FL-41 Glasses vs Blue-Light Blocking Glasses: Which One Is Right For You?
Dec 26 2024
If you’ve been looking into protecting your eyes from lights or digital screens, you’ve likely come across both FL-41 and blue light-blocking glasses and wondered what's the best.
We’ve explained the difference between both types of glasses below including their color tints, recommended frames and optimal usage situations in our guide.
What Are FL-41 Glasses?
FL-41 glasses were designed long ago to combat flickering fluorescent lights in the 80s and 90s. They have a rose-colored tint that filters out certain wavelengths of light especially in the blue and green spectrum which helps alleviate discomfort caused by bright light.
What Are The Benefits Of FL-41 Glasses?
Reduces eye strain caused by prolonged screen time.
Improves sleep by reducing blue light exposure before bedtime.
Prevents long-term damage to the retina from excessive blue light exposure.
Reduces glare and contrast for better screen visibility.
They can help with migraines that are triggered by light.
What Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?
Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out blue light which is emitted by digital screens such as on phones, tablets, or computers and artificial lighting. With most of us now spending a lot more time on our screens, they are becoming popular.
Bluelight is known to be associated with digital eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and even long-term damage to the retina.
What Are The Benefits Of Blue Light Blocking Glasses?
They reduce eye strain caused by prolonged screen time.
Improves sleep by reducing blue light exposure before bedtime.
Prevents long-term damage to the retina from excessive blue light exposure.
Reduces glare and enhances contrast for better screen visibility.
They can reduce headaches caused by artificial blue light.
The Key Differences Between FL-41 Glasses and Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Although FL-41 and blue light-blocking glasses have a lot of similarities such as protecting your eyes against artificial lighting, they also have some key differences.
Tint
FL-41 glasses have a rose-colored tint which filters out blue or green light, helping to reduce glare and improve contrast. Blue light-blocking glasses on the other hand have a clear or slightly yellow-tinged tint which blocks blue light from screens and LED lighting.
Purpose
FL-41 glasses are mainly used to help with light sensitivity (photophobia) and conditions such as migraines, blepharospasm, and eye strain triggered by harsh lighting.
Blue light glasses are more specific for digital eye strain caused by blue light from digital devices and aim to help people with sleep by blocking this light in the evenings.
Effectiveness
FL-41 glasses are used to help manage discomfort caused by bright fluorescent light or LED lighting, helping with the symptoms of light sensitivity like headaches.
Bluelight-blocking glasses are effective for reducing eye strain from prolonged screen use and mitigating the negative impact of blue light on sleep.
When To Wear FL-41 Glasses
FL-41 glasses are specifically used in scenarios where fluorescent lighting is strong.
Here are some situations where FL-41 glasses would come in handy.
Environments with harsh fluorescent lighting - This could be in offices, schools, hospitals, or other environments.
During migraines or headaches - The rose tint in these glasses can reduce the intensity of light which can trigger or worsen headache pain.
For people with light sensitivity - Conditions such as photophobia and blepharospasm can benefit from FL-41 glasses when exposed to bright lights that cause eye strain or discomfort.
When To Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Unlike FL-41 glasses, blue light-blocking glasses are typically used only when in front of digital screens for prolonged periods before bedtime to reduce sleep interference.
Before or during screen time - They are most effective when worn before or after long sessions in front of the computer screen or on your phone.
In the evening to help with sleep - Helps reduce blue light exposure in the evenings and improve sleep quality by encouraging the production of melatonin.
For people with digital eye strain - If you tend to experience dry eyes, headaches, or blurred vision after prolonged usage of your devices then blue-light blocking glasses can help with this.
Popular Frame Choices For FL-41 and Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Just because you're getting FL-41 glasses or blue light-blocking glasses doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style!
At GlassesShop we have lots of frames and coatings for you to pick from, you can check out our guide here for more info.
FL-41 Glasses Frame Options
Lightweight frames - Such as TR90, metal, and acetate frames all offer durability and a sleek minimalist style. They are chosen for their adjustable fit and lightweight feel which makes them great for daily wear, perfect if you work in a fluorescent-lit office all day.
Full-rim or half-rim plastic frames - Give a bold look and are best for people who want a more modern fashionable style.
Round or oval frames - Best for a vintage style look with round and oval frames being popular choices. These often look great with the rose tint colors of FL-41 glasses creating a stylish appearance.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses Frame Options
Thin and lightweight frames - Since blue light-blocking glasses are often worn for long periods, lightweight frames are the best choice. Options such as titanium, acetate, and plastic frames are best for everyday usage.
Clear or transparent frames - These frames give a professional and modern appearance while still having practical blue light-blocking lenses.
Rectangular and square frames - Great for a sharp clean look and work well with slightly tinted blue lenses for a professional and functional appearance.
If you are unsure which frame type or lens will look best or be the most practical you can try our online 3D try-on tool to see how they will look or use our free home try-on service. This allows you to order up to five frames for free to try on at home before making your final purchase decision.
Find Your Affordable Glasses With GlassesShop
Ready to start protecting your eyes?
GlassesShop has an extensive range of tinted glasses and blue light-blocking glasses to shop from with regular discounts such as getting your first pair free, clearance sales, coupon codes, and lots of glasses under $20.
All our glasses have a 365-day guarantee and free shipping over $69 so you can feel confident in the quality of your glasses and order various lenses to support your needs.