Blue light emitted from computer screens has become a growing concern for many individuals. The exposure to this type of light can lead to various health issues, including eyestrain, sleep disturbances, and even long-term eye damage. With the increasing amount of time spent in front of screens, it is crucial to find ways to reduce the impact of blue light. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that can help you reduce blue light from your computer screen on Windows 7, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable digital experience.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Reduce Blue Light from Your Computer Screen
There are several reasons why reducing blue light from your computer screen is important. First and foremost, blue light can cause digital eye strain, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Prolonged exposure to blue light can also disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder for you to fall asleep at night. Moreover, studies have shown that excessive blue light exposure may increase the risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss among the elderly.
By taking proactive measures to reduce blue light from your computer screen, you can alleviate eye strain, improve your sleep quality, and protect your long-term eye health. Let’s explore some effective methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Using Night Light Feature
The Night Light feature on Windows 7 can help reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your computer screen. This feature changes the color temperature of your screen to a warmer tone, reducing the overall blue light output. Here’s how to enable Night Light on Windows 7:
Step 1: Click on the “Start” button and open the “Control Panel.”
Step 2: In the Control Panel, navigate to the “Appearance and Personalization” section.
Step 3: Click on “Display” and then choose “Adjust screen resolution” from the left panel.
Step 4: In the Display Settings window, click on “Change display settings.”
Step 5: Under the “Color management” tab, click on “Advanced settings.”
Step 6: In the Advanced settings window, go to the “Color management” tab.
Step 7: Click on “Color Management” to open the Color Management dialog box.
Step 8: In the Color Management dialog box, click on the “Advanced” tab.
Step 9: Check the box next to “Use Windows display calibration” and click on the “Change system defaults” button.
Step 10: In the Color Management – Default System Profile window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
Step 11: Under the “Device profile” section, click on “Add.”
Step 12: In the Add Profile Association window, select the “sRGB IEC61966-2.1” profile and click on “OK.”
Step 13: Close all the windows and restart your computer.
Once you have enabled the Night Light feature, your computer screen will have a warmer color temperature, reducing the amount of blue light emitted. This can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy to enable and customize. | 1. Limited settings for color temperature adjustment. |
| 2. Helps reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. | 2. May not completely eliminate all blue light. |
| 3. Integrated feature in Windows 7, no need for external software. | 3. May impact color accuracy for certain tasks. |
Method 2: Via Blue Light Filtering Software
If the Night Light feature on Windows 7 is not sufficient for your needs, you can consider using third-party blue light filtering software. These software solutions provide more advanced features and customization options. One popular option is f.lux, a free software that adjusts the color temperature of your screen based on the time of day. Here’s how to use f.lux on Windows 7:
Step 1: Visit the f.lux website (https://justgetflux.com/) and download the software.
Step 2: Install the software on your computer and launch it.
Step 3: Set your location by entering your zip code or selecting your city.
Step 4: Choose the type of lighting in your room (incandescent, fluorescent, or daylight).
Step 5: Select the desired color temperature for daytime and nighttime.
Step 6: Customize additional settings, such as transition speed and movie mode.
Step 7: Click on “Done” to apply the changes.
By using blue light filtering software like f.lux, you can have more control over the color temperature of your screen and reduce blue light to a greater extent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Extensive customization options for color temperature. | 1. Requires installation of third-party software. |
| 2. Automatically adjusts color temperature based on the time of day. | 2. May impact color accuracy for certain tasks. |
| 3. Provides more control and flexibility compared to built-in Windows features. | 3. Some features may require upgrading to the premium version. |
Method 3: Using Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Another effective way to reduce blue light exposure is by wearing blue light blocking glasses. These glasses have special lenses that filter out a significant portion of blue light emitted from screens. Here’s how to use blue light blocking glasses:
Step 1: Look for blue light blocking glasses that have a high rating of blue light protection.
Step 2: Put on the glasses before using your computer.
Step 3: Use the glasses consistently whenever you are exposed to screens.
Step 4: Take breaks and practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
By wearing blue light blocking glasses, you can protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light and reduce eye strain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides direct protection for your eyes. | 1. Requires purchasing an additional accessory. |
| 2. Can be used with any computer or device. | 2. May alter the color accuracy of the screen. |
| 3. Suitable for individuals who cannot adjust screen settings or use software solutions. | 3. May take time to adjust to wearing glasses. |
Method 4: Via Anti-Glare Screen Protectors
Using anti-glare screen protectors can also help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. These protectors have a matte finish that diffuses light, reducing glare and reflections. Here’s how to use an anti-glare screen protector:
Step 1: Measure your computer screen size to determine the appropriate protector size.
