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Many people use their electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and computers, for extended periods. Companies now sell screen protectors that reportedly block blue light and benefit eye health.

This article discusses what blue light screen protectors are, how effective they are, and suggests the best options.

Blue light originates from fluorescent and light-emitting diode (LED) lights that commonly feature in cell phone and computer displays. However, the most common source of blue light is the sun.

Blue light screen protectors reportedly filter out or reduce blue light from digital screens. People can purchase these protectors and place them over their device screen to block blue light.

There has been much debate about how the blue light from screens may affect human health. Currently, there have been no firm conclusions about how blue light may affect a person’s eye health.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that blue light-blocking products are unnecessary when using digital devices because it is a lack of blinking and moisture that causes digital eye strain.

Learn more about digital eye strain here.

Studies into the effects of blue light on eye health have yielded mixed results. A 2017 review concluded there was a lack of quality evidence to suggest blue light-blocking lenses benefit the general population.

One 2018 study showed changes in the cornea, lens, and retina following exposure to blue light in a laboratory setting. However, this does not reflect real-life exposure to blue light.

One possible benefit of blue light screen protectors is improved sleep. A 2018 study found that blue light can stimulate the brain and reduce the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps people maintain their circadian rhythm and induce sleep.

If people use screens and blue light before bed, they may find it harder to sleep.

Furthermore, people may want to protect their skin from the potential side effects of blue light. A 2021 review found that high-energy blue light may harm cell tissue and increase DNA damage, eye damage, skin barrier damage, and photoaging. Another 2021 article also suggests blue light may be detrimental to skin health.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for small laptops: Forito Eye Protection Blue Light Blocking & Anti Glare Screen Protector

  • Price: Around $17.99 for a pack of two
  • Display size: 15 inches (in)

Forito sells blue light screen protectors and ranks as a best seller on Amazon. The brand makes screen protectors for laptops and desktop computers and claims it is a leading screen filter manufacturer.

Forito claims to use the newest blue light filtering technology. The company also states that its screen protectors are anti-static, anti-glare, and anti-scratch. They can also block 100% of UV-400 rays and protect against radiation.

This Forito protector repels water and oils and is 95% transparent. Some consumers mention it still works with touchscreens, though one may need to adjust the touch sensitivity or pressure. Another advantage is the price, which makes this product a good option for those on a budget.

However, the 5% reduction in transparency may be a problem for people who work in the graphics and arts fields, especially those who work with texturing and color correction.

Buyers can get free shipping and returns via Amazon.

Best for brightness: MOSISO Computer Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector Film

  • Price: From $43.99
  • Display size: 20-27 in

MOSISO’s screen-protecting film is compatible with desktop computer screens from brands such as Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard. The length of the screen protector is 12.48 in, while the width is 19.29 in.

The MOSISO screen protector maintains the original screen brightness because of its ultra-thin design. It filters 99% of UV light, and the company recommends it for office, home use, and gaming.

It is also scratch resistant. While the brand does not make any claims about glare, many reviewers point out that this protector does not reduce glare.

Some customer images clearly show pixelation when using this product.

People who need a protector that maintains original screen brightness may find this protector ideal for their needs.

A person can get free shipping and returns through Amazon.

Best for large screens: EYES PC Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector Panel

  • Price: From $110
  • Display size: 11-65 in

EYES PC offers a range of different blue light screen protector panels. These products are compatible with laptops, desktop computers, large monitors, and television screens.

This brand sells screen protectors in sizes ranging from 11-in laptop panels to panels large enough to fit a 65-in television. They are 2 millimeters (mm) thick.

The company claims that the EYES PC blue-light-blocking screen can reduce blue light by up to 100% and digital eyestrain when viewing LED screens.

EYES PC also claims the product’s test data meets Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-accepted American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z80.3 test standards.

However, the company does not state whether its products reduce glare, protect against scratches, or repel liquids.

A person can return EYES PC products within 30 days of purchase. They can also get a refund within this timeframe.

The EYES PC website allows people to access free shipping within the United States. Free shipping and returns are also available through Amazon.

Best for a budget: VizoBlueX Anti-Blue Light Filter

  • Price: From $49.99
  • Display size: 19-32 in

This VizoBlueX is available in different monitor sizes. It promises to maintain the full-color spectrum visibility while blocking up to 100% of blue light to reduce eye fatigue and improve sleep.

The company says it is also scratch and crack-resistant.

This product has a 77% 5-star review rating, with buyers saying they have less exhaustion, headaches, and eyestrain. It is also relatively inexpensive.

However, negative reviews suggest this protector drastically increases glare and reflection. This may be a problem for anyone who uses their monitors in a room with many lights.

People can get free shipping and returns from Amazon.

Best with medical backing: Ocushield Anti Blue Light Screen Protector

  • Price: From $50
  • Display size: 11.6-27 in

According to the manufacturer, this protector is ideal for laptops, monitors, and computers.

