Iris – Blue Light Filter and Eye Protection Software

I use Iris to automatically control the amount of blue light on my monitors so that working on my computer is not so disruptive to my sleep cycle. Iris also controls the brightness in a way that eliminates flicker, which is potentially harmful to vision. Try it out!

Also read my article “Sunlight, Artificial Blue Light, Sleep, and Health” for more information on how our light environment affects our health.

We evolved to be exposed to sunlight during our waking hours, but our modern lifestyles are not very conducive to this goal. We miss out on the benefits, and staring at a computer monitor for much if not most of our day has its harms. Monitors do not emit the full spectrum of light, and too much blue light might be harmful to our vision. Moreover, the infrared light we get from the sun is important for our circadian rhythm. The cycle of sunrise and sunset triggers melatonin production, helping us to get a good night of rest and recovery. But being surrounded by blue light in the evening and at night before bed upsets that cycle, keeping us awake and losing out on the regenerative powers of sleep. Additionally, computer monitors flicker, and although we may not perceive it, this can also strain the eyes.

Iris is computer software that helps to mitigate these problems by enabling you to control the filtration of blue light to avoid upsetting your sleep cycle and to control monitor brightness without the flicker. You can select from preset modes or program your own custom modes, and you can also set it up to automatically transition between daytime and nighttime modes.

The Iris website has helpful educational articles where you can learn more about the importance of light for our health and wellbeing, and how too little time outdoors and too much on electronic devices is detrimental. There is a 7-day free trial for the software so you can test it out for yourself before making a purchase decision. There is a monthly subscription plan, a one-time payment without future updates, and a one-time payment including all future updates.