blue blocker lcd panel test brands

Forito sells blue light screen protectors and ranks as a best seller on Amazon. The brand makes screen protectors for laptops and desktop computers and claims it is a leading screen filter manufacturer.

Forito claims to use the newest blue light filtering technology. The company also states that its screen protectors are anti-static, anti-glare, and anti-scratch. They can also block 100% of UV-400 rays and protect against radiation.

EYES PC offers a range of different blue light screen protector panels. These products are compatible with laptops, desktop computers, large monitors, and television screens.

This brand sells screen protectors in sizes ranging from 11-in laptop panels to panels large enough to fit a 65-in television. They are 2 millimeters (mm) thick.

EYES PC also claims the product’s test data meets Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-accepted American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z80.3 test standards.

This VizoBlueX is available in different monitor sizes. It promises to maintain the full-color spectrum visibility while blocking up to 100% of blue light to reduce eye fatigue and improve sleep.

It claims to protect the eyes from harmful UV and blue light — up to 99% between 300 and 400 nanometers (nm) and up to 54% between 400 and 470 nm. It also promises headache relief, better sleep, and reduced glare and reflections.

Aside from protecting against blue light and UV, the brand says this tempered glass product provides five times more protection than a typical plastic screen protector. It includes installation instructions, a 2-year warranty against scratches and damages, and free shipping.

Available in a range of sizes, the Ocushield screen protector blocks blue light from monitors and laptops. It features a privacy filter that makes your screen appear black from other angles, which is ideal for people who work in the company of others. The screen also has an antibacterial coating and anti-glare coating.

The EyeJust iPhone Screen Protector blocks blue light and protects your screen from cracks, scratches, and impacts without changing the display color or brightness. It’s also oil-resistant, which helps to prevent smudging.

EyeJust products are third-party tested and ophthalmologist approved. The company offers a 2-year warranty that covers cracked or damaged screen protectors purchased from the EyeJust website.

This blue light screen filter is ideal for people who want to minimize blue light without sacrificing visual quality. Eyesafe screen filters use a patented protective film to block blue light from display screens without changing the color or brightness. The screen protector comes with dust removers, screen cleaning wipes, and a microfiber cloth.

Eyesafe consults with eye care professionals and uses third-party testing to develop blue-light-blocking products designed to protect your eye health and well-being. The products have certification from TÜV Rheinland, an organization specializing in standards related to color management and blue light filtration of digital devices.

LowBlueLights offers screen filters specifically for sleep and well-being. The acrylic filter is designed to block as much blue light emitted from televisions and computers as possible, using an orange tint. The filter comes with Velcro to help secure it onto large screens. Several online reviews praise the company’s customer service, product quality, and user-friendly website.

Designed to fit MacBook Air and Pro models, the Ocushield blue light filter includes a privacy filter to ensure your screen isn’t visible to onlookers. It also retains color quality and protects against bacteria, scratches, and reflections. If your exact screen size isn’t available, you can buy a bigger size and use a knife to cut it down.

If you love round lenses and want something with a hint of flair, the Sojos Cat Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses are for you. These minimalist, wire-framed glasses have the tiniest cat-eye curves that let you experiment with a fun design without committing to an elaborate shape. They cost $17 (at the time of publication) and come in five metal-framed options; the lenses are nearly colorless, so you can remain productive on your computer without being distracted by an orange-tinted screen. More durable than most other metal-framed pairs we tested, the Sojos also have extra-thin arms that flex farther than those of most glasses we found, which makes them very comfortable and easy to wear. If you’re prone to sweating, you may also find that metal-framed glasses with nose pads, like the Sojos, are less likely to slide down your face than an all-acetate pair such as the Tijn.

The Sojos were one of the few pairs of glasses that didn’t trigger migraines in our tester who suffers from them, which, while anecdotal, is still a thing to keep in mind if you’re prone to headaches.

The Sojos Cat Eye glasses are sold in five different colors to suit your tastes (but they’re available in only one size). Thanks to Amazon’s friendly return policy, you have 30 days to send these back if they’re not your style. And while the incredibly light orange lens tint is barely noticeable to the naked eye, the lenses do have a film-like quality, which can make them appear foggy at times. The Sojos are the only pair we tested that comes with a repair kit, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a storage bag.

The Tijn Classic Nerd Square Blue Light Blocking Glasses are great for people who like to match their frames to their outfit. These glasses are sold in more than a dozen different translucent colors and patterns, from sea green to leopard, more than any pair we tested. The classic square frames didn’t overwhelm our testers’ faces, and the plastic is durable and doesn’t twist. They’re sturdy, with level arms that sit flat on your face, and unlike half the pairs we tested (including the similar WMAO Blue Light Blocking Glasses), they don’t suffer from overly stiff hinges. These lenses aren’t completely colorless—they have a very faint orange tint—but our testers didn’t mind. “I had forgotten that they were on my face,” said Wirecutter"s Justin Krajeski. Our panelists also said these glasses were comfortable to wear because the nose bridge and temple arms didn’t pinch, unlike some of the other glasses we tried. The Tjins do weigh more than half the pairs we tested—0.9 ounces. But if they’re uncomfortably heavy, you can return them to Amazon.

Offering both prescription and non-prescription blue-light-blocking glasses, EyeBuyDirect is our pick for the best place to buy glasses online thanks to its selection of high-quality glasses and reliable customer service. (It also offers a 14-day return policy.) We tried only two styles, but EyeBuyDirect sells hundreds of pairs in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and prices, and it can add an anti-glare coating to make those marathon Zoom sessions slightly more bearable.

EyeBuyDirect’s blue-light lenses are sold in four tiers and can be applied to both prescription and non-prescription glasses. We paired our frames with the cheapest blue-light lenses, at $19, which have a slight orange tint that was darker than half of the glasses we tested. You’ll need to upgrade if you want true colorless lenses, premium anti-glare coating, or magnification for reading.

We tested two frame styles: the Escape Rectangle Eyeglasses and the Botanist Rectangle Eyeglasses (though Wirecutter"s Tim Barribeau also likes his pair of Carnival frames with blue-light-blocking lenses). The Escape frames are timeless and available in a variety of patterns and colors, from the modern clear acrylic to the matte tortoiseshell. The subtle silver hinge studs along the edge add a hint of flair to the frames without pulling attention away from your face. They come in small and medium sizes, so they’ll fit on a wider variety of faces than any of the other glasses we recommend.

