Clear blue light glasses have become a go-to solution for people who spend long hours in front of screens. From working at a computer all day to scrolling your phone at night or catching up on your favorite shows, screen time adds up and so does exposure to blue light. As these glasses gain popularity, one question continues to come up: how can you tell if clear blue light glasses actually work?
Just because your lenses look clear doesn't automatically mean they’re doing the job. Not all blue light glasses are created equal, and unfortunately, some cheaper options don’t offer much real protection. So how can you tell if your glasses are filtering harmful blue light effectively? Let’s walk through some simple ways to find out.
What Blue Light Glasses Are Supposed to Protect You From
Before testing your glasses, it's helpful to understand what they’re designed to do. Blue light is a high-energy light found in the visible light spectrum. It comes from the sun, but it also pours out of our screens (phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and LED lighting.
Too much exposure to artificial blue light, especially at night, can affect your sleep cycle, strain your eyes, and may even contribute to long-term vision concerns. Quality blue light glasses help filter out part of this light, especially the high-energy wavelengths between 400 and 455 nanometers. And with advances in lens technology, they can do this while still looking clear and stylish. No yellow tint required.
But not every lens that claims to be “blue light blocking” actually offers solid protection. So let’s talk about how to check.
Try the Blue Light Laser Test (Safely)
One of the most common ways to test clear blue light glasses is with a blue light laser pen. This little flashlight tool emits a strong beam of blue light, and it's often included with some online eyewear purchases. Here's how it works and what to look for.
First, never shine the laser into your eyes or anyone else's. These pens are strong and can be dangerous. Use them carefully and only as directed.
To try the test safely, grab a white piece of paper or card and shine the laser pen on it. You’ll see a bright blue dot. Now, hold your glasses in front of the beam and shine the light through the lens onto the paper again. If the lens is doing its job, the light that passes through should look dimmer or softer. You may even notice a slight color shift.
If there’s no change in brightness at all, or if the beam looks just as intense with or without the lens, that’s a red flag. It could mean your glasses aren’t blocking much of the blue light at all.
Try the Looking at the Sky Test for Real-Life Clarity
Another simple way to check if your clear blue light glasses are working is what some call the “sky test.” On a bright, sunny day, look up at the sky without your glasses on. Take note of the color of the sky, especially the deep blue or almost violet tones.
Now put on your clear blue light glasses and look again. If your lenses are filtering out high-energy blue light, you may notice a very slight change in the tone or brightness of the sky. The color might appear a bit more muted or warmer. It’s not always a dramatic difference, but if your lenses are doing their job, there should be some shift in how the blue tones appear.
This test works best during midday when the sky is brightest. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a real-world glimpse into how your lenses interact with natural blue light.
Look for Screen Changes and Glare Reduction
Another way to tell if your glasses are helping is to pay attention to how your screens look while wearing them. Good clear blue light lenses often slightly reduce the intensity of white or very bright backgrounds. They might also reduce reflections or glare, especially when working on a computer or tablet. Check out our blog Protecting Your Eyes at Work for even more ways to reduce eye strain.
These changes are usually subtle, not dramatic. You shouldn’t see strange tints or heavy distortions. But if your screens feel just a little easier on the eyes and you find yourself blinking less or squinting less often, that’s a good sign your lenses are working.
Use the Nighttime Test for Sleep Clues
If you’ve ever found it hard to wind down at night after being on your phone or laptop, blue light could be part of the problem. Blue light exposure in the evening can disrupt your natural sleep cycle by lowering melatonin levels, the hormone that helps you relax and fall asleep.
Try this: for a few nights, use your devices in the evening without wearing your blue light glasses. Notice how easy (or difficult) it is to fall asleep afterward. Then, for the next few nights, use your clear blue light glasses during that same time of day. If you find that your eyes feel more relaxed and you’re falling asleep faster or sleeping more deeply, your lenses may be helping block enough blue light to make a difference.
Ask for Lens Specifications or Professional Testing
Some eyewear companies provide lab results or certification that show how much blue light their lenses actually filter. If you’re buying from a trusted brand, don’t hesitate to ask for those details. At NURILENS, we include premium lenses that filter harmful blue light at the high-energy wavelengths without the need for color tinting. Our lenses also include scratch resistance, UV protection, anti-reflective coatings, and more - all included, not added later.
For the most accurate results, some opticians or eyewear labs can use a spectrometer to measure exactly how much blue light your lens blocks. This is especially helpful if you want lab-grade confirmation that your glasses are working as promised.
Signs That Your Glasses Aren’t Helping
If you’ve been wearing blue light glasses for a while but you’re still getting daily headaches, dry or itchy eyes, or you’re struggling to fall asleep after screen time, your lenses may not be doing their job. Quality blue light glasses should help reduce digital eye strain, especially after long hours at the computer.
Also, pay attention to how your lenses feel and perform. Are they smudge-resistant and easy to clean? Do they help reduce glare or reflections during Zoom calls or while watching TV? Are they comfortable enough for daily wear? All these things matter when it comes to protecting your vision and making blue light protection part of your everyday life. Be sure to always let your optometrist know during your eye exams.
Choose Blue Light Glasses That Actually Work
When it comes to your eye health, not all glasses are built the same. Many affordable options look the part but don’t filter enough of the blue light to make a real difference. That’s why it’s worth investing in a pair that offers real protection - not just trendy marketing.
At NURILENS, every pair of glasses comes with built-in premium blue-light filtering lens features that go far beyond style. We design our eyewear to support your long-term vision health with clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship that reflects our culture and values. Whether you're protecting your sight for work, wellness, or the future, we believe your glasses should work as hard as you do.
So if you’ve been wondering how to test if your clear blue light glasses really work, now you have the tools to find out. And when you're ready to invest in a pair that blends science and style beautifully, we’ve got you covered.
Explore the full collection at www.nurilens.co and start protecting your vision today — because seeing clearly is living fully.