Blue Light Glasses: When to Use Clear vs Tinted (2025)

Connor Thomas
2025-10-07T15:29:23-05:00

Intro

Eyes feel tired after a day of spreadsheets, coding, or late-night gaming? The right blue light glasses can make screen time more comfortable. Quick rule: choose clear lenses when you need accurate color for design, photo/video, or presentations; pick tinted (amber/yellow) when you want a softer, warmer view at night or in dim rooms. Start with fit (Kids → Small → Medium → Large → XL), then match lens base to your lighting. If you do both? Keep one of each at your desk. Explore our current lineup here Detour’s blue light.

How to Choose Blue Light Glasses

Fit & Coverage

Head width & pressure: Frames that pinch at the temples or sit too narrow will slip and strain. If regular frames run tight, go XL for ~8–10% more room.

Coverage height: Slightly taller lenses help block overhead LED glare without feeling bulky.

Spring hinges: Extra flex = all-day comfort. Many Detour frames include them—check the product details.

Lens Tints & Conditions

Clear (daytime/office): Best for accurate colors and mixed indoor lighting.

Amber/Yellow (evening/low light): Adds warmth and contrast; cozy for late sessions.

Note: Mirrors/polarization are for outdoor glare, not typical for blue light desk use.

Grip, Weight & Comfort

No-slip contact points: Stable nose bridge + secure temples prevent slide.

Bounce-free feel: Slight wrap or hugging temples keep frames steady as you move.

Headset/hat friendly: Flatter, low-profile temples play nicer under headphones or caps.

Editor’s Top Picks (6 Products)

Big Kahuna XL – Matte Black – Blue Light Filters — XL width for big heads; comfy spring hinges for marathon workdays.

Gold – Bermuda – Blue Light Filters — Minimal, lightweight metal look that disappears on your face for all-day office wear.

Matte Black – Essentials – Blue Light Filters — Affordable everyday pair; perfect as a backup or WFH set.

Eminence – Matte Black – Blue Light Filters — Classic rectangle with spring-hinge comfort; easy choice for most faces.

Kids Mini Hurricane – Blue Light Filters — Youth-sized; comfy for school/home screens.

Kids Tech – Blue Light Filters — Smaller kids’ fit for early learners; lightweight and simple.

Compare at a Glance

Model | Fit | Wrap | ANSI Z87 | Best For | Lens Base
Big Kahuna XL – Blue Light | XL | Low | No | Wide heads, long desk sessions | Clear blue light
Bermuda – Blue Light | Medium | Low | No | Minimalist office wear | Clear blue light
Essentials – Blue Light | Medium | Low | No | Everyday/WFH/backup | Clear blue light
Eminence – Blue Light | Medium/Large | Low | No | Most faces; spring-hinge comfort | Clear blue light
Kids Mini Hurricane – Blue Light | Kids | Low | No | Elementary/middle school | Clear blue light
Kids Tech – Blue Light | Kids (smaller) | Low | No | Early learners | Clear blue light

Pro Tips & Use-Case Scenarios

Office & design work: Stick with clear lenses to keep colors true.

Evening/gaming: Keep a tinted pair handy to soften harsh, cool light in dim rooms.

Hybrid setups: One clear pair at your desk; one tinted pair by your couch or rig.

Big heads: If frames usually pinch, jump straight to XL (e.g., Big Kahuna XL).

Kids: Choose youth sizing so lenses sit correctly over pupils for comfort and clarity.

FAQs

Do blue light glasses need to be tinted to work?
No. Clear blue light lenses are great for daytime and color-critical tasks; amber/yellow tints are about comfort and contrast in dim light.

When should I use clear vs tinted?
Use clear for accurate colors in office lighting; use tinted for a warmer, softer view at night or in dim spaces.

Are there XL options?
Yes—XL frames add width/temple length for larger heads.

Do I need ANSI Z87 safety-rated glasses for desk work?
No. ANSI Z87 is an impact standard for job sites. Typical office use doesn’t require it.

What about kids?
Detour offers youth-sized frames (Kids Mini Hurricane, Kids Tech) for comfortable all-day wear.

Do these have spring hinges?
Several models list spring hinges—check each product page.

Can I get prescription lenses?
Detour partners with Lensabl for Rx; see prescription info on product pages.

Shop the Collection

Ready to upgrade your setup? Explore Detour’s blue light selection. Keep a clear pair for daytime and a tinted pair for nights—you’ll feel the difference.