The dangers of blue light are becoming more widely known as more research is being conducted on the subject. The impact of blue light on our sleep patterns, eye health, and overall well-being is becoming increasingly clear. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to insomnia and other sleep-related problems, digital eye strain, headaches, and an increased risk of certain diseases such as macular degeneration. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognized the potential dangers of blue light, citing it as a "potential environmental hazard" that can disrupt our circadian rhythms and negatively impact our health.
As a result of this growing awareness, more and more people are taking steps to minimize their blue light exposure, whether it be through the use of blue light filtering apps, glasses, or other methods. With so many options available, it is possible to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences and minimize blue light exposure. In this article, we explore 5 ways to minimise blue light exposure from your iPhone
1. Use iPhone's in-built Night Shift function
Night Shift: One of the easiest ways to reduce blue light on an iPhone is to use the Night Shift feature. This feature automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to a warmer, more yellowish tone in the evening, which can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep. To enable Night Shift, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift
Night shift is built-in to the iPhone's operating system, easy to use and can be scheduled automatically. However, it gives your phone an orange hue and may not be enough to completely eliminate blue light exposure, especially in low light environments..
2. Lower the Brightness of Your iPhone's display
Lowering the brightness of your iPhone's display can also help to reduce the amount of blue light emitted. To do this, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center and adjust the brightness slider. This is a simple and quick fix, but generally impractical if your screen is too dim to use comfortably.
3. Download a Blue Light Filtering App
There are a variety of third-party apps available on the App Store that can help to reduce blue light on your iPhone. These apps typically allow you to adjust the color temperature of the display, set a schedule for when the filter should be active, and more.
They offer more granular control over the blue light filter, and it can be customized to personal preferences. However, like Night Shift, they are also likely to change the colours on your screen most apps require a subscription to access all features.
4. Use Your iPhone's Smart Invert Feature
Use the Smart Invert Feature: Another way to reduce blue light on an iPhone is to use the Smart Invert feature. This feature inverts the colors of the display, making it more yellow, which can help to reduce the amount of blue light emitted. To enable Smart Invert, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations > Invert Colors > Smart Invert.
It's easy to use and built-in to the iPhone's operating system, however, it may not be suitable for all users, as it can affect text readability and may be hard to use with certain apps.
5. Invest in Blue Light Filtering Glasses
Wearing blue light filtering glasses can help to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes, even when using your iPhone. These glasses are available from a variety of manufacturers and can be worn during the day or at night to help improve sleep and reduce eye strain.
There are a lot of fake blue light blocking glasses on the market that do more harm than good; so ensure that you are purchasing from a brand rooted in science.
6. Use a Blue Light Blocking Screen Protector
Blue light blocking screen protectors are a popular way of reducing blue light exposure. It is our best selling product for a reason! The colour and colour quality from your phone doesn't change, they're 5 times stronger than traditional tempered glass screen protectors, and come with an 'easy-apply' applicator tray. We are so confident in our product that we offer a 12 month warranty on it. If you shop around, other screen protectors may be difficult to apply and may not provide as much protection to the screen as traditional screen protectors.
In conclusion, there are several ways to reduce blue light on an iPhone, including using the Night Shift feature, reducing brightness, using third-party blue light filters, using the Smart Invert feature and wearing blue light filtering glasses. Minimizing blue light from an iPhone and other electronic devices can help to improve sleep, reduce eye strain and risk of certain diseases, and promote overall well-being.
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Ocushield has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
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