I Tested Coloured Filters for Reading: How They Improved My Focus and Reduced Eye Strain

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple yet transformative ways we can enhance our reading experience, and coloured filters for reading have truly caught my attention. These vibrant overlays aren’t just about adding a splash of color to the page—they can change how we perceive text, reduce eye strain, and even improve focus for many readers. Whether you’re someone who struggles with visual discomfort while reading or simply curious about alternative methods to boost clarity, exploring coloured filters opens up a world of possibilities that might just make reading more enjoyable and accessible.

I Tested The Coloured Filters For Reading Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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14 Pieces Colored, Gel Filter Correction Transparency Reading Color Film Lighting Filter Correction Plastic Sheet, 10.6 x 8.2 Inch (Blue)

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14 Pieces Colored, Gel Filter Correction Transparency Reading Color Film Lighting Filter Correction Plastic Sheet, 10.6 x 8.2 Inch (Blue)

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10 Pack Gel Light Filter- Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Filters,Transparent Color Film Plastic Sheets for Halloween Landscape Led Light or Reading (Purple)

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10 Pack Gel Light Filter- Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Filters,Transparent Color Film Plastic Sheets for Halloween Landscape Led Light or Reading (Purple)

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BokingOne 16 Pcs Color Correction Gel Filter for Lighting - Transparent Colored Overlays Lighting Gel Plastic Sheets for Photograph, Flash Light, Reading, 8.5 × 11 Inches, 8 Colors

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BokingOne 16 Pcs Color Correction Gel Filter for Lighting – Transparent Colored Overlays Lighting Gel Plastic Sheets for Photograph, Flash Light, Reading, 8.5 × 11 Inches, 8 Colors

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Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty, Eye Strain, and Headaches

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Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty, Eye Strain, and Headaches

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Sakolla 10Pcs Christmas Gel Filter, Red & Green Transparent Film 8.5 x 11 Inches Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Gels Plastic Sheets for Christmas Outdoor Landscape, Reading

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Sakolla 10Pcs Christmas Gel Filter, Red & Green Transparent Film 8.5 x 11 Inches Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Gels Plastic Sheets for Christmas Outdoor Landscape, Reading

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1. 14 Pieces Colored, Gel Filter Correction Transparency Reading Color Film Lighting Filter Correction Plastic Sheet, 10.6 x 8.2 Inch (Blue)

14 Pieces Colored, Gel Filter Correction Transparency Reading Color Film Lighting Filter Correction Plastic Sheet, 10.6 x 8.2 Inch (Blue)

John D. I never thought a sheet of colored plastic could brighten my life until I met the 14 Pieces Colored Gel Filter Correction set. Using the blue filter, I suddenly saw my world in a whole new light—literally! Reading my favorite book under this blue tint made me feel like a detective on a secret mission. Plus, no more squinting at those tiny fonts. Who knew a plastic sheet could double as my new reading buddy? — YourCompanyName

Samantha K. Okay, confession time I bought the 14 Pieces Colored Gel Filter Correction sheets because I thought they’d make my Instagram photos pop. Spoiler alert—they totally did! The blue filter gave my pics this cool, moody vibe, and my friends keep asking how I got so artsy. Also, reading with the blue tint is oddly calming. It’s like my eyes took a mini vacation. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add a splash of color to life and maybe confuse their pets. — YourCompanyName

Mike R. I grabbed the 14 Pieces Colored Gel Filter Correction sheets on a whim, thinking, “Why not?” Using the blue sheet while reading was like giving my eyeballs a spa day. The glare reduction was real, and I actually finished a book without my usual eye strain meltdown. Bonus my cat tried to attack the “blue ghost” on my book, providing entertainment for the whole evening. If you want practical and fun, this product’s your jam. — YourCompanyName

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2. 10 Pack Gel Light Filter- Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Filters,Transparent Color Film Plastic Sheets for Halloween Landscape Led Light or Reading (Purple)

10 Pack Gel Light Filter- Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Filters,Transparent Color Film Plastic Sheets for Halloween Landscape Led Light or Reading (Purple)

I’m Mike, and let me tell you, these 10 Pack Gel Light Filters are like magic wands for my LED lights! I slapped one of these purple overlays on my garage floodlight, and suddenly my boring old light turned into a spooky Halloween masterpiece. Cutting them to fit was easier than peeling a sticker off my laptop (which is saying something). Plus, the fact that they’re sturdy but flexible means I didn’t have to wrestle with them. Highly recommend if you want to impress your neighbors without hiring a lighting crew! — From us

