The invention relates to an organic light emitting device comprising a first conductor, a organic light emitting layer overlying the first conductor which emits light of a characteristic wavelength, a second conductor overlying the organic light emitting layer, and a transparent or substantially transparent substrate overlying at least one of the conductors. The substrate comprises dispersed particles of a getter material in an amount effective to protect the organic light emitting layer from being damaged by oxygen and/or water during a desired period of operation. The getter material has a particle size small enough that is smaller than the characteristic wavelength of the emitted light, so as to maintain the transparency or substantial transparency of the substrate. A method for making the device is also disclosed.