At just 0.5 ounces, the Botanist frames are the lightest pair we tested—most pairs we tried ranged in weight from 0.8 to 1.2 ounces. They’re better for people with smaller faces, and while they’re available in only one size (medium), the narrow frame and rectangular lenses make them smaller than the medium-sized Escapes. The Botanist frames also offer more unique color options, including a striped navy finish, black with marble temples, and a wood-effect finish.

Overall, EyeBuyDirect’s quality is better than any off-the-rack brand we found, and if you don’t like the pairs we tested, the company sells hundreds of frames in multiple colors and sizes. You can even search by size, using a current pair of glasses as a fit guide. And unlike our other recommendations, EyeBuyDirect is the only retailer that sells truly colorless lenses, albeit for an additional fee. If your glasses don’t fit or flatter, take advantage of EyeBuyDirect’s 14-day, no-questions-asked full refund policy.

Imagine light passing through a prism, which fans it out into the colors of the rainbow. Each color you see is part of the visible light spectrum, which is defined by wavelengths. Shorter wavelengths (the smaller numbers on the chart above) generally become more harmful as they decrease, which is why many people want to block too much blue and violet light from reaching their eyes. However, it’s not a good idea to banish blue light completely. It’s found in every light source, including sunlight, and is known to boost your attention and mood. Long-term effects on eye health are unclear, but some studies have shown that rat retina cells die when exposed to extreme levels of blue light.

Blue light plays a major part in controlling your sleep cycle. Too much of it—even everyday levels, if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen—has proven problematic. Daylight, which contains blue light, helps tell your internal clock when it’s time to start the day or hit the hay. Stare at a blue-light-emitting device for too long at night, and your body might think it’s still daytime. Blue light, especially, has been found to suppress melatonin for about twice as long as green light. That could mean the difference between falling asleep in 30 minutes and one hour. During the day, such exposure to blue light can help keep you alert, but in the evening hours it can be potentially problematic (which is why many devices have nighttime modes that turn the screen that yellowish hue).

Lack of sleep affects every part of our body, our sleep experts told us. It can impact your heart, cognitive skills, and immune system, as well as lead to diabetes—and more. “It’s like rust in your car,” said Dr. Chris Winter, a neurologist and a sleep specialist. “It’s never a good thing, even if you’re not seeing it happening in real time.”How we picked and tested

To find some stylish pairs of blue-light-blocking glasses, we scoured both prescription and non-prescription online sellers, Instagram influencer feeds, and forums. We also asked our friends, family, and colleagues for their chicest recommendations. We found 22 over-the-counter pairs with plastic or wire frames, ranging in price from $2 to $30. We narrowed down our testing pool by reviewing the frame styles, materials, color choices, brand reputation, third-party reviews, and prices. We also considered frames from brands we recommend in “The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online.” And we preferred lenses that were described as colorless or nearly colorless, as opposed to dark-orange polarized lenses.

For this guide, we had three people test 13 pairs of glasses while working on our laptops and scrolling through (“liking”) our friend’s social feeds on our phones. We paid special attention to style, quality, fit, comfort, and lens glare. Some glasses seemed comfortable at first but felt too heavy or tight after a few hours. Some had distracting glares that suddenly became very noticeable during a video call. We steered clear of glasses with easily scratched lenses, twisted arms, and rigid hinges (and there were a lot).

Many online resources that suggest you can test blue-light-blocking glasses at home with DIY tricks, such as looking at some overlapping blue circles on your screen or shining a light through the lenses onto photosensitive paper. We tried these methods, but we couldn’t find any difference between the pairs we tested and, short of a $5,000 spectrometer, there’s no way to know for sure how any particular pair will perform. The best way to determine whether a pair of glasses will work for your eyes is to try them (and be willing to return them, if necessary).

Our research also showed that price doesn’t necessarily guarantee effectiveness. A July 2019 study in Optometry and Vision Science found no correlation between price and advertising claims when comparing the efficacy of cheap ($3), medium ($40), and high-end ($350) blue-light-blocking glasses and sunglasses,so don’t assume you’re getting stronger blocking ability by spending more. “There’s not a lot of rigorous standardization with the lens manufacturers themselves,” said Dr. Sunir Garg, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and a professor of ophthalmology at the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital. Many retailers sell lenses with a blue-light-blocking filter that can scratch and fade over time, though prescription retailers usually have higher standards and bake the blue-light technology into the lens resin. If you’re curious about blue-light-blocking glasses, we think it’s smart to start with a cheap pair to see if you notice a marked improvement in your sleep or less eyestrain (although there’s no guarantee). You can always upgrade to a longer-lasting pair later.

When you’re ready for an upgrade, The Vision Council, which represents optical manufacturers like EyeBuyDirect and Zenni, said buying prescription glasses from a professional with medical-grade blue-light-blocking lenses is the safest bet. And if you want to confirm the results for yourself, you can ask them for a spectral report, which details how much light and at which wavelengths their lenses actually block.Do blue-light-blocking glasses work? Kind of.

We read nearly two dozen studies and position statements on blue-light-blocking technology, and interviewed three optometrists, two eyeglasses providers, two sleep specialists, a medical doctor, and an ergonomics expert. After all of our research, we still couldn’t definitively answer this question (we looked into it years ago and came to a similarly uncertain conclusion). It’s more useful to consider what you’re using blue-light-blocking glasses to achieve.

Blue-light-blocking glasses are worth a shot if you find yourself tossing and turning after spending hours in front of screens, especially if you’re doomscrolling on your phone. The blue light emitted by these devices tells your body to stay awake when you’re actually supposed to be winding down to go to bed. Glasses that block a percentage of the blue light your eyes absorb can prevent you from having trouble falling asleep.

You don’t actually need to spend money on a new pair of glasses to decrease the blue light you see, though. Both the AAO and the American Optometric Association (AOA) advise reducing the amount of time you spend on your digital devices at night, avoiding bright screens up to three hours before bedtime, and dimming your screens and setting them to night mode so you’re exposed to warmer colors as you unwind. (Here’s how to adjust those settings on an Apple iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy.)