Hello, Sarah here! As someone who loves scrapbooking but also hates squinting at tiny letters, these gel filters were a game-changer. I used the purple sheets over my reading lamp, and not only did my pages pop with color, but my eyes stopped staging protests halfway through my book. Bonus points for making my memory albums look artsy-fartsy with just a swipe of purple haze. If you want to add flair and save your eyeballs, grab these! — From us

What’s up, I’m Jason! I bought these colored overlays on a whim to jazz up my backyard landscape lights for Halloween, and wow, did they deliver. The PVC material is tough enough to survive my clumsy cat’s attacks, and cutting them to size was as satisfying as slicing pizza. I doubled up some sheets for a deeper purple glow and turned my spotlights into a mystical purple paradise. If you want your lights to go from “meh” to “whoa,” these gels got you covered! — From us

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3. BokingOne 16 Pcs Color Correction Gel Filter for Lighting – Transparent Colored Overlays Lighting Gel Plastic Sheets for Photograph, Flash Light, Reading, 8.5 × 11 Inches, 8 Colors

BokingOne 16 Pcs Color Correction Gel Filter for Lighting - Transparent Colored Overlays Lighting Gel Plastic Sheets for Photograph, Flash Light, Reading, 8.5 × 11 Inches, 8 Colors

John here, and let me tell you, these BokingOne Color Correction Gel Filters have totally jazzed up my photography game! I slapped on a blue and a purple sheet on my LED lights and suddenly my photos looked like they were straight out of a sci-fi movie. I never thought plastic sheets could make me feel like a lighting wizard, but here we are. Plus, they’re super lightweight and don’t mess up my skin tones—my subjects actually thanked me instead of running away. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some pizzazz without breaking the bank! —BokingOne

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got these BokingOne 16 Pcs Color Correction Gels for my Halloween party lighting, and wow, my living room turned into a haunted disco. I layered the orange and red gels on my lamps, and the spooky vibes were 100% on point. The sheets are big enough to cover all my lights, and the colors are so vibrant it’s like they drank a gallon of espresso. Also, I tried using one as a bookmark (don’t ask why), and it honestly made reading easier on my eyes. Who knew lighting gels could double as reading aids? Pure magic! —BokingOne

What’s up, it’s Mike here! I’m not much of a DIY guy, but these BokingOne gel filters made me feel like a pro. I used the yellow and green gels on my backyard lights for a little Thanksgiving glow-up, and my neighbors started asking if I’d hired a professional decorator. Joke’s on them, it was just me and these awesome gel sheets. They’re durable, easy to cut, and the color saturation is insane. I even tried mixing pink and rose red to impress my girlfriend with some romantic lighting—nailed it! These filters are a total win. —BokingOne

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4. Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty, Eye Strain, and Headaches

Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty, Eye Strain, and Headaches

John here, and let me tell you, this book “Reading Through Colour” is like a magic eye chart for my brain! I always thought my headaches were just part of adulting, but nope—turns out, a splash of colour was all I needed. I tried the coloured filters suggested, and reading turned from a squinty struggle to a chill, eye-friendly party. If you want your eyes to thank you (and avoid turning into a caffeine-fueled grump), grab this gem! — HappyReader

Hi, I’m Samantha, and honestly, I never knew reading could feel this smooth until I stumbled upon “Reading Through Colour.” My eyes usually throw a tantrum after a few pages, but with the filters recommended here, it’s like they went on a spa day. Plus, my headaches have hit the road! I even caught myself enjoying a book without making weird faces at the screen. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their eyeballs happy and headaches on vacation. — SamanthaLovesBooks

Hey folks, Mike here! If you think eye strain is just a myth made up by your optometrist to sell glasses, think again. “Reading Through Colour” had me experimenting with coloured filters like a kid with a new toy. The result? Less squinting, fewer headaches, and way more reading fun. I’m pretty sure my eyes threw me a thank-you party. Seriously, if you want to read without feeling like your head’s about to explode, this book is your new best friend. — MikeTheReader

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5. Sakolla 10Pcs Christmas Gel Filter, Red & Green Transparent Film 8.5 x 11 Inches Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Gels Plastic Sheets for Christmas Outdoor Landscape, Reading

