Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Really A SCAM?! (& What To Look For In A Healthy Lightbulb) With Matt Maruca
Ben Greenfield
Feb 14, 2026
Episode description
Full Shownotes: BenGreenfieldLife.com/bluelighttruth
In this episode, Matt Maruca, CEO and co-founder of Ra Optics, dives deep into the science and practical realities of blue light, circadian health, and optimizing your environment for better sleep and longevity. We tackle the nuances of blue light exposure from sunlight versus artificial sources, break down how proper blue light-blocking glasses can support melatonin production and overall wellness, and bust common myths—including those from recent documentaries and reviews. Along the way, Matt shares updates on the latest lens technology, why not all blue blockers are created equal, and the future of lighting and color therapy for health.
Matt Maruca is the founder & CEO of Ra Optics, the leader in premium blue light protection eyewear. Matt founded Ra Optics after a decade-long journey to improve his own chronic health issues as a child and teenager.
As he looked further, he came across the science of mitochondria, circadian rhythms, and how light influences these factors—playing an essential, but overlooked, role in our health and well-being. He became fascinated by entrepreneurship, and decided that he could use the in-formation that helped him to help others.
Matt also created The Light Diet, a diet that directly addresses the root of the modern, chronic disease epidemic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Matt now spends his time traveling the world, studying and teaching about the relevance of light in human health cycles with a focus on reversing this situation, as well as integrating science with ancient Eastern wisdom.
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Mindsip insights from this episode:
Avoid blue-enriched light to manage high blood pressure
For people with high blood pressure, blue-enriched light can be a contraindication as it may increase stress and cortisol levels.
Increase metabolic activity with red light therapy
Red light causes water molecules in your cells to 'jiggle,' which increases metabolic activity and the transfer of nutrients and waste products.
Differentiate good and bad blue light for optimal health
There is 'good' blue light (around 480nm) that regulates your body clock and 'bad' blue light (below 460nm) that causes oxidative damage.
Design future light bulbs with healing near-infrared light
The ideal light bulb of the future will be hormonally neutral, flicker-free, high CRI, and contain healing near-infrared light, which is absent in modern LEDs.
Utilize circadian rhythm as a natural sun protection system
The body's circadian rhythm is largely a sun protection system that evolved to prepare for and handle sunlight as a significant environmental stressor.
Utilize blue lenses to enhance energy and alertness
Special blue-tinted lenses can be used to boost alertness by filtering out damaging blue light while maximizing the 'good' blue light that stimulates your circadian rhythm.
Critique confirmation bias in blue light documentary
The 'blue light is a scam' documentary uses confirmation bias by cherry-picking data from underpowered studies to support a predetermined conclusion.
Avoid clear blue-blocking lens scams by seeking full-spectrum protection
Most clear 'blue-blocking' lenses sold by opticians are a scam because they only block light up to 420nm, missing the most harmful range up to 460nm.
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