Yes. Night Swannies reduce a portion of green light in addition to blue light. In fact, the amber lenses reduce approximately 80% of green wavelengths as part of their overall spectral filtration. The effectiveness has been proven in independent studies which you can read about at the following link: The Science.
However, our primary focus is on blue light reduction.
Current circadian research consistently shows that blue wavelengths, particularly around 460 to 480nm, have the strongest influence on alertness and melatonin regulation. For this reason, Sleep Swannies are specifically engineered to target the blue portion of the visible spectrum most associated with evening circadian stimulation.
Some green light reduction naturally occurs with amber lenses. Blocking significantly more green light would require a much darker red lens, which reduces overall visible light transmission and can negatively impact comfort and usability.
Emerging research also suggests there may be limited additional benefit to blocking 100% of green light in typical home environments. You can read more about this on our Science page and in our article Green Light: The Facts.
Why Focus Primarily on Blue Light?
Your circadian rhythm is regulated by specialized light sensitive cells in the retina called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, or ipRGCs. These cells contain melanopsin and are most sensitive to blue light, especially in the 460 to 480nm range.
Several important points:
• ipRGCs are most strongly stimulated by light entering directly through the pupil
• Forward facing light, such as screens and overhead lighting, produces the greatest circadian impact
• The central visual field plays a dominant role in circadian signaling
When blue light is filtered from the front of the lens, the primary source of biologically relevant stimulation during evening activities is reduced.
Light entering from extreme peripheral angles generally has less circadian impact under typical home lighting conditions. In unusually bright environments, such as certain industrial or medical settings, additional shielding may be helpful. For normal evening screen use and indoor lighting, frontal blue light reduction addresses the majority of relevant exposure.
Why Not Block All Light from Every Angle?
Completely blocking all peripheral light would require wraparound, heavily tinted lenses. While this may increase theoretical filtration, it also:
• Reduces visible light transmission
• Alters colour perception more dramatically
• Decreases comfort and wearability
In real world use, consistent wear is more important than maximal theoretical filtration. A comfortable lens that is worn every evening is more effective than an overly dark design that is uncomfortable and rarely used.
Our goal is to balance effective evening blue light reduction with practical comfort and visual usability.
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