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:
livho 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Best Overall
Lightweight & Effective
These blue light blocking glasses reduce glare and have an amber-colored lens that prevents blue light from disturbing your sleep.
Two is always better than one, and livho gives you two pairs of blue light blocking glasses for one price. The filtering lenses on these lightweight glasses effectively block the disruptive blue light from digital screens from reaching your eyes so you can sleep peacefully at night.
Pros:
- Amber lenses offer clear viewing
- Lightweight and flexible TR90 nylon frames
- Midsize for a good fit – 52 mm wide
- Also in gaming and night vision styles
Cons:
- May block a limited amount of blue light
Maxjuli Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Most Classic
A Timeless Shape that Works for Everyone
Choose your color and forget your worries about blue light keeping you awake with these cute and classic blue light blocking glasses.
These blue light blocking glasses from Maxjuli are strong and durable, and they’ll do the job of filtering out blue light while you’re getting in some screen time. They are 52 mm wide and fit most faces comfortably.
Pros:
- Stylish rectangular shape suits all face shapes
- Durable, lightweight glasses
- Come with glasses case
- In a variety of stylish frame colors, including clear
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean
- Sit high on the face
TIJN Vintage Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Most Retro
Look Cool While You Block Blue Light
These 48-mm-wide glasses have a cute round shape that adds to your personal style while it blocks out unwanted blue light.
These round-shaped blue light blocking glasses from TIJN come in a variety of stylish frame colors and designs, including opaque and transparent colors and different shades of tortoise shell. At 48 mm wide, they are on the smaller side, giving you a vintage, stylish appearance. These glasses look so hip that no one will ever know they were inexpensive glasses to block blue light.
Pros:
- Fashionable glasses made of high quality plastic
- Spring hinges allow arm extension of more than 90 degrees
- Lightweight and flexible
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- May cause some glare
- Do not fit larger heads well
FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses, 2 Pack
Most Blocking
Blocks 99% of Blue Light Rays
You’ll get not one, but two pairs of these highly effective blue light blocking glasses, complete with several useful accessories.
With this set of 2 pairs of glasses from FEIYOLD, you’ll get glasses tested to block 99% of blue light, and a set of nice accessories as well. This package includes a microfiber pouch, a cleaning cloth, a screwdriver, and a test light and card to test this product’s effectiveness.
Pros:
- Blocks 99% of blue rays in the 400-440 range
- Lightweight TR90 frames
- Includes multiple accessories
- 2 pairs for one price
Cons:
- Can accumulate smudges easily
- Bridge is somewhat high
Gaoye 3 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Most Pairs in Set
A Pair for Everywhere You Need Them
With three pairs of glasses, you can keep a pair of these by your TV, another in your laptop bag, and another one in your bedroom.
If you’re the kind of person who tends to misplace or break glasses, then this set of three blue light blocking glasses from Gaoye is for you! In one convenient package, you’ll receive three pairs of classic rectangular-shaped glasses that will shield your eyes from blue light as you enjoy your on-screen evenings.
Pros:
- Get 3 pairs of blue light blocking glasses for one price
- In a variety of colors and designs
- Lightweight TR90 frame
- Also in gaming style with amber lenses
Cons:
- May cause glare
- Nose bridge may be too narrow for some faces
