7 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Blue Light

As we, as a society, continue to look at screens more and more, I think it’s safe to say it’s not always comfortable for long periods of time. Computer screens at work, cell phones in our free time – the bright blue light can be so harsh on the eyes, causing headaches and keeping us awake at night.

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I have suffered from migraines my whole life and have always worked with computers so I’ve figured out a few ways to make looking at screens a little more comfortable. I have always worked with a Windows Operating System so these tips will focus on Windows computers with some phone techniques as well.

7 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Blue Light (on your devices):

1. Night Mode – Changing everything to night mode is a game-changer. It softens the blue light to a warmer tone which isn’t so bright. On any Windows computer, it’s easy enough to change the display settings in the night light category. On a phone there is a setting just for night mode and you can set it for the times you want it to go on.
2. Dark Mode – On a Windows 10 computer you can change your colors and displays to “Dark mode.” It changes the background colors to dark shades instead of white. Opening files, settings, the taskbar, etc. Just go to “Personalize,” then “Colors,” then choose Dark.
3. Phone Dark Mode – Most newer phones have a setting where you can also change the display settings to “Dark Mode,” changing all background colors to dark tones.
4. Web Browsers on Dark Mode – Using Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Etc. – they all have the capability to add extensions to their programing that allow dark mode. All you have to do is Google “extension store” in the browser of your choice, search for dark mode and install. There are a few, so you just have to find the one that works for you.
5. Using Warmer colors (yellow, orange, red) –Using a warmer color or even a softer color such as a pastel version of a certain color can be easier on the eyes, just like night mode. If you’re working on a spreadsheet, change the background color to a soft yellow or orange. Sometimes you can change the colors on your email. There are lots of ways to incorporate warmer colors into your screens where dark mode or night mode don’t always do the trick. Even on a windows computer, you can choose the colors that correspond with your settings.
6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses – Blue light-blocking glasses do a lot of what the above does. But what I really love about these types of lenses, is that they work on everything, not just screens. I worked in a very bright, very white office, and staring at the white walls or white paper all the time was also stressful on my eyes. The glasses helped tremendously.
   
7. Blue Light Blocking Screens, attachments, covers – These are some other tools that can help tone down the bright colors on screens.
   

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I hope this helps make screens a little more comfortable. Have you tried any of these techniques? What is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Christina

Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.