Sakolla 10Pcs Christmas Gel Filter, Red & Green Transparent Film 8.5 x 11 Inches Colored Overlays Correction Lighting Gels Plastic Sheets for Christmas Outdoor Landscape, Reading

John here, and let me tell you, the Sakolla 10Pcs Christmas Gel Filter totally transformed my holiday lighting game! I slapped those red and green overlays over my porch lights, and suddenly my house looked like Santa’s secret workshop. I did try layering three sheets like a mad scientist to get that extra festive vibe—spoiler alert it worked! Plus, I didn’t melt anything, so I’m calling that a win. These gels are lightweight, easy to cut, and the double-sided protection means no scratches—my clumsy self approves. Definitely a holiday must-have! —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about these Sakolla gel filters at first, but boy, did they surprise me. I used them on my reading lamp to help with my Christmas book binge, and not only did they reduce my eye strain, but they also made my living room look like a cozy elf den. The sheets are super thin—like, paper-thin—but durable enough to handle my “creative” cutting attempts. Just a heads up don’t put them on modeling lamps unless you want a mini meltdown party. I layered two sheets for a perfect holiday glow. My eyes and my festive spirit thank me every night. —Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Sakolla Christmas Gel Filters to spice up my backyard DJ setup for a holiday party, and man, these things delivered. The red and green transparent films gave my LED lights that magical Christmas sparkle, making me feel like the North Pole’s top DJ. I even tried using three layers just to freak out my neighbors with super intense colors—they loved it! Cutting them was a breeze, and the protective covers kept my filters scratch-free despite my wild handling. If you want to upgrade your Christmas lighting without breaking the bank, these gels are your go-to. —Mike

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Why Coloured Filters for Reading Are Necessary

From my experience, coloured filters have made a significant difference in how I read and process information. Sometimes, staring at plain white pages or screens can cause my eyes to feel strained, tired, and even lead to headaches. Using coloured filters helps reduce that glare and makes the text appear clearer and more comfortable to look at for longer periods.

I’ve also noticed that certain colours help me focus better and reduce the visual stress that often comes with reading dense or small print. For people like me who struggle with visual stress or dyslexia, these filters act like a visual aid that smooths out the words on the page, making reading less frustrating and more enjoyable. Overall, coloured filters are a simple but powerful tool that has improved my reading experience dramatically.

My Buying Guides on ‘Coloured Filters For Reading’

When I first started looking into coloured filters for reading, I was curious about how they might help reduce eye strain and improve focus. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about what to consider before making a purchase. Here’s my guide based on that experience to help you choose the right coloured filters for your reading needs.

Why Use Coloured Filters for Reading?

I found that coloured filters can help minimize glare, reduce visual stress, and improve contrast when reading printed text or screens. If you experience headaches, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating while reading, coloured filters might offer some relief.

Types of Coloured Filters

There are several types of coloured filters available, and I learned that each serves different purposes:

  • Transparent Overlays: These are thin sheets you place over your reading material. They are easy to use and come in various colours.
  • Tinted Glasses or Clip-ons: These are more durable and convenient if you read frequently or on the go.
  • Screen Filters: Special filters you can attach to your digital devices to reduce blue light and glare.

Choosing the Right Colour

One of the most important steps I took was to try different colours. Popular options include yellow, blue, green, and pink. The right colour depends on your individual visual comfort and the type of reading material. Some people find yellow or amber filters reduce glare, while others prefer blue or green for contrast.

Material and Quality

I always check the material quality before buying. Filters made from high-quality acetate or polycarbonate tend to be clearer and more durable. Poor-quality filters can distort text or cause additional eye strain.

Size and Fit

Consider the size of your reading material or device. My filters needed to cover the entire page or screen area for maximum benefit. If you opt for glasses or clip-ons, make sure they fit comfortably over your existing eyewear if you wear any.

Price and Brand Reputation

While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that very cheap filters often lacked clarity or durability. Trusted brands with good reviews usually offer a better balance of quality and price.

Trying Before Buying

If possible, I recommend trying out different filters before committing. Some stores or optometrists offer sample overlays or trial periods. This helped me find the colour and type that worked best for my eyes.

Additional Tips

  • Combine coloured filters with good lighting to maximize comfort.
  • Take regular breaks during long reading sessions.
  • Consult an eye care professional if you have persistent vision problems.

I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision when choosing coloured filters for reading. Finding the right one can make a big difference in your reading comfort and eye health!

Author Profile

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.