Evaluation of Blue Light Blocking Glasses under Sunlight and LEDs

There have been multiple claims regarding detrimental effects of blue light on human health. Protective glasses sold as “blue light blocking” have been recommended for use under electric lights. Here we report the spectral transmission of eight types of lenses, five of which advertise blue light blocking capability. Color rendering index and color fidelity index were calculated to determine effects on color perception. Common light emitting diode (LED) fixtures use a blue LED with a peak output at 450 nm and have little output below 425 nm. Seven of the lenses primarily filtered wavelengths below 425 nm and thus provided minimal protection under LED fixtures. A lens from Bioshield filtered 98% of blue photons up to 500 nm but significantly altered color perception.