Step 2: Clean the screen thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or smudges.
Step 3: Apply the screen protector according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Ensure that there are no air bubbles or misalignments.
Step 5: Adjust the screen brightness and contrast settings to optimize the viewing experience.
By using anti-glare screen protectors, you can minimize eye strain caused by glare and reduce the blue light reaching your eyes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Reduces glare and reflections, improving overall viewing experience. | 1. Requires purchasing an additional accessory. |
| 2. Helps protect your computer screen from scratches and smudges. | 2. May slightly reduce screen brightness and clarity. |
| 3. Suitable for individuals who prefer physical solutions rather than software adjustments. | 3. May affect the touch sensitivity of the screen, if applicable. |
What to Do If You Can’t Reduce Blue Light from Your Computer Screen
If you are unable to reduce blue light from your computer screen using the methods discussed above, here are some additional steps you can take:
1. Increase the font size on your computer screen to reduce eye strain.
2. Position your screen at eye level to maintain proper posture and reduce neck strain.
3. Take regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
4. Use screen filters that attach to your monitor to further reduce blue light.
5. Consider using a separate blue light filter for your prescription glasses if needed.
By implementing these fixes, you can minimize the impact of blue light on your eyes even if you can’t completely eliminate it.
Bonus Tip
Here are three bonus tips to further protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light:
1. Limit screen time before bedtime: Avoid using screens for at least one hour before going to bed to promote better sleep quality.
2. Use ambient lighting: Maintain a well-lit environment when using screens to reduce the contrast between the screen and the surroundings.
3. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take short breaks every 20 minutes to focus on something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can blue light filtering software affect the color accuracy of my screen?
A: Yes, blue light filtering software can impact color accuracy, especially for tasks that require precise color representation, such as graphic design. However, most software solutions provide settings to adjust the color temperature based on your preferences and specific needs.
Q2: Do all blue light blocking glasses provide the same level of protection?
A: No, the level of blue light protection can vary among different brands and lenses. Look for glasses that specifically mention blue light blocking and have a high protection rating to ensure optimal results.
Q3: Are anti-glare screen protectors compatible with touch-screen devices?
A: Yes, most anti-glare screen protectors are compatible with touch-screen devices. However, they may slightly affect the touch sensitivity, so it’s recommended to test the protector before applying it permanently.
Q4: Can I use multiple methods together to maximize the reduction of blue light?
A: Yes, you can combine different methods, such as using blue light filtering software and wearing blue light blocking glasses, to achieve maximum reduction of blue light and enhance the overall protection for your eyes.
Q5: Do these methods only apply to Windows 7?
A: The methods discussed in this blog post are primarily focused on Windows 7, but many of them can be applied to other operating systems as well. However, the steps and specific features may vary depending on the operating system version.
Final Thoughts
Reducing blue light from your computer screen is essential for protecting your eyes and maintaining optimal visual health. By implementing the methods discussed in this blog post, such as using the Night Light feature, blue light filtering software, blue light blocking glasses, and anti-glare screen protectors, you can significantly reduce your exposure to blue light and mitigate the associated risks. Remember to take breaks and follow good screen usage habits to further enhance your eye health. Prioritize your well-being by making blue light reduction a part of your daily digital routine.{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Can blue light filtering software affect the color accuracy of my screen?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Yes, blue light filtering software can impact color accuracy, especially for tasks that require precise color representation, such as graphic design. However, most software solutions provide settings to adjust the color temperature based on your preferences and specific needs.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Do all blue light blocking glasses provide the same level of protection?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” No, the level of blue light protection can vary among different brands and lenses. Look for glasses that specifically mention blue light blocking and have a high protection rating to ensure optimal results.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Are anti-glare screen protectors compatible with touch-screen devices?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Yes, most anti-glare screen protectors are compatible with touch-screen devices. However, they may slightly affect the touch sensitivity, so it’s recommended to test the protector before applying it permanently.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Can I use multiple methods together to maximize the reduction of blue light?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Yes, you can combine different methods, such as using blue light filtering software and wearing blue light blocking glasses, to achieve maximum reduction of blue light and enhance the overall protection for your eyes.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Do these methods only apply to Windows 7?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” The methods discussed in this blog post are primarily focused on Windows 7, but many of them can be applied to other operating systems as well. However, the steps and specific features may vary depending on the operating system version.”}}]}
Blue light contributes to digital eye strain. When you’re looking at computer screens and other digital devices that emit significant amounts of blue light, this unfocused visual “noise” reduces contrast and can contribute to digital eye strain.
