even more exciting, however, is a look at the usage time.

In 2022, this was around 5 hours per day! And the trend is rising. That's also an insane amount.

We from Lichtblock naturally ask ourselves - how harmful is this actually for the eyes? After all, smartphone displays are known for emitting blue light. And what can you do about it?

You can find out in this article.

Why is blue light harmful to the eyes?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum with a wavelength between 380 and 500 nanometers. Studies have shown that blue light can have harmful effects on the eyes.

For example, prolonged exposure to digital screens can cause headaches, eye strain and disturbed sleep cycles. In addition, overexposure to this blue light emitted from our digital devices can damage the retina of our eyes. This is because our eyes are not very good at blocking blue light and it reaches the back of our eyes.

More research is needed into the actual effects of blue light and how much is considered too much. However, there is a growing concern that blue light from digital devices is affecting our increase our risk of macular degeneration which can lead to loss of vision.

So much for the risk factors.

Does this mean that we should give up our smartphones? Or at least severely limit our smartphone use?

No. There is a much better way.

We are generally fans of prevention. As we all know, prevention is better than cure and takes effect before problems arise.

In the case of smartphone use, you can take precautions by activating the blue filter on your device.

How does a blue filter work on a smartphone?

Most smartphones have an integrated blue filter that can be switched on and off automatically depending on the time or day. It is often hidden behind the Night Shift function

How do I activate the blue filter on my smartphone?

Most smartphone models already have an integrated blue filter function that you just need to activate. This is often a night mode that you activate differently depending on the operating system and model.
In this section, you can find out how to activate the blue filter on your smartphone.

Android operating system

To activate the blue filter on an Android smartphone, go to the settings and select "Display or display". Here you can find the option "Night light or eye comfort". Activate it to activate the blue filter. Here you can also adjust the schedules to customize the blue filter to your needs.

Adjusting eye comfort - Samsung Smartphone Android

iOS operating system

On an iPhone or iPad, you can activate the blue filter by going to Settings and tapping on "Display & Brightness". Here you will find the "Night Shift" option. Activate it to activate the blue filter. You can also adjust the intensity and schedules here.

Night Shift Mode iPhone / iPad

Google Pixel

On the Pixel phones from Google and some other standard Android devices with Android 8.0 Oreo and higher, you will find the blue light filter option like this:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Display > Night Light.
Step 2: Tap Schedule to set your own hours and change the filter level with the intensity slider.
Step 3: You can also tap "Turn on from sunset to sunrise". Then the blue light filter will automatically switch on at night and off in the morning.

Huawei smartphones

Huawei also has a blue filter function. To activate it, go to the settings and select "Display & brightness". Here you can select the option "Eye comfort" or "Blue light filter".

Tips for optimal use of the blue filter

Activate the blue filter regularly: Make sure that your smartphone's blue filter is always activated at least one to two hours before going to bed.
Use the blue filter in the dark: Use the blue filter especially in the dark to protect your eyes from excessive strain.
Adjust the intensity of the blue filter: Some smartphones offer the option of adjusting the intensity of the blue filter. Try out different settings to find the most comfortable and effective level for you.

Advantages and disadvantages of the blue filter on the smartphone

Activating the blue filter on your smartphone can have various advantages. On the one hand, it can make your eyes feel less tired and less strained. On the other hand, it can help you sleep better at night.

However, there can also be disadvantages to using blue filters. In particular, the image on your smartphone may appear darker and more yellowish. In addition, the blue filter may affect the color reproduction and distort colors.

Alternatives to the blue filter on the smartphone

If you don't want to use a blue filter on your smartphone or don't have the option to activate it, there are alternatives that can still protect your eyes from blue light.

1. blue blocker glasses

Blueblocker glasses

Blueblocker glasses help to reduce the amount of blue light on your smartphone display. The lenses of the Lichtblock Blueblocker glasses even block 100 percent blue light or the entire blue component. Ideally, you should put the glasses on about two hours before going to bed. Particularly practical: they block blue light from any screen. For example, PC, laptop and TV.

Blueblocker glasses block 100% blue light

2. night shift mode

Many smartphones have a built-in night shift mode. This reduces the amount of blue light and ensures a warmer, more yellow image on the display. The blue light is reduced by adjusting the color temperature.

3. blue light filter apps

There are various apps that can simulate a blue filter on your smartphone. These apps filter out the blue light and thus reduce the strain on your eyes. Note, however, that these apps may not be as effective as real blue filters and may also affect the color display on your smartphone.

Conclusion: Use blue light filters or blue blocker glasses

Blueblocker glasses from Lichtblock

The blue filter on your smartphone can be an effective solution to protect your eyes from blue light. When you activate the blue filter, you reduce the amount of harmful blue light that your eyes are exposed to.

If you don't want to use the blue filter or don't have a corresponding option on your smartphone, there are also alternatives such as blue blocker glasses or blue filter apps.

Conclusion: The blue filter on your smartphone is a way to protect your eyes and ensure comfortable use. So feel free to use it.