Blue Light Glasses Lenses Explained: Types & Top Picks

Many people pick blue light glasses by judging the frame. If it looks good, it must work. Not exactly. 

The truth is, lenses make the most difference; once you understand the difference between good and cheap ones, you can easily choose the right ones for your needs. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down the whole thing in simple terms; you’ll know exactly what kind of blue light lenses you need, when to wear each, and what to avoid. We also have a couple of recommendations for you so you don’t have to do the research. 

Let’s get going. 

What Blue Light Glasses Lenses Actually Do

Screens hit your eyes with a range of white light wavelengths; blue light is a major part of the spectrum. 

These wavelengths (Around 400 - 550nm) tell your brain to stay awake and alert, which is problematic at night, when it’s time to sleep. 

They can mess with your sleep over time and potentially leave you tired and exhausted during the day as well. 

Your eyes might also feel tired and strained after long hours of screen use. Blue light lenses filter or block those wavelengths. 

Blue light lenses step in by either filtering or blocking those wavelengths.

Types of Blue Light Glasses Lenses

Let’s quickly go through each type so you know exactly which one to choose. 

1. Low-Filter Lenses (Day Lenses)

These block a relatively low percentage of blue light wavelengths, but provide effective protection against daytime computer, phone, or tablet use. 

The tint on these glasses is usually very faint, sometimes clear, allowing you to go through your day without experiencing any color disruption at all. 

Clear Lenses are Ideal for:

• Office work
• Studying
• Browsing
• Editing videos or photos
• Anyone who wants protection without a noticeable tint

With these blue light glasses lenses, you still see true colors around you, but the harsh part of blue light gets toned down. 

2. Dark Lenses (Night Lenses)

These blue light glasses lenses remove or filter a bigger chunk of blue (And sometimes green) wavelengths; the ones that suppress melatonin. 

They come with amber, orange, or red tints. Dark tints may look stronger, but that’s exactly what you need at night (Maximum protection from blue light).

Dark Blue Light Glasses are Ideal For:

• Scrolling in bed
• Watching videos in the evening 
• Late-night gaming
• Anyone with trouble falling asleep

If you’re using screens after sunset, night lenses are for you. 

3. Clear vs. Tinted Lenses

Here’s the quick breakdown:

But what happens if you choose the wrong tint? They won’t work as well. Clear lenses at night won’t help your sleep, and strong amber lenses during the day will make everything look warm and distorted. Plus, you don’t need dark blue light lenses during the day; they might make you feel less alert and sleepy. 

4. Prescription Blue Light Lenses

If you need vision correction, your pair can also have blue light protection as an add-on. People with existing prescription lenses can get an eye care specialist to add a blue light filter on top.

Key Features of Quality Blue Light Glasses Lenses

Here are some features that differentiate good lenses from ordinary ones: 

• Effective blue light reduction: Less strain, fewer headaches, better sleep 
• Anti-reflective coating: Reduces glare and improves clarity
• Scratch resistance: Keeps lenses clean and usable longer
• UV protection: Shields your eyes outdoors, too
• High-quality lens material: Better clarity and durability

If you’ve ever worn a pair of blue light glasses and felt like nothing changed, it’s probably because the lenses don’t filter anything meaningful. 

How to Pick the Right Blue Light Lenses for Your Needs

Different lifestyles call for different lenses. Here’s a quick guide.

If You Work Long Hours on a Computer

You want:

• Clear or low-tint lenses
• Anti-reflective coating
• Good filtration without impacting color

This combo keeps your eyes comfortable without altering how your screen looks.

If You Struggle With Sleep

You need:

• Strong amber, orange, or red lenses
• High blocking percentage
• A pair you specifically wear at night

These maximize melatonin and help your brain slow down naturally.

If You Game or Edit Photos/Videos

Color perception matters in some cases. If that’s important, stick to:

• Clear or subtle-tint daytime lenses
• Low distortion
• Anti-glare coating

If You Want One Pair for All-Day Use

The truth is that it’s hard for a single lens to do everything perfectly. Your best bet is clear lenses during the day, and amber/orange tints after dark. 

If you use a single lens all day, there’s always a trade-off to be mindful of.

Lens Options Worth Considering (Sleepzm Picks)

Here are two great choices that align perfectly with what we just covered.

1. Sleepzm Daytime Wayfarer – Blue Light Computer Glasses (Black)

These clear lenses are ideal for long screen sessions during the day. 

Quick Benefits:

• Low-distortion lenses: True-to-life colors
• Blue light filtering: Less eye strain during work
• Lightweight frame: All-day comfort
• Classic Wayfarer look: Stylish and universal

These are great if you want protection, but still want your screen to look normal. 

2. Night-Time Wayfarer – Blue Light Blocking Glasses (Black)

Designed specifically for evening and late-night use.

Quick Benefits:

• Strong amber tint: Boosts melatonin
• High blocking rate: Better sleep quality
• Anti-glare coating: Smooth nighttime browsing
• Wide lens coverage: Full protection
• Flexible TR90 frame: Comfortable for hours

Wearing these 2–3 hours before bed can make a noticeable difference in how fast you fall asleep. 

Questions You Might Have About Blue Light Glasses Lenses

Do Blue Light Lenses Really Work?

Yes, when the lenses actually filter or block the right range of wavelengths. Quality lenses can reduce screen-related eye strain, help your eyes relax, and support better sleep by reducing melatonin suppression by blue light. 

Will the Lenses Change How My Screen Looks?

Daytime blue light lenses barely change your color perception. Night lenses add a warm tint, but that tint is what helps you wind down naturally. If color accuracy matters to you, stick to day lenses. 

Are Tinted Lenses Safe for Long-Term Use?

Yes, dark tints just block problematic light wavelengths; they don’t harm your eyes in any way. Depending on the coatings, they can also reduce overall glare. 

Can I Wear Nighttime Lenses During the Day?

You can, but you probably won’t love it; colors will look warmer, and you may feel slightly drowsy after long use since blue light during the day keeps you alert. It’s better to keep night lenses for evenings and nights and use clearer ones during daylight hours. 

Read More: Are Blue Light Glasses a Gimmick? Here’s What You Should Know

Conclusion

In essence, lenses matter more than frames, because that’s where the magic happens. And there are different types of lenses suitable for different use cases. 

Daytime lenses (Clear, computer lenses) are ideal for day use as they block a relatively lower percentage of blue light and don’t usually disrupt colors. 

Nighttime lenses block more blue light, helping your brain wind down naturally, and potentially keeping you refreshed the day after. 

Explore Our Entire Collection of Blue Light Glasses