To avoid these strains, many companies are not enabling this features in their devices like Apple introduce this feature on their iPhone. Later this was added in as a app for Android users on play store. If you are using android phones you can download the blue light filter for your phone.
When we are using computers, that function is also very important. The most popular app for this is f.lux (For windows 7, 8, 8.1 & 10) which can be downloaded from https://justgetflux.com/. (Windows 10 creator already has this function).
1. Goto https://justgetflux.com/ and click on the download f.lux button.
2. Once it get downloaded, run the setup. It will ask you to accept the agreement, Accept the agreement and it will start the installation.
3. Once installation will be completed, It will show the f.lux at right corner of the computer for further settings.
4. Now you can also do further adjustments as per your need, Click on Settings button and goto settings. In settings you can set how this application will filter the blue light at day time and at night.
5. Set your location, so that I can automatically start filtering blue light at night time based on your location.
6. Once you are done with settings, Click on Done.
By using this function, you can keep your eyes stress free while working on computer.
Muhammad Imran Habib
Imran is a technology evangelist with 8 years of experience working with some of the Industry leading companies. Imran’s expertise includes On-Prem/Virtual Infrastructure deployments, IT Solutions for SMEs, End User Computing Support.
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Понимание того, зачем и как выбирать фильтр синего света для
монитора, требует не столько поверхностного обзора модных технологий, сколько
осознанного взгляда на физиологию зрения, физику светового спектра и принципы
отображения информации на современных дисплеях. Это вопрос, в котором
пересекаются медико-биологические аспекты, инженерные решения и субъективный
комфорт. Простой выбор на уровне «включить фильтр в настройках Windows» — лишь
вершина айсберга. Чтобы разобраться в теме по существу, важно двигаться от
общей картины к конкретным техническим рекомендациям.
Любой экран, основанный на принципах LED-подсветки (будь то
IPS, VA или TN матрица), излучает широкий спектр света, в том числе волну в
диапазоне 415-455 нм. Именно этот участок видимого спектра традиционно называют
«высокоэнергетическим синим светом» (HEV — High-Energy Visible
Light). Его физические характеристики — высокая частота и малая длина волны —
делают излучение особенно интенсивным для сетчатки. При длительном воздействии
синий свет вызывает аккомодационное напряжение, снижает контрастное восприятие,
нарушает циркадные ритмы и может стать фактором развития хронической усталости
глаз, а при неправильно организованном рабочем времени — и бессонницы.
Современные исследования, такие как мета-анализ, проведённый
в 2021 году в Journal of Ophthalmology, подтверждают: кратковременное влияние
синего света (до 4 часов) малозначимо, но при 8-часовой и более длительной
работе наблюдается статистически значимое ухудшение зрительного комфорта,
особенно при недостаточной контрастности шрифта и белом фоне интерфейсов.
Проблема в первую очередь не в повреждении сетчатки как таковом (для этого
требуются интенсивности, выходящие за пределы бытовых устройств), а в переутомлении,
снижении мигания и нарушении секреции мелатонина. Так возникает необходимость
вмешательства — фильтрации или перенастройки излучаемого спектра.
Существуют два базовых подхода к фильтрации синего света —
программный и аппаратный. Программный — наиболее доступный, внедрён практически
во все современные операционные системы. Windows, macOS, Android и iOS
предлагают так называемый «ночной режим», который сдвигает цветовую
температуру изображения в сторону тёплых тонов (обычно до 3400-4500 К). Однако
такой подход не является настоящей фильтрацией синего света, он лишь меняет
визуальное восприятие, не затрагивая физическую интенсивность излучения.
Измерения спектрофотометром ясно показывают, что пик в синем диапазоне остаётся
— он просто менее доминирует на фоне усиленного красного и ослабленного
зелёного каналов.
Более эффективным считается использование внешнего
физического фильтра — это либо накладка на экран, либо очки с антиблю-линзами.