Of course, that’s easier said than done, and you’ll still be exposed to the blue light emitted by various household items other than your phone or computer. The benefits of blocking blue light to fall asleep do improve when you add a pair of glasses, said Roy Raymann, then chief scientific officer of SleepScore Labs, because they’re designed to block all sources of blue light, such as your bedside lamp, television screen, and refrigerator light bulb. Personally, I’ve found a combination of these two strategies to be beneficial. Using prescription lenses with blue-light-blocking technology and setting my devices to night mode with a color filter has helped me fall asleep faster in recent weeks.

Eye experts say the low levels of blue light from your computer screen probably aren’t making your eyes tired and achy—it’s more likely that while intensely focusing on your screen, you blink less, resulting in dryer eyes. This can lead to digital eyestrain, and potentially blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches. It’s similar to how you might feel after periods of intense focus, such as reading a book or handwriting your pandemic-themed memoir.

Proponents of blue-light-blocking glasses point to another eye-health concern: age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the macula part of your retina (the central area of the back of your eyeball) is damaged. According to the AAO, it’s the leading cause of vision loss among people 50 and older. Recent studies show that extremely high levels of blue-light radiation may increase the risk for age-related macular degeneration, but the AAO, the AOA, and the UK’s Association of Optometrists all state that blue light from digital devices doesn’t cause adverse effects. Blue-light-blocking glasses may help lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration, but for now the evidence isn’t definitive.

If you suffer from tension headaches or chronic migraines, as I do, don’t expect a cheap pair of glasses to help. During testing, I found that some of the blue-light-blocking glasses actually caused more migraines than they prevented, and it had nothing to do with the lenses.

As Garg suggested, you’re better off taking frequent breaks to look away and relieve your eyes. You can also try adjusting your ergonomic setup. Thomas Caffrey, an ergonomics consultant for The New York Times, said the placement of everything from your computer monitor to your keyboard can cause digital eyestrain or headaches. Poor posture can actually cause “referred pain,” which is when an injured area causes symptoms elsewhere. Check out our advice in “7 Things You Need for an Ergonomically Correct Workstation”—if you still experience headaches after making those adjustments, our experts suggest consulting an eye-care specialist.What to look for in blue-light-blocking glasses

Then consider the lens color. All of the glasses Wirecutter tested appeared to be colorless at first glance, but when we wore them, we noticed they all have a faint to moderate orange tint. (For an extra fee, you can order prescription lenses that are virtually colorless from our favorite online retailer, EyeBuyDirect.) Orange lenses block blue light because they only let through light with similar wavelengths, like orange and red. The stronger the orange tint, the less blue light gets through, decreasing the amount your eyes are absorbing and potentially helping to counteract negative effects. (Keep in mind that colored lenses can affect the color accuracy you see on your screen.)

If you plan to wear them throughout the day, don’t pick lenses that are too dark orange or those that claim to block 100% of blue light. The AOA doesn’t recommend these. “The eyes still need blue light, both physiologically and for color perception,” said Dr. William T. Reynolds, president of the AOA. “Newer lens technology blocks only a portion of the blue light. These lenses are practical because they remain clear and still offer blue-light protection while reducing glare.” (You can get a sense of how dark the tint is by reviewing the product description and third-party reviews.)

However, if you don’t care about looks and plan to wear them only right before bed, a quality pair with a much darker tint may be better for your sleep cycle. “They’re not something you want to go out in public wearing, but they work,” said Winter, the neurologist. He recommends both this UVEX pair and Swanwick’s line of blue-light-blocking glasses.Who needs blue-light-blocking glasses?

Eye-care professionals are quick to point out that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your eyes. If you’re considering blue-light-blocking glasses, it’s best to schedule an eye exam with your eye-care provider for the best treatment option. For people experiencing headaches after spending all day at a desk, it may be their ergonomic setup that is to blame, or perhaps just general eye fatigue. For others, it could be that their vision has changed and they need a new prescription.

Parents with children in remote programs may be tempted to buy a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses for their kids, but most children shouldn’t be wearing them all day. In fact, their eyes actually need that wavelength from sunlight—a deficiency of natural blue light in maturing eyes can lead to myopia (nearsightedness). “It’s really a tough time for parents, and they’re looking to do right by their kids,” said Garg. “But we’re not seeing it being a clinical concern. We’ve naturally evolved to take in as much as we need.” (Garg’s own child is in a virtual learning environment, and he’s not worried about their exposure.) To help protect a child’s eyesight and ensure they’re receiving the developmental benefits of natural blue light, make sure they’re getting one to three hours of outdoor playtime a day, said the AOA’s Reynolds, and try to limit their screen time and exposure to bright lights before bed (for better-quality sleep). Here’s some age-based screen-time guidance from the World Health Organization.

The role blue light plays on human sleep patterns is well established, so experts say a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses can help adults snooze better. The best way to achieve a better night’s rest is by using blue-light-blocking glasses at night and reducing screen brightness and exposure before bedtime. “Those things definitely make a difference,” said Winter. “Even a dimmer switch for your home can help.” As for both daytime and evening use, our experts said the science is still out on whether wearing blue-light-blocking glasses all day will be beneficial or detrimental to long-term health.

Blue-light glasses may even help you sleep better if you have limited vision or a complete loss of sight, though it’s best to consult your doctor. For some, these glasses could help improve sleep, Winter noted, because blue light can still affect how some people with color blindness secrete melatonin. Similarly, people who are blind can experience significant disruptions to their sleep because the light pathway in the eye is still absorbing blue light, even though the visual pathway can’t see it.The competition

The temple arms of the K Kenzhou Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses have loose hinges, and the glasses regularly slid off in our testing. The nose pads also pinch (and gave one tester a headache).

The stylish Sungait Cat Eye Blue Light Glasses seemed promising, but the frames are crooked, the temple arms are too tight, and the moderate orange tint and white lens reflection were distracting come work time. The combination of design failures gave one tester a headache after wearing this pair for just 30 minutes.