It claims to protect the eyes from harmful UV and blue light — up to 99% between 300 and 400 nanometers (nm) and up to 54% between 400 and 470 nm. It also promises headache relief, better sleep, and reduced glare and reflections.

This product also comes with a few unique advantages. It has an antibacterial coating that makes it ideal for environments where monitor sharing is likely, such as workplaces.

It promises true colors and contains a privacy filter, which blocks anyone from seeing what a person is doing from the side. This means anyone not in the center view of the monitor will see a distortion or a completely black image.

The true colors promise also makes it a good choice for graphic artists who work with imagery, video, and texturing.

The company offers free worldwide shipping for orders above $62.99 and a 100-day refund.

Best for iPhone: Eyejust iPhone Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector

  • Price: From $45
  • Display size: iPhone 6 to iPhone 13 Pro Max

This product is an iPhone screen protector with touch responsiveness, scratch resistance, and a transparent design.

Aside from protecting against blue light and UV, the brand says this tempered glass product provides five times more protection than a typical plastic screen protector. It includes installation instructions, a 2-year warranty against scratches and damages, and free shipping.

According to the company, a study in the Oxford Academic International Journal certifies this product to reduce eyestrain and improve sleep.

Here is how the above products compare to each other:

ForitoMOSISOEYESVizoBlueXOcushieldEyejust
Best forsmall laptopsyeslarge screensa budgetmedical backingiPhone
Display size15 in20-27 in11-65 in19-32 in11.6-27 iniPhone 6 to 13 Pro Max
UV protectionyesyesyesyesyesyes
Anti-glareyesnononoyesyes
Anti-scratchyesyesnoyesyesyes
Liquid repellentyesnonononono
Free shippingyesyesyesyesnoyes
Free returnsyesyesyesyes100 days30 days
Price$17.99 for 2from $41.99from $110from $39.99from $50from $45

When searching for blue light screen protectors, a person may wish to consider the following:

  • the dimensions of the device’s screen
  • the type of device they are using, such as a phone, tablet, or computer
  • product reviews
  • feedback on independent review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot

A person who wishes to reduce their exposure to blue light from computer screens, phone screens, or other devices can also consider the following:

  • Following the 20-20-20 rule.
  • Use blue light-blocking glasses or lenses.
  • Get a special anti-reflective coating on prescription eyeglasses.
  • Use the built-in blue light filters on certain electronic devices.

Research on whether blue light screen protectors benefit eye health is still ongoing. However, a 2018 study concluded that blue light could harm the eyes, such as dry eye, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blue light significantly affects a person’s circadian rhythm. Therefore, people may wish to avoid using screens before they sleep to minimize insomnia or other sleep problems.

A person’s time using electronic devices can also affect their eye health.

A 2020 review reveals that excessive exposure to blue light can cause severe photochemical injury to the retina. However, this reflects exposure to high levels of blue light in a laboratory setting. In contrast, computers and digital devices provide low enough levels of blue light that they do not cause damage to the eyes.

People who use screens for long periods may wish to take measures to protect their eyes.

According to the CDC, there are several ways to maintain good eye health and help prevent vision loss. People can consider speaking with an eye doctor for regular dilated eye exams to maintain their eye health. People can also wear sunglasses outside to protect their eyes from sunlight.

Learn more about blue light and vision health.

Here are some of the top questions about blue light screen protectors:

Do blue light screen protectors work?

According to a 2020 study, blue light screen protectors may effectively filter blue light. The study looked at iPhone blue light protectors and found they managed to block the intensity of 450 nm blue light by up to 43.9%.

However, the study also states that using night mode and reducing the device’s brightness is much more effective, reducing the intensity by up to 99.8%.

Blue light screen protectors may work for people wanting to reduce blue light exposure. However, their benefits to eye health are unclear. People wishing to reduce digital eyestrain may wish to consider alternative options, such as the 20-20-20 rule.

Who should use a blue light screen protector?

Anyone concerned about blue light and its effects on the eyes and the skin can consider using a blue light screen protector.

However, people experiencing eyestrain or other health concerns should speak to a doctor for advice. They may require eye drops to treat eyestrain or may be able to reduce the impact of blue light by changing behaviors such as screen time.

How do blue light screen protectors work?

Blue light screen protectors have layers or filters that block the blue light spectrum that screens may emit.

There are many different blue light screen protectors available online.

While there is no definitive research on the benefits of blue light screen protectors, some studies suggest blue light can be harmful to eye health.

Using screen protectors that decrease blue light exposure may offer peace of mind to those who cannot reasonably reduce their screen time.

A person considering this type of product should explore relevant research to assess the benefits and risks of blue light screen protectors.

People can also take other steps to look after their eye health, such as having regular eye exams.