С точки зрения оптической физики, фильтр с коэффициентом подавления от 30 до
60% в диапазоне 420-460 нм позволяет значительно снизить нагрузку на
аккомодацию и сохранить зрительный комфорт даже при длительной работе. В этом
контексте стоит отметить фильтры от компаний BenQ (технология Brightness
Intelligence Plus), ViewSonic (фильтрация в матрице) и специализированные
внешние накладки, такие как Ocushield или 3M Blue Light Filter. Все они
основаны либо на интерференционной фильтрации, либо на химическом нанесении
покрытий, поглощающих конкретную длину волны.
Однако здесь проявляется типичный компромисс: физический
фильтр снижает яркость и может искажать цветопередачу. Для специалистов,
работающих с точной цветокоррекцией (графика, видео, фото), это недопустимо. Решение
в таких случаях — использование мониторов с встроенной аппаратной настройкой
фильтра, где спектр смещается без вмешательства в цветовую калибровку —
например, Eizo FlexScan с режимом Paper Mode, или профессиональные дисплеи NEC
SpectraView.
Если говорить о бытовом сценарии — домашний монитор для
повседневной работы, — то чаще всего предпочтение отдают программным методам.
Здесь наиболее гибким инструментом остаётся приложение f.lux. В отличие от
стандартного «ночного режима» Windows, оно позволяет динамически настраивать
профиль цветовой температуры в зависимости от времени суток, яркости помещения
и сценария работы. f. lux поддерживает индивидуальные профили для работы с
текстом, чтения PDF или просмотра видео и может синхронизироваться с API умного
освещения (например, Philips Hue), чтобы сохранять единый световой сценарий.
Внешние накладки проще всего установить на экран с плоской
поверхностью — большинство таких фильтров имеют стандартные размеры под диагонали
21,5-32 дюйма и фиксируются с помощью липучек, магнитных рамок или зажимов. При
установке важно проверить отсутствие воздушной прослойки между матрицей и
фильтром, так как это приведёт к бликам. Само стекло должно быть с антибликовым
покрытием и оптической прозрачностью не ниже 92%. Некоторые модели, например,
от Ocushield, сертифицированы как медицинские изделия в странах ЕС и
Великобритании, что подтверждает определённый уровень эффективности и
безопасности.
Очки с фильтрами синего света — альтернативный способ,
особенно если работать приходится с разными мониторами или вне дома. Здесь
наиболее важны два параметра: спектральный коэффициент поглощения (в норме не
ниже 30% в зоне 430-450 нм) и отсутствие сильного оранжевого оттенка, который
мешает восприятию естественных цветов. Наиболее сбалансированные модели
производят Gunnar и Pixel Eyewear — они дают защиту при умеренном искажении
картинки, чего достаточно для офисных и технических задач.
Подход к выбору и установке фильтра синего света не должен
сводиться к простому следованию рекомендациям в духе «включите ночной режим».
Это действительно многослойный вопрос, в котором важно учитывать характер
выполняемой работы, чувствительность зрения, качество используемого дисплея и
личные предпочтения по цветовой температуре.
Если речь идёт о повседневной офисной нагрузке — в диапазоне
6-10 часов за экраном — оптимальным решением остаётся комбинированный подход:
программная коррекция цветовой температуры (f.lux или встроенные средства ОС)
плюс внешнее физическое решение, особенно при работе в вечернее и ночное время.
Для критически важной работы с цветом лучше подбирать профессиональные дисплеи
с настраиваемыми спектральными профилями, либо использовать индивидуальные
фильтры с высокой оптической точностью.
Синие волны в спектре — не враги, но они требуют уважения к
физиологии глаза и здравого инженерного подхода к их контролю.
When you turn on most digital devices, their screens vibrantly illuminate so that you can see easily in a variety of light settings. However, the visible light that comes from your screen is more complex than you might think.
There are many common concerns regarding the blue light that emanates from device screens.
When pondering the many mysteries and misconceptions surrounding blue light, you might ask yourself:
- What kind of light is it?
- Will it damage my eyesight?
- Should I worry about my long-term exposure to blue light?
You can put your mind at ease. While there are reasons to pay attention to the ways blue light may be harmful, there is no cause for alarm.
What is blue light?
The simplest blue light definition is a high-intensity, short wavelength range of visible light on the spectrum. Blue light is a high-energy, visible (HEV) light; falling in the same category of visible light as violet.