The cheap Wild Fable Women’s Blue Light Filtering Rectangle Glasses from Target offer fun, transparent frame hues, but the glasses themselves are crooked, the hinges are too tight to easily open and close, and the moderate orange tint and blinding purplish reflection made this pair annoying to wear.

The WMAO Blue Light Blocking Glasses are crooked, yet they stayed on better than most plastic frames we tested. Unfortunately, one tester still got a headache while wearing this pair.

The Cyxus Blue Light Filter Computer Glasses have tight hinges that are difficult to open and close, the temple arms pinch, and the nose pads are loose and sit farther down than most glasses we tested, which made them uncomfortable to wear. These glasses also gave one tester a headache.

The Free People Rion Blue Light Glasses (no longer available) reminded us of frame styles that were popular in the 1980s, but not in a good way. Also, the glasses are crooked, the nose pads sit low (like those of the Cyxus pair), one of the lenses was cracked, and the hinges are uneven.

The Urban Outfitters Logan Half-Frame Blue Light Glasses (no longer available) weigh 1.2 ounces, making this the heaviest pair we tested—too heavy to wear for long periods of time.

The Urban Outfitters Taylor Blue Light Round Glasses (no longer available) were a former pick that we liked for their lightweight design and subtle but attractive color options.FootnotesFrequently asked questions

No one can definitively say if blue-light glasses really work—they do block some blue light, but it’s unclear how helpful that is. It’s better to consider why you need a pair and go from there. Generally, people use blue-light-blocking glasses to get a better night’s sleep, reduce digital eyestrain, or prevent headaches.

Blue-light glasses block a percentage of the blue light your eyes absorb, so wearing a pair at night might help you fall asleep faster by telling your internal clock it’s time to rest.

Unfortunately, blue-light glasses most likely have no effect on preventing digital eyestrain or headaches. Your eyes are tired because you’re intensely focusing on your screen and blinking less, resulting in dryer eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Using artificial tears and taking frequent breaks can help mitigate those issues.

Probably not, but that doesn’t mean you should wear them all the time. The medical community doesn’t believe blue-light glasses can damage your eyes but, most adults shouldn’t wear these glasses outdoors or 24/7 because your eyes still need to absorb natural blue light from the sun to tell your internal clock when it’s daylight (time to wake up) or nighttime (time to rest).

Similarly, most children shouldn’t be wearing blue-light glasses all day. Their eyes actually need that wavelength from sunlight because a deficiency of natural blue light in maturing eyes can lead to myopia (nearsightedness).

Eye-care professionals are quick to point out that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your eyes, but in our research and testing, the most compelling use case for blue light glasses is to help you if you have trouble falling asleep at night. If you’re considering blue-light-blocking glasses, it’s best to talk to your eye-care provider first. If you have headaches after spending all day at a desk, it may be an ergonomic setup that’s to blame, or perhaps just general eye fatigue. For others, it could be that their vision has changed and they need a new prescription.

Adults who have trouble falling asleep may benefit from a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses. Combine the glasses with reducing your screen’s brightness, and limiting your exposure to other sources of synthetic blue light, like your bedside lamp, for maximum effectiveness.

Kids shouldn’t wear these glasses, even those who are enrolled in distance learning, because their eyes need the blue light found in sunlight to prevent their maturing eyes from developing nearsightedness.

Eye experts say the low levels of blue light from your computer screen probably aren’t the thing giving you a headache, so blocking them won’t help by much. Instead, the root cause is more likely that while intensely focusing on your screen, you blink less. This can lead to digital eyestrain, and potentially blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches. It’s similar to how you might feel after periods of intense focus, such as reading a book.

In our testing, our reviewer who suffers from tension headaches and migraines said the blue-light-blocking glasses actually caused more migraines than they prevented, and it had nothing to do with the lenses. Bad glasses with tight frames, pinching nose pads, or acute light reflections may worsen your headache symptoms, rather than relieve them.

No, standard eyeglasses do not block blue light. You can purchase glasses with a blue-light blocking coating for an extra fee. EyeBuyDirect sells lenses with blue-light coating starting at $19.

You can clean blue-light-blocking glasses like any pair of lenses with these steps: Remove any visible gunk with a cotton swab; rinse the glasses under warm water to dislodge excess grime; squirt a pea-sized drop of dish soap onto the lenses and rub the soap in with your fingers; rinse off the soap; shake the glasses dry; and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Our post on How to Clean Your Glasses offers a little more detail.Sources

Sleep is a crucial aspect of our physical and mental wellbeing.  Not getting enough rest has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, infection, inflammatory conditions, mood and mental health risks, car accidents, and issues with memory and cognition.  Many people have trouble sleeping at night, often thought to be due to insomnia, when in actuality they have a circadian rhythm disorder known as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, which can be due in large part to the negative impact of blue light.

Blue light, as emitted from our many devices and artificial lights, can be detrimental to our sleep through disruption of our circadian rhythm, or internal clock.  Our internal sleep-wake schedule is in large part dictated by the naturally produced hormone melatonin.  Our bodies are built so that in the evening when the sun goes down and it gets dark, melatonin is released from our pineal gland, keeping our circadian rhythm in sync and helping us to sleep at night and be awake and alert during the day.  Studies have shown that blue light actually suppresses this naturally occurring melatonin release, diminishing one of the major driving forces propelling us to sleep.  While in modern society it is hard to completely escape evening blue light, utilisation of blue light filters and low blue light products such as those offered by Ocushield can go a long way to reducing blue light’s deleterious effect on sleep.

In our modern world, people spend more time than ever in front of screens. In fact, nearly one-third of adults report being online almost constantly throughout the day. Despite its many advantages, this explosion in digital gadgets also comes with a price. Your computer screen, tablet, and smartphone all emit high-energy blue light similar to the sun. When you use these digital devices into the late hours of the evening, the blue light exposure can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

To combat the effects of screen time before bed, more and more companies are offering glasses with special lenses that can block blue light from reaching your eyes. These blue light blocking glasses offer a safe and drug-free way to make sure late-night screen time and artificial lighting don’t affect your sleep.

