Anyone who’s glued to a screen 24/7 should beware of the damaging effects of blue light. Especially if sleep isn’t in your vocabulary, without a stack of supplements, bed cooling devices, and weighted sleep masks.
But what, exactly, is blue light? And how does it affect you negatively? Read on for all of that, plus some of the best blue light screen protectors around.
What Is Blue Light?
The term “blue light” refers to a portion of the visible spectrum found in sunlight and smartphone and computer screens. Getting a hit of blue light in the morning is beneficial because it boosts mood and alertness. It also regulates your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (also known as your circadian rhythm) (1).
If you stare at the blue light of your computer screen or smartphone late into the day, you could be sabotaging your sleep. That’s because blue light prevents your body from releasing melatonin, the hormone that makes you drowsy (2).
GET BETTER SLEEP
Avoiding all screens in the evening is a tough sell, even if it promises better sleep. Fortunately, you can unwind with your favorite show or catch up on social media without sacrificing Zzzs. How? With a blue light screen protector.
This protector sticks to your screen to filter out sleep-disrupting blue light. With less blue light entering your eyes, you can keep using your tech without worrying that it’ll keep you up at night. Blue light screen protectors even come in all shapes and sizes, so you can cover every screen in your home.
The 5 Best Blue Light Screen Protectors
Ocushield Anti Blue Light Screen Protector for Laptops, Monitors, and PCs
Best for Laptops and Monitors
Available in various sizes, the Ocushield screen protector can be used for both laptops and monitors. Designed and developed by optometrists, this screen protector filters up to 54 percent of blue light. In contrast, low blue light settings on many computer monitors only filter about 29 percent. Less blue light means fresher eyes, helping reduce headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. This filter also offers a privacy screen to block unwanted views from curious onlookers — ideal if you handle confidential info or simply appreciate your privacy.
VINTEZ Monitor Anti-Glare Blue Light Blocking Screen
Best for Flat-Front Monitors
Fit the VINTEZ anti-glare, blue-light-blocking screen protector to any flat front monitor between 23 and 24 inches diagonal. The slip-on design goes on and off quickly, so you can add or remove the blue light filter in seconds. Not only does the protector block up to 61 percent of blue light, but it also reduces glare and safeguards your screen against scratches and dirt.
EyeJust iPhone Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector
Best for iPhone
This blue-light-blocking screen protector was clinically tested by ophthalmologists and sleep scientists. Their findings? That it effectively reduces eye strain by 92 percent and improves sleep. The EyeJust screen protector is made of tempered glass to shatterproof your iPhone. The glass offers clarity, brightness, and colors you can’t get from plastic screen protectors. Get this screen protector for various iPhone models, from iPhone 6+ to iPhone 14 Pro.
Ocushield Anti Blue Light Screen Protector For iPad
Best for iPad
Here’s another winner from Ocushield. This highly-rated screen protector shields your peepers from sleep-disrupting, fatigue-inducing blue light whenever you stream shows or scroll social media on your iPad. Plus, the reinforced tempered glass protects against scratches and dings without sacrificing display quality. You’ll score true colors and a crystal clear picture. This screen protector is available for iPads of various sizes and versions, from the iPad mini to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch.
LowBlueLights Blue Light Filter for TV and Computer Screens (Medium)
Best for TVs
Up to 55 InchesWhile this LowBlueLights filter doesn’t mount as seamlessly as other options on our list—you have to use re-stickable Scotch squares—it blocks 100 percent of blue light from flat-screen TVs and computers. It’s made of lightweight polyester that can be cut to fit most flat screens up to 55 inches diagonal. The only other downside is that the filter has an orange tint that can make true blue appear black on your screen.