All visible light falls on a color spectrum based on the frequency of a wavelength and energy levels produced by each color.
High-energy waves have short lengths and low-energy waves have long lengths. High-energy, short-length waves like ultraviolet rays are invisible to the eye but fall on the same spectrum.
Darker colors like violet and blue are the closest to UV wavelength and strength. Lighter colors like red and yellow are on the opposite end of the spectrum with longer wavelengths and lower energy levels.
The sun, the lights, and the computer. How much is too much?
While we tend to only think of blue light coming from display screens, it’s naturally produced by the sun. Even indoors, fluorescent and LED light bulbs are sources of blue light.
Whether you’re aware or not, you’re surrounded by blue light all of the time. Most computer monitors, cell phone screens, and flat-screen TVs are additional sources of blue light. This is because white light LED combines with blue LED to create a solid-state light which uses significantly less energy and power than alternative sources of light, making it ideal for electronic devices.
Even though we are surrounded by blue light in our natural environment our whole life, it’s our digital environment that causes excess exposure and the need for concern.
Is blue light harmful?
Blue light is harmful the same way having too much sodium in our diet is harmful. Our bodies are naturally adept at absorbing and dealing with blue light exposure, but like anything else, too much can be detrimental.
Blue light exposure can be helpful in some circumstances. If you have trouble waking up in the morning or focusing, a source of blue light can assist with both.
But is blue light harmful to the eye? While our skin doesn’t have much of a problem absorbing and dealing with blue light, our eyes don’t have the same level of protection or filtration.
Because the wavelength of blue light is short and powerful, it can penetrate past the cornea to reach the retina, which is the most light-sensitive part of your eye.
1. Eye strain and headaches are trouble signs
One of the most common side effects of blue light exposure is digital eye strain. If you stare at a computer screen for too long, you may start to experience pain in your eyes and headaches.
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, may lead to dry, sore, red eyes and blurred vision. With enough prolonged exposure, blue light can harm your eyes and lead to macular degeneration — causing damage the same way UV rays would.
However, avoiding permanent damage to your eyesight is fairly easy because it takes a significant amount of prolonged, repetitive exposure.
By appropriately managing the amount of exposure you’re getting or using a blue light filter, you can prevent any damage that would otherwise occur.
2. Limit your computer and TV time
Unless you’re cranking away at a computer for 10 hours a day every day, your biggest concerns will be when you expose yourself to blue light and for how long.
Our bodies are naturally conditioned and programmed to fall asleep when it gets dark and wake up when we’re exposed to light. A study performed by Harvard Medical School found that blue light suppresses melatonin for about twice as long as green light and shifts circadian rhythms by twice as much [1].
The same study also found that green light may be damaging and strenuous on the eyes as well. The typical wavelength of blue light falls between 450 and 490 nanometers. The wavelength for green light is 520 to 560 nanometers, with cyan falling in between.
Because the two lights are so similar in terms of strength, and there are few remedies for green light exposure, it’s important to limit and monitor the amount of screen time you’re getting from computers and devices each day — even if you use a blue light filter.
Of course, this is much easier said than done given how much we all depend on our devices and computers. If you’re up late watching TV or working on your PC, your body may have difficulty adjusting and falling asleep so be sure to use some form of blue light filtration.
3. Get your eyes checked regularly
It’s not just blue light that can affect your vision. As we age, the lens inside our eye can lose flexibility, resulting in the inability to change focus from far to near. Getting regular comprehensive eye exams are an important component to maintaining eye health, no matter how much time you spend in front of screens.
If you already have prescription glasses, you can move to multi-focal lenses. If not, then “readers” from the drug store may be enough — at least for a while. You can also have your optometrist add a blue light filter on your glasses or find reading glasses that include one.
4. Blink, rest, and restore
Dry eyes are irritated eyes. Your body’s natural defense is to blink. This lubricates and cleans our eyes, and in normal situations the average person blinks 10 to 20 times per minute. Unfortunately, studies have shown that when we concentrate, our blink rate drops. We only blink 3 to 8 times per minute when reading, watching TV, or looking at a computer screen [2].
Take time to rest your eyes every 20 minutes or so. Look away from the computer and focus on something distant — like a poster on the wall across the room or out a window. Close your eyes gently, then squeeze and hold them shut for a moment, then open and relax them. Try to remember to blink more often in between, too, and when you are thinking, instead of squinting at the screen, turn away and blink a few times. Your eyes will thank you.
