Who hasn’t stayed up too late, scrolling through their phone, binging on TV shows, or taking down the enemy in a video game? Chances are, most of us are guilty of indulging in the ever-present temptations of the digital age. Then, we wonder why we can’t get to sleep. Or, we fall asleep and wake up in the middle of the night, and feed the vicious cycle by checking our phones. To remedy this issue, we have two choices: muster up the self-discipline to avoid screens every night, or get a pair of blue light blocking glasses.
Blue light blocking glasses will allow you to burn the midnight oil and work late, or take in your favorite shows on your TV or computer until you’re ready to turn in. When you wear blue light blocking glasses, the short wavelengths that tell your brain it’s time to be awake are safely filtered out. See our buying guide below for more details and recommendations for the best blue light blocking glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blue light?
We all learned in school that sunlight has varying wavelengths in different colors that create a beautiful rainbow. At one end of the rainbow is red, which has the longest wavelength in the natural visible light spectrum. Toward the other end is blue light, which has a shorter wavelength. We’re exposed to blue light not only from the sun during the day, but also from some indoor lights, most televisions, and device screens.
What are the effects of blue light?
The invisible colors in light affect us differently. Blue light, which is abundant in bright daylight, promotes alertness, quick reaction times, and even boosts our mood. However, when we’re exposed to blue light at night, it can be problematic because it disrupts our natural circadian rhythm, which tells our bodies when it’s time to sleep. With a lot of blue light exposure, we have trouble sleeping. Some studies even link blue light to health problems. Luckily, the blue light we take in can be controlled with our awareness and effort to limit it.
What do blue light blocking glasses do?
Blue light glasses are specifically made to filter out the shorter blue wavelengths of light from reaching your eyes. They do not have any built-in correction like prescription glasses do. Their blue-light-blocking lenses are especially useful if you watch TV at night, or are on a computer or device after dark. Blue light glasses are effective in filtering out blue light, but they may not be effective in preventing the eye discomfort of computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain. However, blue light glasses help to preserve your body’s natural rhythm so that you can wind down at night and sleep deeply and peacefully.
Buying Guide
Buying a pair of glasses can be complicated. Even though all blue light blocking glasses have no prescription correction, there are still many factors to consider. While you shop, keep these aspects in mind when it comes to choosing the best blue light blocking glasses for you:
- Shape and Frame Color: Are you looking for some blue light blocking glasses that will not only eliminate unwanted rays but also augment your personal style? You’ll be able to find glasses in a large variety of shapes and styles, from classic rectangular shapes to round, everything in between. There is an amazing variety of stylish frame colors available, too. You can find clear frames, solid colors, or patterns such as tortoise shell or giraffe. As you start to shop for blue light blocking glasses, think about what shape and frame color of glasses you might prefer.
- Quantity: Some sellers offer a single pair of blue light blocking glasses, while others offer their glasses in sets of two or more. If you’re interested in trying out blue light glasses for the first time, then buying a single pair is a good idea. However, if you’d like to keep a pair of glasses in different locations around your house, or have one for home and one for the office, then a set of two or more would suit your life well.
- Effectiveness: Blue light glasses are made to block blue light, but in fact, there is a spectrum of different blue light ray lengths that can disrupt our body’s natural patterns. Check the seller’s product description for information about the range of wavelengths that their glasses effectively block. Some blue light glasses manufacturers even include a test kit so that you can see if any blue light is getting through to your eyes. If maximum effectiveness in blue light blocking glasses is important to you, then take note of the range of light that a pair of glasses blocks.
- Size: Generally made to be unisex in most cases, blue light blocking glasses are often made in an average size that works for most people. However, if you have a head that’s on the small or large side, it’s best to check the width in millimeters of the lenses, as well as the overall width of the glasses. Small lenses are often under 50mm, and larger individual lenses are over 53mm wide. Frames with a total width of 129mm-134mm are considered medium in size, and overall widths over 140mm fit larger heads better.
There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to blue light blocking glasses. If you’d like to save some time, check out this list of our top picks in the best blue light blocking glasses:
TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Most Stylish
Features a funky retro look
These round-shaped blue light blocking glasses are designed to block 100% of harmful blue rays for reduced eye fatigue, less frequent headaches and an improved sleep routine. The glasses are lightweight, abrasion-free and offer a comfortable wear for hours.
Pros:
- Spring hinges on the frame adapt comfortably to the wearer
- Has UV-protected, scratch-resistant lenses
Cons:
- May cause some glare
MEETSUN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Best Protection
Say goodbye to eyestrain and headaches
These stylish blue light blocking glasses are perfect for endless working hours in front of a screen or for spending time outdoors. The lenses are transparent with zero pigmentation to ensure high transmittance and minimal reflections. The glasses also have a durable non-fragile and shockproof design.
Pros:
- Dust-free lenses make cleaning easy
- Has a comfortable, lightweight frame
Cons:
- Lenses may at times create color distortion
FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Best Unisex Design
Includes two retro pairs of glasses per pack
The frames of these fashionable glasses are manufactured from a lightweight and flexible plastic, and come in four different color combinations. They are designed to cut out 99% of blue light, reducing eye strain and promoting better sleep.
Pros:
- Includes multiple accessories
- Design fits most faces
Cons:
- Has a faint yellow tint
ANRRI Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Best Lightweight Frame
Comfortable enough for all-day wear
These glasses have a sturdy frame, anti-eye strain polycarbonate lenses and come in four classic colors. They are designed to reduce up to 90% of harmful blue-violet light, allowing a full-day of computer use with near zero eye strain.
Pros:
- Promotes deeper and more restful sleep
- Comes with a magnetic case and cleaning cloth
Cons:
- May feel too bulky for smaller faces
MAXJULI Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Best to Last
Features a sturdy, lightweight frame that won’t easily crack or break
These glasses filter 90% of the most harmful high-energy light rays, making your digital time enjoyable without eye fatigue and headaches. They come in 10 different color options and look great on both men and women. Each pack includes three pairs of stylish glasses.
Pros:
- Has a dust-proof and anti-glare design
- Stylish rectangular shape suits all face shapes
Cons:
- Has a slightly yellow tint