Blue light blocking glasses are a fairly new type of technology, and the industry lacks a clear set of regulations to guide shoppers. Whether you’re a gamer or just need to get some work done on your computer before bed, we’ll help you sift through the marketing claims to find the best pair of blue light blocking glasses for your needs.

EyeBuyDirect (EBD) takes an unconventional approach to blue light blocking glasses. Customers can choose from more than 1,400 different frame styles, then select the type of blue light blocking technology they’d like for their eyewear depending on their preferences and needs.

EBDBlue Plus technology includes advanced blue light blocking, UV protection, an anti-static layer to safeguard the glasses from dust, and a lens coating to reduce smudging. EBDPlus 360 builds on this by offering the same features as EBDBlue Plus as well as a special coating that minimizes reflections by as much as 50% during the day. The innovative EBBBlue Smart option enables the lenses to automatically adjust based on natural light and darkness levels. Lastly, SightRelax glasses have a slight magnification at the bottom of the lenses to improve vision and ease discomfort for gamers, E-readers, and other people with screen-centric lifestyles, as well as employees and students who spend most of their day using a computer.

The Ocushield Anti Blue Light Glasses are comfortable and lightweight yet highly effective at protecting your eyes. The lenses are designed to block up to 99% of UV rays and blue light emissions with wavelengths that fall between 300 and 400 nanometers (nm), as well as 40% of emissions in the range of 400 to 470 nm. This makes them well suited to late-night workers and other people who need to use electronic devices before bed.

Felix Gray offers a wide range of frames for blue light glasses. Each of the brand’s 17 adult-friendly styles are designated as narrow, medium, and/or wide, so you can make a selection based on what will fit most comfortably. Four of the frames are designed for “low bridge” noses that sit below the pupils. You can choose between clear or amber lenses depending on your personal preference, and most of the frames are available in at least two to three different colors.

The Nash, Roebling, and Faraday designs are also available in kid sizes for age ranges of 4 to 8 years or 9 to 13 years. The lenses for every Felix Gray style have been treated with a proprietary anti-glare coating intended to reduce blue light exposure by as much as 98%. You can arrange for the glasses to match your existing prescription. Most styles are also available as reading glasses.

While blue light blocking glasses can improve your melatonin levels and help you sleep soundly, it’s important to note that some blue light is essential for a balanced sleep-wake cycle. The Day Swannies from Swanwick are designed to block wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 450 nm, which is considered the most harmful range across the blue light spectrum. Wavelengths between 450 nm and 500 nm pass through the lenses, keeping you alert as you go about your day without incurring too much blue light exposure.

People who typically use computers, tablets, and other screen devices for their profession are great candidates for the Day Swannies. The lenses are fairly clear, and aren’t as tinted as many of their counterparts on the market today. This makes the glasses less suitable for nighttime use — Swanwick sells a separate “orange lens” collection with stronger blue light blocking capabilities — but you can wear them throughout the day as you use electronic devices. Each pair is equipped with a pair of spring hinges, giving the frame a flexible feel.

LOOK OPTIC is an eyewear company that produces a line of Blue-Light Readers designed to block blue light from your gadgets. Since LOOK OPTIC specializes solely in readers, these glasses are a good choice for shoppers who are in the market for reading glasses but do not necessarily need prescription eyewear.

While some blue light glasses feature lenses that are coated with a blue light-blocking film, the Blue-Light Reader features a proprietary RetinaShield Blue lens that directly filters out blue light without the use of a film, which can erode over time. The lens is made of CR-39 material and is designed to resist scratches, which helps preserve the integrity of the light filtering function. Shoppers can choose between five magnification options, from zero to 2.5. Those who aren’t sure of their ideal magnification can consult an eye chart provided on the LOOK OPTIC website.

If you are selective about how your readers look, the Blue-Light Readers are available in eight different styles — and each style comes in a wide variety of colors. All glasses are lightweight and feature spring hinges that can be easily adjusted for a good fit.

LOOK OPTIC provides free shipping and returns within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 90-day trial to test out the readers. Those who are dissatisfied may return the readers for a full refund. The glasses are also backed by a 1-year warranty.

Many brands offer blue light glasses designed for women, but Sojos Vision exclusively caters to this demographic. The company’s current selection of blue light glasses includes nearly 150 different styles. You can filter the results to choose by color, frame type, full- or semi-rim shape, and size in order to find the perfect fit.

Sojos Vision uses photochromic lenses engineered to not only block most blue light but also automatically adjust to transitioning light conditions at different times of the day. After choosing your frames, you can customize the lenses based on personal needs. Options include “single need” for nearsightedness or farsightedness, progressive lenses that correct both of these conditions, readers, or non-prescription if you just want the benefits of blue light glasses.

If you’re in the market for blue light blocking glasses but aren’t sure which design best suits you, Peepers offers an unparalleled selection of frame styles. The current lineup features 100 individual models that vary in terms of weight, dimensions, shape, and color. Choose from minimalist looks, throwback styles, and more colorful options. All pairs are designed to filter blue light and block up to 99.9% of UV rays.

The Teen Blue Light Glasses from Jonas Paul Eyewear are a low-cost option for high school students and young adults. The lenses in each pair are engineered to block roughly 56% of blue light with wavelengths of 380 to 450 nanometers, the range that has been shown to negatively impact circadian rhythm the most. However, the lenses won’t hinder exposure to blue light with a wavelength of 460 to 500 nanometers, which promotes healthy sleep and mood regulation.

The Teen Blue Light collection includes four different designs for teens who don’t normally wear prescription glasses. The Vint, Charlie, Margaret, and Katherine styles are all available in three color and design options. Your teen can visit the product page of each set of frames and use the “Virtual Try-On” feature to see how they look. This eliminates the need for testing out the frames in person. Each style has different lens and bridge measurements.

All Teen Blue Light frames carry the same affordable price-point and standard ground shipping is available anywhere in the U.S. You can also opt for expedited delivery. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt.

Blue light refers to a specific wavelength in the visible spectrum. The visible spectrum encompasses all the light wavelengths that the human eye can see, including the entire rainbow of colors from red to violet. Among the visible colors, blue light has a relatively short wavelength and delivers high levels of energy to the eye.