What is a blue light filter?
A blue light filter can either be a physical barrier that repels and blocks out blue light or an application that changes the light emitted by your device or computer display.
Filter software programs
Built-in nighttime settings on devices often leave an orange tint on the screen that can distort images and diminish the quality of your viewing experience if you’re watching a video or surfing the web. However, they are effective at reducing your exposure and protecting your eyesight.
One of the most popular blue light filter applications is F.lux®. Like most blue light filter applications, F.lux reduces the blue light coming from your screen and boosts the warmer colors like red, yellow, and orange. One of the unique features that makes F.lux stand out from the other applications is the ability to adjust your settings to the time of day. Rather than setting timers and remembering to activate the filter on your PC or device, F.lux will automatically change in accordance to the ambient light throughout the day.
Another great application is Iris®. Iris is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly blue light filter applications. With Iris, you can choose from a variety of modes and types within the settings menu. Select from options like automatic, manual, and paused mode for your convenience and preference.
Within the type settings, you can select health, reading, programming, biohacker, sunglasses, dark, movie, and overlay. Each of these options gives the user a slightly different experience and changes the display setting to accommodate specific tasks or activities.
Video and movie displays are often the most affected and distorted by application-based blue light filters. Fortunately, the video setting on this blue light filter is one of the best. You won’t get an ugly orange glare from your screen when you’re watching movies late at night on your laptop or PC.
Unlike F.lux, Iris is not free. It’ll cost you $15 to install on your computer. If you don’t want to pay without giving this software a thorough test drive, Iris offers a seven-day free trial for new users and a one-month free trial for every friend who installs the software after your initial free trial.
With over twenty different features, Iris is a worthwhile expense to protect your eyesight.
Physical blue light filters
Physical blue light filters work by blocking short, high-frequency waves and allowing long, low-frequency waves through.
If you were to do a side-by-side comparison of blue light filter applications and physical blue light blockers like glasses, it would quickly become apparent that the physical barrier diminishes the quality of the picture and color far less than its application-based counterpart.
Filtering screen covers
Physical blue light filters are the easiest and best way to reduce your blue light exposure. Some blue light filters for PCs are just a clear piece of plastic material that covers your monitor, while other filters come in the form of blue light blocking glasses.
Blue light filtering glasses
Blue light filter glasses have become increasingly popular due to the recent studies revealing the potential damage and health concerns surrounding blue light.
If you have to work late at night on a PC or cell phone, wearing blue light filtering glasses for 3 to 4 hours before bedtime is the easiest way to keep your melatonin levels in check [3] and your retinas protected. While some of the flashier glasses may cost upwards of $80, you can get inexpensive pairs for $10 to $20 online.
The downside of physical blue light filters is that they are rarely made of durable material and you may end up having to replace them from time to time. Additionally, many prescription and over-the-counter reading glasses come with blue light filters in the lenses, so it may be a waste of time and money to invest in a blue light filter if you regularly wear prescription glasses.
How to set up blue light filters in your settings
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of purchasing a physical blue light filter or downloading an application? Windows 10 comes with a built-in feature in your settings called Night Light.
With Night Light you can set a timer that controls the lighting on your computer screen for a section of time; for example, sunset to sunrise. What’s great about Night Light is the ability to control how much your screen’s blue light decreases.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Windows 10 Night Light:
- Open up your start menu
- Select the gear icon to open up your settings menu
- Go to system settings (display, notifications, and power)
- Select display
- Turn the Night Light switch on
- Go to Night Light setting
From here, you can adjust the levels of blue light reduction and the timeframe you would like to restrict and control them. You may also choose to automatically adjust the brightness when the lighting changes.
While this is the simplest blue light filter for your PC because you won’t have to download or purchase any additions, you should still consider investing in a physical form of protection.
Give one of these tried and true solutions a go to save yourself the discomfort and strain caused by blue light.
References
[1] Harvard Heath Publishing; Blue Light Has a Dark Side
[2] Vision Source; Are you blinking enough?
[3] NY Magazine; Do Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses Actually Do Anything?
Are you looking for a blue light filtering solution for Windows 7?
If you’re seeking guidance on how to reduce blue light on Windows 7, you’ve come to the right place.
As widely known, Windows 7 officially ceased receiving extended support and updates from Microsoft on January 14, 2020. This means that Microsoft no longer provides free security updates and technical support for Windows 7, and features like Night Shift, available on Windows 10, are not accessible. Therefore, we need to use third-party software to achieve blue light filtering on Windows 7.
