What Makes a Blue Shield Lens Actually Effective?

angetkr
Aug 11
2 min read

Headaches and dry eyes are common symptoms of digital eye strain

Most patients have heard of blue shield lenses. But for many opticians, one question comes up again and again: what actually makes a blue light lens work? Not all coatings are equal, and with so many options on the market, it’s easy for patients—and even staff—to get confused.

Let’s break down what defines an effective blue light lens and how to explain it clearly to your patients.

1. Understanding Blue Light

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum, with wavelengths between 400–495 nanometers. It’s emitted by sunlight, but also by digital screens—phones, computers, TVs, LED lights. While there’s no conclusive evidence linking screen time with eye damage, many patients report eye strain, dryness, and sleep disruption with prolonged use.

This is where blue light filtering lenses come in.

2. Not All Blue Shield Filters Are the Same

There are two main types of blue shield lenses:

Coated lenses, where a thin anti-reflective (AR) layer is added to reflect blue light
In-mass lenses, where the filtering material is built into the lens itself

Most stock lenses in the market today use a surface coating, however TKR Optics' Rising Sun Blue Shield lenses are in-mass lenses, filtering harmful light regardless of coating. This makes a difference in:

The range of blue light blocked - superficial coating only brands only block 5-10% of harmful light.
Whether the lens has a yellow tint and affects how we see color
Durability and resistance to scratching or discoloration over time

3. What Makes It Effective in Practice?

For your patients, an effective lens should do three things:

Filter 20–30% of blue light in the 420–455nm range (this is where most screen light falls)
Minimize glare and reflections that contribute to eye fatigue
Feel natural to wear indoors and outdoors (no affecting how we view colors, no yellow tint)

The TKR Optics' Rising Sun Blue Shield Lenses meet these standards. They are especially useful for patients who:

Work long hours on screens
Are sensitive to glare
Experience sleep issues related to screen use at night

4. How to Explain It to Patients

Patients don’t always understand nanometers—but they do understand comfort. Try this:

“These lenses help cut the harsh light that comes off screens. Most people feel less eye strain, especially by the end of the day. If you’re someone who gets headaches or dry eyes from too much screen time, these could really help.”

5. When to Recommend Blue Light Lenses

Use these cues during the consultation:

They work at a computer or use a phone for more than 4 hours/day
They complain of headaches, blurry vision, or dry eyes
They’re students, gamers, remote workers, or BPO employees

Final Thought

Blue light filtering lenses aren’t just a trend—they’re a practical solution for screen-heavy lifestyles. By choosing well-tested options like TKR Optics's Rising Sun Blue Shield lenses, you give your patients a clear advantage—and a reason to come back.