Computer Glasses: How Yellow, Clear and Red Lenses Differ

In short: lens colour shows how much short-wavelength (blue) light they hold back and how much they distort colours: clear lenses barely change colour, yellow gives a light warm tint, orange and red hold back more and change colours noticeably. Important: there is no evidence that such glasses reduce eye strain, see what the research says. Choosing a colour is a matter of comfort and tasks.

What lens colour does

A tinted lens absorbs part of the light. The darker and warmer the shade, the more short-wavelength blue light is held back and the more colour perception changes.

What is known about benefit

According to the 2023 Cochrane review, blue light filtering glasses probably do not reduce short-term eye strain compared with ordinary lenses, and there is too little data on retinal protection and sleep. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend special glasses for screen work. Cochrane, AAO.

So choosing a colour is not a question of "what is most effective for the eyes" but of:

• Comfort. Some people feel subjective relief from a warm tint or reduced glare.
• Tasks. Colour-critical work (design, video, photo) needs clear lenses.
• Games. Colour on screen changes, which can affect telling objects apart by colour.
• Evening. Warm lenses simply dim the light.

How colour affects play

Tinting changes the colour palette: enemies or indicators that differ by shade may be harder to tell apart. Try the glasses in game conditions before relying on them in competition.

How to choose a colour

1. Clear: if you want minimal colour change or no tint is needed.
2. Yellow: if you like a warmer tint and a softer look to the screen.
3. Orange/red: if you want noticeable dimming of light in the evening and colour does not matter.
4. Test. Trust your own feel and do not expect a medical effect.

For other criteria: how to choose PC glasses.

What matters more than colour

Breaks, blinking, screen settings and room light: monitor brightness, dry eyes from screens.

When to see a doctor

If your eyes hurt, vision is blurred or symptoms do not go away, see an ophthalmologist.