This article will explore how to make a better choice when it comes to selecting blue light filtering software for Windows 7.
Choosing the Right Blue Light Filter Software
Selecting the appropriate blue light filter software from the numerous options available can be overwhelming, but by taking into account some important factors, you can discover the ideal software that suits your requirements. Below are some factors to think about when deciding on a blue light filter software.
- Customization options: Look for a software that allows you to adjust the level of blue light filtering to your preference. This will give you more control over the level of protection you receive.
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your operating system and device. Some software may only work with Windows or Mac, while others may not be compatible with your specific model of computer.
- Price: Some blue light filter software options are free, while others are paid. Consider your budget and your needs when choosing between free and paid options.
CareUEyes: A Comprehensive Blue Light Filtering Solution
CareUEyes is a Windows 7 blue light filter, which helps prevent eye fatigue, relieve eye pain and vision problems. It filters blue light by adjusting the color temperature, so you can freely control the filter intensity of blue light. The lower the color temperature, the less blue light.
CareUEyes is similar to the Night light on Windows 10 / Windows 11. You can use it as windows 7 Night light, but it is definitely better than the Night light.
It has eight preset modes, suitable for eight different usage scenarios. Appropriate color temperature is preset for each, but you can also adjust the color temperature according to your needs.
Three ways to filter blue light
1. Drag or click the color temperature slider on the interface. Drag to the left to decrease the color temperature(reduce the blue light), and to the right to increase the color temperature (increase the blue light).
2. Using hotkeys
3. Select the color temperature in the tray right-click menu
Lightweight and Easy-to-Use Blue Light Filter
CareUEyes can easily help you achieve intelligent blue light filter adjustment. Some software uses overlay translucent windows to filter blue light, but CareUEyes directly controls the display’s RGB value, which ensures compatibility with other software. You can also set the CareUEyes blue light filter adjustment feature to be disabled when a special program is running (for example, while running photoshop, to restore real color).
Unlike other blue light filter software on windows 7, CareUEyes has higher performance. It only needs 5M of memory at runtime, and it does not consume too much CPU time. And the package of CareUEyes is only 2M. I believe this is your best choice.
Different Blue Light Needs for Day and Night
Although blue light is harmful to the eyes, proper blue light irradiation is beneficial to people during the day. Blue light can keep people awake and have the energy to finish work or study. Therefore, if you are not a person with extremely sensitive eyes, you only need to filter a small part of the blue light during the day and restore the light of the computer screen to light similar to sunlight.
But at night, blue light becomes very harmful, you need to filter more blue light to prevent sleep from being disturbed by blue light. Excessive exposure to blue light at night will cause sleep problems. Because blue light inhibits the production of melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It helps your body know when to sleep and wake up. (External Factors that Influence Sleep)
According to people’s different needs for blue light day and night, CareUEyes provides sunrise and sunset feature. Compared with the sunrise and sunset, the color temperature and brightness after sunset are lower.
You only need to turn on the sunrise and sunset functions, CareUEyes will automatically help you adjust the color temperature and brightness at sunrise and sunset.
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In addition to filtering blue light, more ways to protect your eyes
1. Follow the “20-20-20” principle
Every time you watch the screen for 20 minutes, raise your eyes and look at a place 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
However, many people often forget to take a break due to their busy schedules. CareUEyes can remind you to take a break regularly. It is not a simple timer, it is far more intelligent than you think.
CareUEyes can intelligently analyze the time you actually use the computer, and when you actually work on the computer for the predetermined time, it will remind you to take a break.
2. Set the appropriate brightness for the screen
Don’t make your screen too bright, because the brighter the screen, the more blue light will be emitted, and too bright screen light is also a direct stimulus to the eyes and easily leads to eye fatigue.
Use CareUEyes to easily adjust the screen brightness. You can adjust the brightness in the program interface or use the hotkeys to adjust.
With Microsoft no longer providing updates for Windows 7, it becomes crucial to opt for third-party eye protection software to filter out harmful blue light. In this regard, CareUEyes emerges as the optimal choice, serving not only as a blue light filtering tool but also as a comprehensive eye care solution. With CareUEyes, your eyes receive all-encompassing care, ensuring their well-being in various aspects.
blue light filter for windows 7 free download
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