How to test Blueblocker glasses

You can find test pictures further down in the article

Our customers often ask us how they test their Blueblocker glasses glasses. We can tell you right from the start: not all blue blockers are the same. Just because the lenses are yellow or orange, the glasses do not necessarily block the entire blue or green color spectrum.

We had to find this out when searching for the perfect lenses for our Lichtblock Blueblocker models ourselves. Ultimately, only a light spectrometer enabled us to compare samples and suppliers. However, as these cost several hundred to several thousand euros, there are other methods of control.

We hope that your glasses deliver what they promise. To check this, we would like to show you various test options.

Why should you test your Blueblocker glasses?

Blueblocker glasses have been around for a while, but they only became fashionable a few years ago, especially in the United States. Now there are some providers who supply high-quality glasses, but there are also those who offer amber-colored glasses but do not block them properly. To get the best effect from blue blocker glasses, it is important that the entire blue spectrum is blocked. Both of our variants (yellow and orange) block 100% of the blue light spectrum up to 500 nm. Our 550 models even block a large part of the green light spectrum up to 550 nm. This is why this model has a particularly positive effect on sleep and drowsiness.

How Blueblocker glasses work

The basic function of the glasses can be easily determined using simple test methods. Of course, you can only be 100% sure if you use a measuring device. For our purposes, we bought a light spectrometer for a lot of money. This is basically a handy version of a spectrum analyzer. As you may not have this to hand, there are a few methods you can use to test your Blueblocker glasses at home. We'll introduce you to these now.

How do I test blue light computer glasses (clear lenses)?

Let's start with the typical workplace glasses. If you have blue light computer glasses that have clear lenses, they are not bad or not working. The glasses are designed to filter only the peak levels. This is usually around 30%. Especially if you work on bad screens that have high "peak values" in the blue light spectrum, these glasses are excellent to reduce the stress on your eyes and the associated negative effects. You have the following options for testing your glasses:

1. ask the manufacturer for a test report (spectral measurement)

A good start is always to ask the manufacturer directly for a measurement. If the manufacturer is transparent about this, they will send or show you a document with a measurement. When the report is sent to you, make sure that your computer glasses filter out at least 30% of the blue light in the entire blue spectrum. Since LED light sources have different levels of blue light, it is important that the entire blue range is shielded.

Computer or workstation glasses are characterized by their clear lenses and should be worn during the day. After sunset, you should opt for amber-colored blue blocker glasses that block the entire blue spectrum. During the day, however, computer glasses serve an important purpose: they filter out excessive blue light and protect your eyes from tiring quickly.

2. do a lens reflection test

A good test to do at home is to put on your computer glasses and see what color the light reflected off the lenses is.

If it's blue light reflecting off the lenses, you know they're filtering blue light. If the reflection is purple or violet, the blue light is probably not being filtered effectively.

This is a simple and good way to test your workplace glasses. This way you can determine whether the blue light is really being filtered out.

3. ignore tests with a blue light laser pen

Advertisements often show a picture with a blue light laser pen. However, the blue light pen test is not a sensible test method and is usually a trick. The pen usually only emits violet light, but your glasses must filter out blue light. So if you see this marketing ploy, be wary of the manufacturer's glasses.

How do I test blueblocker glasses (yellow/orange/red lenses)?

There are two wonderful tests you can do at home with your Blueblocker glasses.

1. the black and blue square

The following squares are black and blue without your Blueblocker glasses.

Put on your Blueblocker glasses (the ones you wear after sunset) and both squares should appear dark gray or black. If they do not appear dark gray or black, your blueblocker glasses are not blocking the entire blue spectrum.

2. RGB color space test (additive color mixing)

Another widely used method to test your Blueblocker glasses is the RGB color wheel.

Put on your glasses and look at the color wheel. If your glasses filter the blue spectrum, area B should appear dark gray or black and area G should darken (less so with yellow lenses, more so with orange lenses).

These two tests are very practical for home use. Nevertheless, there is no 100% certainty without measuring it with a spectrometer. Deviations in perception can occur mainly due to extensions that influence the color values of your screen.

3. the optimum: spectral analysis

Testing with a professional spectrometer is of course the safest and most meaningful method of testing. But not everyone has access to such a measuring device, which is why you should rely on your own experience or buy glasses that have already been tested with such devices. In the case of blueblocker glasses, it is really important that the specified areas are actually blocked effectively. Otherwise, the glasses lose a lot of their actual purpose and effect. But just take a look at our video on the measurement of our Blueblocker models.

If sleep is the most important thing for you, choose a model from our Dark series. It blocks the entire blue and a large proportion of the green light spectrum up to 550 nm. Otherwise, a model from our Sleep series may also be the right choice for you. These also block 100% of blue light and a very small amount of green. The only difference is that these lenses let even more light through and are therefore the best choice for many people who want to watch a movie in the evening or sit at their laptop late at night.

The best blue blocker glasses for your sleep

The larger the blocked spectrum, the greater the effect on your sleep. Orange or red blue blocker glasses block up to 550 or even 570 nm. We have the following models on offer:

Our Sleep series protects your eyes 100% from blue light and is very comfortable to wear, especially if you still want to see "colors" in the evening.

Our Dark series protects your eyes 100% from blue light and blocks a large part of the green spectrum. This prevents melatonin inhibition even more in the evening and can help you to get tired more quickly.

If you have any questions about Blueblocker glasses, please contact us at any time at Instagram or via e-mail and we will do our best to advise you.

Workplace picture: @olgakri via Twenty20