Which glasses suit which complaint?
That depends on when your complaint occurs and what triggers it. Light that causes pain calls for an FL-41 filter, difficulty falling asleep for an evening lens, and tired eyes from screen work for a clear daytime lens.
The three solve different problems. They are not progressive versions of the same product, and the most expensive is not the best if it doesn't match your complaint.
When do you choose FL-41?
If bright light itself causes pain. If you recognize that you want to turn off the lights during an attack, or that fluorescent lighting and bright stores give you headaches, then this is the filter for you.
It tempers the blue-green range where light sensitivity reacts most strongly, without darkening your vision. An explanation can be found in what is an FL-41 spectacle.
When do you choose an evening lens?
If you have trouble falling asleep after an evening with screens. The evening lens focuses on the range that inhibits your melatonin and is intended for the last hours of the day.
During the day, this lens is useless, because then that light actually works for your rhythm. What exactly happens is explained in blue light and sleep.
When do you choose a day filter?
If you spend long days in front of a screen and looking becomes uncomfortable by the end of the day. The clear lens reduces visual strain without changing your color perception.
Note the expectation: this makes viewing more comfortable, it doesn't make you more concentrated and it doesn't protect your eyes from damage.
All in a row
| Complaint | When | Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Bright light hurts | All day | FL-41 |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Last hours | Evening lens |
| Tired eyes from screen work | Workday | Clear day filter |
| Full head, unable to relax | Evening | No glasses, fewer stimuli |
That last line is there deliberately. Not every complaint has glasses as an answer, and someone with a full head benefits more from breaks than from a lens.
What if multiple complaints are present?
Start with the complaint that restricts you the most, and change one thing at a time. Buying two pairs of glasses at once makes it impossible to see what works.
If you're unsure between light sensitivity and screen fatigue, start with RELIEF if light itself causes pain. If light doesn't hurt but your eyes just get tired, then the day filter is the more logical start.
This article is intended as an explanation, not as medical advice. For persistent complaints, a general practitioner, neurologist or optician is the designated address.