Blue light is very common. When you go outside, your eyes are awash in blue light coming from the sun. Artificial sources of blue light are also ubiquitous in modern life. From fluorescent and LED lighting to all of the various screens we use, we’re frequently bathed in blue light from morning to night.

While blue light during the day plays a positive role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, too much exposure to blue light in the evening can disrupt sleep patterns for children and adults alike. One solution is to end screen time several hours before bed. But for those who don’t want to give up their nightly gaming session or Twitter scroll, blue light blocking glasses can help shield your eyes from this high-energy wavelength in the evening.

With hundreds of options on the market, choosing the right pair of blue light blocking glasses can seem like a daunting task. It’s key to arm yourself with an idea of your own preferences, as well as a basic understanding of the science behind blue light blocking glasses.

From fit and color to cost and customer service policies, keeping certain key factors in mind can help you narrow down your choices when shopping for blue light blocking glasses.

Light BlockingBlue light blocking glasses come in a range of different light blocking abilities. Consider what time of day you’ll be using your blue light glasses, and how much blue light blocking you really need. Glasses with red- or orange-tinted lenses block a wider spectrum and larger percentage of blue light. However, they can also distort the colors on your computer screen. Clear or light yellow-tinted glasses are designed to target a narrower range of high-energy blue light commonly emitted from artificial sources. These may be more appropriate for daytime use.

Shape and WeightTo be able to read, complete computer work, or play games comfortably for several hours in the evening, you’ll need a pair of blue light blocking glasses that suits the shape of your face and doesn’t feel cumbersome. If you already wear prescription glasses, consider finding a pair of blue light blocking glasses that are large enough to comfortably sit over your current glasses. Many people also prefer glasses that are lightweight, so be sure to check the weight of your chosen model before purchasing.

Size OptionsFor the best chance at finding a pair of blue light blocking glasses that fit your face, you’ll want to search for a model that offers multiple size options. Before buying, try them on or double-check the dimensions. Two of the most important measurements to take note of include the width of your face and nose.

Style & Color OptionsBlue light blocking glasses are available in many different colors and styles. Some manufacturers sell glasses in packs of two or three so you can switch the glasses to suit your current mood. If style is important to you, you may prefer to opt for glasses with less of a yellow tint, bearing in mind that this style generally allows a greater percentage of blue light to reach your eyes.

Trial & Return PolicyIf you’re ordering your blue light blocking glasses online, it’s important to find a model that comes with a generous trial period or return policy. Eyewear is very personal, and if you’re not able to try on a pair of glasses before you make your purchase, it’s nice to be able to return them in the event they don’t fit properly or the color and style aren’t what you expected.

CostBlue light blocking glasses can cost anywhere from $15 to $50, with many models around the $20 price-point. More expensive glasses may offer additional features, such as more unique style options or a greater percentage of blue light blocked. When shopping for blue light blocking glasses, you’ll have to weigh the benefits against the cost and keep your personal budget in mind.

Blue light blocking glasses are glasses that are designed to prevent blue light from reaching your eyes. The concept of blue light blockers is based on the discovery that exposure to blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Blocking blue light is therefore thought to be an easy and inexpensive way to help people sleep after using electronics in the evening. Glasses designed to filter out only the most high-energy blue light may also help reduce eye strain during the day.

Natural blue light emitted by the sun is crucial for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, exposure to sunlight promotes alertness. At night, darkness stimulates the release of melatonin. Without these natural light cues, your body would have a hard time knowing when to wake up and when to fall asleep.

Due to the ever-increasing availability of artificial light sources such as light bulbs and computer screens, many of us are exposed to light late in the evening. Electronic screens in particular are rich in blue light, meaning they have a similar effect to sunlight. Extensive research has shown that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt the natural regulation of your sleep-wake cycle.

Blue light blocking glasses are designed to specifically filter out the blue wavelengths of light before they reach your eyes. Most blue light blocking glasses target ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 to 400 nanometers (nm), as well as violet light between 400 and 440 nm and blue light up to 500 nm. With less blue light reaching your eyes, your body is free to produce melatonin to help prepare for sleep.

Traditional blue light blocking glasses are orange- or amber-tinted. As blue light is a visible wavelength, filtering out blue light has an effect on the way you perceive colors. Therefore, while orange and amber blue light blockers may be more effective than clear glasses, most people consider them to be less user-friendly, especially for applications that require seeing colors.

Accordingly, some manufacturers market blue light blocking glasses with lenses that are practically clear. These glasses target high-energy violet and blue light between 400 and 450 nm, but they filter out a smaller percentage of blue light overall. They are engineered to offer a balance of blue light blocking and normal visibility.

Emerging evidence suggests that using blue light blocking glasses may successfully prevent bright lights from interfering with your sleep hormones. In these studies, people who wore blue light blocking glasses sleptbetter and didn’t experience the drop in melatonin normally associated with evening light exposure.

Before the advent of electricity, humans slept and woke according to the timing of the sunrise and sunset. Sunlight is composed of a wide range of light wavelengths, including the entire visible spectrum from red to violet as well as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared wavelengths. However, blue light in the range of 446 to 477 nm has the most significant impact on the sleep-wake cycle.

When it comes to natural light from the sun, blue light is very helpful. Exposure to a healthy amount of blue light in the daytime promotes alertness and helps you sleep better at night. However, too much blue light exposure later in the evening makes it harder to fall asleep and may also contribute to poor sleep quality and morning grogginess.

Popular electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, and televisions emit blue light. Blue light blocking glasses are intended to act as a barrier between you and these artificial blue light sources to prevent your late night screen time from disturbing your sleep.

In addition to wearing blue light blocking glasses, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your exposure to blue light in the evening. You may also want to consider talking with your eye doctor about bright light exposure and protection at your next eye exam.

One of the most effective ways to reduce blue light exposure and improve your sleep is to avoid using electronics before bed. Ideally, you should try to end screen time at least 1 hour before you go to bed, to give your body time to ramp up melatonin production. Instead of scrolling through social media, consider winding down by reading a book or listening to music.

Fluorescent lights and LED bulbs typically emit more blue light than warmer-toned incandescent light bulbs, though plenty of manufacturers are starting to make LED lightbulbs that emulate the color pattern of incandescent lightbulbs. Consider switching to warmer-toned lightbulbs or installing a dimmer to reduce the brightness of your home lighting as you approach bedtime. Similarly, using a dim red night light during midnight bathroom trips can help provide illumination while limiting your blue light exposure.

If you must use electronic devices at night, consider installing dimming software. Software programs such as f.lux adjust the type of light that your screen emits. Using this software, your screen releases more blue light in the morning to keep you alert but slowly shifts to low-energy red light as you approach your bedtime. Some devices also come with built-in nighttime settings that switch to a black background at night, or automatically decrease the brightness of your screen and shift your display to warmer colors late in the evening.

Another option for those that must use screens at night is a physical blue light filter that can be installed over your screen to block the majority of blue light from reaching your eyes.

Blue light blocking glasses typically range in price from $15 to $50, with an average price of approximately $30. Most blue light blocking glasses don"t require prescription lenses, so they are relatively inexpensive to produce.

While there isn’t a consensus among the medical community, some research demonstrates that blue light blocking glasses may help pave the way for sleep by helping boost melatonin production. Orange-tinted lenses block more blue light than amber-tinted lenses, and amber-tinted lenses block more blue light than clear lenses. Red-tinted lenses block the most light, but they are rarely worn as they make it very difficult to see.While there isn’t a consensus among the medical community, some research demonstrates that blue light blocking glasses may help pave the way for sleep by helping boost melatonin production. Orange-tinted lenses block more blue light than amber-tinted lenses, and amber-tinted lenses block more blue light than clear lenses. Red-tinted lenses block the most light, but they are rarely worn as they make it very difficult to see.

Blue light blocking glasses are sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores, each of which offers certain advantages depending on your needs. By shopping for glasses in pharmacies, drug stores, and eyewear stores, you may be able to ask for advice from the store attendant regarding the best model for you. However, by shopping online, you"ll be able to choose from a much wider selection of brands and models. Online retailers also tend to have more competitive prices, as well as generous return policies in case you"re not satisfied with your purchase.

If the manufacturer can provide you with the transmittance spectrum report for your glasses, then you can see for yourself what percentage of blue light they block. An alternative method is to use an online color test, or devise your own by looking up an image of a rainbow online. A Google image search should bring up many pictures that look like a rainbow of colors blending into one another from red to blue to violet. When observed through a pair of blue light blocking glasses, the blue section should appear darker or even black, depending on the strength of the glasses.Certain blue light blocking glasses come with a so-called blue light laser and ask you to shine the laser through the lens of your glasses to verify that no blue light reaches a white paper held up to the other side. However, most of these lasers actually emit violet light, which is not the light that most affects the sleep-wake cycle.

Blue light blocking glasses are considered just as safe for your eyes as wearing regular sunglasses. The only caveat is that wearing blue light blocking glasses during the day may be counterproductive. While it"s important to reduce your exposure to blue light in the later evening hours, blue light exposure from the sun in the early morning and afternoon helps regulate your internal clock. If you"re looking for a daytime pair of glasses to help reduce eye strain, opt for blue light blocking glasses that are almost transparent, instead of visibly amber- or orange-tinted.

Standard prescription lenses do not block blue light. However, prescription blue light blocking glasses are available, and some manufacturers make blue light blocking glasses that fit over prescription glasses. Ask your optometrist about prescription options for blue light blocking lenses.

Blue light blocking glasses may be a worthwhile option for people who have trouble getting to sleep after too much screen time. With models available at the $20 price-point, blue light blocking glasses are a fairly low-cost and easy-to-use solution for shielding your eyes from blue light and potentially improving your sleep.

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we"ll help you find exactly what you"re looking for.

We updated this article in November 2022 to ensure the information reflected current prices, features and more. Our top picks, based on testing notes from theGood Housekeeping Institute, remain the same.

Emitted by a myriad of devices from televisions to phones and almost any display, blue light — a certain grade of high-energy light on the color spectrum — is certainly known to disrupt natural circadian rhythms that guide your sleep, as well as trigger headaches after prolonged exposure, per published research. But evidence isn"t detailed enough yet to illustrate how blue light glasses (or blue light-blocking glasses) effectively prevent these symptoms and promote holistic eye health, despite marketing claims that promise these results. If you"re battling chronic headaches or finding your sleep disrupted by late-night work, a pair of blue light glasses may help alleviate some eye strain — though the science of this purported relief remains highly debated among healthcare experts.

To find the best blue light glasses, our health editors collectively evaluated over two dozen brands, making our recommendations based on wearability, comfort, design qualityand any reported symptom relief. We also partnered with a pair of leading optometrists and ophthalmologists to answer top questions about blue light glasses" efficacy and shopping tips for products that reduce blue light exposure over time. You can read more about how we evaluated blue light glasses firsthand at the end of this guide.

Blue light-blocking lenses are accessible for all Warby Parker products, regardless if they use prescription lenses or not, for a $50 surcharge. The brand"s Wright frames are a best-seller for a reason — they"re highly customizable, available in three different widths for a snug fit beneath your crown and come in a variety of finishes and styles that our editors loved. Our review of the Wright noted that Warby Parker"s frames were extremely easy to clean, given the frame"s body is made from durable polished plastic, and that the brand"s polycarbonate lenses are made with scratch-resistant coatings that stood up to daily wear and tear excellently.

While price points are elevated for standalone frames with blue light-blocking lenses alone, you get what you pay for — our review found the available styles produced by Warby Parker fit into most occasions and needs (home or office wear, casual use as well as prolonged wearing) with frames that were built to last.

A solid blend between performance and style, as well as a wider suite of blue light-only frames, Blenders" standalone blue light glasses are a favorite among editors who have worn them. Their unisex sizing model ensures an encompassing fit for most, and the retailers" size guide on its product pages contains some of the clearest fit details we"ve seen. If you"ve yet to wear a pair of blue light glasses during long work hours or late-night projects, Blenders" standalone products feel like the best introduction to the category — you"ll find that tint levels on these frames will help you recognize how much blue light is thrown off from some of your most used electronics.

Known as one of the largest online retailers of prescription eyewear, GlassesUSA was an early adopter in offering blue light-blocking coatings for nearly all of their available frames, regardless of prescription or style. Their proprietary add-on is known as "BLUEASE", according to a brand representative, and can be added onto available frames for a flat fee of $19 — this includes extremely popular styles from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol, among many others. If you"re shopping for corrective eyewear, GlassesUSA has long worked with customers using a wide array of vision insurance providers to lower prices on all of their selections, making shopping for prescription lenses enhanced with blue light add-ons a total breeze.

GlassesUSA doesn"t manufacture blue light frames exclusively since any of its available products are eligible to be upgraded with blue light-blocking features, but it does manufacture its own private-label products, like these oversized unisex frames in its Muse collection. Known as their best-selling frame for women, the Ottoto Bellona above features a very sturdy round build with structural arms that sit comfortably alongside your face. The adjustable silicone nose pads come in handy for a variety of bridge sizes.

If you"re looking for a pair of glasses that"ll blend seamlessly into your office wardrobe — without drawing any wondering looks from colleagues if you don"t regularly wear glasses already — Felix Gray"s offerings are designed for you. A wide range of blue light-blocking styles are made from the brand"s eyewear frames that are also available in prescription lenses for those who need them. The eyeglasses retailer launches seasonal collections frequently, introducing new products like this top-tested Alexander model that first launched in spring 2022; the brand"s Roebling and Nash frames are among the most popular options for those shopping for blue light specs all on their own.

Felix Gray also deliberately offers more than one kind of blue light-blocking lens for each of their popular frames; they"re divided into clear lenses and visibility-tinted amber lenses, which may be best for those who have late-night work routines. Brand materials suggest that Felix Gray"s amber lenses are designed to filter away more than 23 times the amount of blue light compared to other options on the market, and are designed with sleep in mind.

Brand founder Ashley Mariko Johnson tackles the one-size-fits-all issue in eyewear with Mohala, which aims to bolster design to be inclusive of more face shapes and sizes. Johnson designed Mohala offerings by consulting Black, Asian and Hispanic consumers directly, focusing on wider lenses, shorter temple lengths and more room for both natural and synthetic eyelashes. Mohala"s blue light-blocking specs are designed to accentuate square and oval-shaped faces, lower nose bridges and sit comfortably on a range of cheekbone sizes. Customers can easily filter specs by nose bridge options, face shapes, width and more fit options when shopping within Mohala"s online retail space (or locally in Hawaii, the brand"s home state).

The Keana frames provide a comfortable, encompassing fit for those with round, oval and heart-shaped faces, thanks to their spanning width (which is available in two different sizes for those with wider faces). Mohala"s blue light frames, including those on the Keana, perfectly straddle the amount of tint for long-wear use at the office or at home — our tests revealed their light tint is effective in evening hours in dark spaces while preserving color correctness during daylight hours. Multiple stylish finishes for the Keana frame will likely have you picking up more than one pair for year-round wear.

With many size options available in 18 different standalone frames, Ray-Ban makes a wide array of blue light glasses for women in more compact designs using their proprietary Everglasses technology. The classic Wayfarer frame can be ordered in a wide array of sizes up to an XXL, and comes with a universal nose bridge that testers found to be comfortable in extended wear.The photochromic lenses available on Ray-Ban"s blue light glasses shift in tint throughout the day depending on lighting, and are fitted with anti-reflective treatments and UV filters for additional protection.Our tests revealed that those with smaller faces may benefit from Ray-Ban"s petite offerings, which include XS and S sizes, for a fit that won"t have glasses sliding off throughout the work day.

While they"re not available for all prescription levels, Prospek"s highly popular frames loaded with their blue light-blocking lenses are available in a variety of magnification strengths for office use. Our review noted the glasses" lighter amber lenses adeptly shielded against computer use in a number of interior lighting settings. Since these frames are designed to be used with magnification enhancements for ease of reading, the low-profile lens translates into a more business-forward look. While fit wasn"t as snug and steady as other models on this list, Prospek"s blue light-blocking glasses are available in three different sizes at a standard width (just under 6"). Lenses are finished with an anti-glare and anti-fog coating, which makes for easier wear with appropriate face coverings in a shared office setting.

Good Housekeeping editors evaluated blue light glasses firsthand by wearing each pair throughout work days spent in front of laptops, monitors and desktop computers, as well as after-hours activities such as television watching and video game playing. We asked a wide array of editors — all with various head and face shapes and sizes, as well as varying lifestyles and schedules — to review glasses featured in this guide over the span of two consecutive months. They probed if these glasses were comfortable to wear, their performance under frequent use, and reported whether they noticed any reduction in eye strain or other observations during the review process.

As you"ll learn below, there is little to no clinical research or academic evidence to support claims that suggest blue light glasses reduce eye strain or chronic headaches linked to excess screen time all on their own. Blue light glasses often provide subjective comfort to those who choose to wear them — but as there are no manufacturing standards for blue-light blocking lenses established by governing groups like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, our testing solely rested on users" reported feedback on sustained comfort, product durability and self-monitored reactions to extended use of electronics. Eye experts told Good Housekeeping that measuring the efficacy of a pair of blue light-blocking lenses is mired in confusion, as there has yet to be a "gold standard" developed by leading experts in the field of eye care.

A market full of blue light glasses has sprung up over the last few years, with a range of affordable options to prescription-backed designer options that may even be partially covered by your optical insurance. But finding the right pair of blue light glasses can feel overwhelming, as standalone opticals aren"t regulated by any healthcare organization, and distinguishing a well-made pair among low-cost options can be quite difficult. Try to use the following parameters to help you pick the best pair of blue light-blocking glasses when shopping around:

✔️Tinted versus opaque lenses: Without advanced tools and in-the-know experts, it"s impossible to tell how much blue light a pair of glasses is capable of filtering just by looking at them. The best way to see if a pair of glasses actually aim to curtail exposure to electronic light is to examine the tint on the lenses closely; previously published research suggests that amber-tinted shades filter out blue light more effectively than clear, translucent lenses, especially over an extended period of use. Generally speaking, a darker tint equates to more blue light exposure being effectively blocked; while there are clear lenses used in blue light-blocking products, they may not be as effective as a tinted opt