Yahoo Lifestyle The 8 Very Best Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses, According to Experts
- 1/9
The 8 Very Best Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses, According to Experts
IN AN ideal world, we’d all have hours of screen-free time before bed for a better night’s sleep. But with late-night deadlines, the constant pull of TikTok, Netflix binging, and our increasingly-online social lives, it’s just not happening. The result? Our world is awash in blue light. And the worst casualty of this era is our eyes. That’s where so-called "blue-blockers"—a.k.a. blue-light-blocking eyeglasses for computer use—come in.
“Light, particularly the blue wavelength of light, is one of the strongest regulators of your circadian rhythm,” says Stephanie M. Stahl, M.D., a sleep medicine physician and assistant professor of clinical neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Sunlight, along with blue light from devices like your smartphone and laptop can raise your alertness in the morning, but blue light exposure at night could significantly decrease your body’s production of melatonin—the hormone that’s key for shifting your body into sleep mode. Bottom line: Blue-light-blocking (BLB) glasses could be your first line of defense.
Blue-light-blocking glasses might seem simple. But, the science behind them is complex and a little, er, muddy right now, which can make shopping for your "best" pair difficult. We researched and personally tested dozens of top-selling models over the last year to compare fit, finish, overall design, price, and, of course, effectiveness. If you're ready to upgrade your daily (or nighttime) routine with a pair, here are our picks for the best blue-light-blocking glasses for computer use to help save your eyes in 2023.
Best Online Glasses Stores | Best Sunglasses | Best Polarized Sunglasses | Best Aviator Sunglasses
Courtesy of Retailer - 2/9
Uvex Skyper Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
Honeywell Ademco
amazon.com
11.99
If there's one reason to trust the Uvex Skyper, it's that they're the blue-light-blocking glasses found in many related sleep studies around the world. They provide high coverage and purportedly block out 98 percent of blue light. And what light they do allow in doesn't suppress melatonin production and levels in your body, so they could improve your overall sleep health. The plastic construction is lightweight and flexible, making them a great option to wear in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Of course, the aesthetic is all business. They're designed to be functional, and, since you'll likely be wearing them in bed (rather than, say, out to dinner dates), who really cares what they look like as long as they work, right? They're among the best-reviewed blue-light-blocking glasses on Amazon with more than 6,000 positive, five-star buyer ratings. At just under $10, they’re a solid option at an affordable price, says Dr. Stahl. All of which is why these are our hands-down pick for the best blue-light-blocking glasses for computer use and a healthier sleep routine.
What do buyers say? "In my hunt for blue blocking glasses, the Uvex Skyper glasses were a game changer," said one Amazon reviewer.
amazon.com - 3/9
Blue Blocking Amber Glasses for Sleep
Spectra479
amazon.com
$34.95
According to the manufacturer, these glasses block over 99 percent of blue light, and they’re backed by a slew of ultra-enthusiastic Amazon reviewers. “These glasses are a game changer!” one writes. “I have a Fitbit which measures my sleep quality/architecture, & my sleep score has increased an average of 60%.” They non-tinted lenses allow in the maximum amount of non-blue light, making these great for driving or wearing just before bed. With a thermoplastic construction, the frames are also extremely lightweight and flexible, so they're comfortable to wear for hours.
Our only quibble here is that these glasses rely on a thin film to block blue light, so it's important not to scratch them. Still, they're incredibly well-reviewed with more than 2,300 Amazon ratings, more than 1,800 of which are glowing five-star reviews. Plus, the fact that they're priced right at just $35 makes this our pick for the best value blue-light-blocking glasses.
What do buyers say? "These are amazing I am very sensitive to light bulbs and computer screens even with an orange filter and these are great!" said one Amazon reviewer.
amazon.com - 4/9
Ray-Ban RX5228
Ray-Ban
glassesusa.com
$191.00
Most blue-light-blocking glasses are purely functional, often with the style of a pair of workshop-friendly safety goggles. Not so with Ray-Ban's RX5228 glasses. True to the brand's heritage aesthetic, they boast an understated sophistication, making them worthy of wearing on the regular, day or night. But, adding the optional blue-light-blocking lenses sets these apart, ensuring they're a solid contender against the fight against blue light.
Because these are designer prescription glasses, they're priced accordingly. At roughly $200 (depending on the frame and lenses you choose), these are some of the priciest blue-light-blocking glasses in our roundup. But they're arguably the most stylish, too, and, with roughly 10 frame styles available, it's easy to find a pair that perfectly coordinates with your aesthetic. Plus, if you're unsure if they're right for you, GlassesUSA.com makes it easy to try them on virtually before you buy.
What do buyers say? "Love my Ray Bans! I was skeptical but these glasses are perfect! I will order again," said one GlassesUSA.com reviewer.
Courtesy of Retailer - 5/9
Crane Eyeglasses (with Optional Blue-Blocker Lenses)
Warby Parker
warbyparker.com
$95.00
Of course, prescription glasses don't have to cost a fortune. Warby Parker's Crane eyeglasses are available with a wide variety of lenses, including single vision, non-prescription, reading, and, most importantly if you're reading this, blue-light-filtering. This handsome pair is available in five frame styles—all with classic, timeless good looks that feel equal parts modern and retro—at a totally reasonable price.
We love the versatility of the Crane—the good looks ensure they're great for wearing all day wearing, and before bed. By adding blue-light-blocking lenses for an additional $50, they're infinitely more usable and useful, especially in the hours before you climb into bed. What we really love about WP, however, is they're virtual try-on wizard, which is arguably the best of any glasses etailer at providing an accurate look at just how your new glasses will fit you. The best part? They start at less than $100 with prescription lenses.
Courtesy of Retailer - 6/9
Blue-Light Blocking Glasses (2-pack)
Oilway
amazon.com
$13.99
For budget-conscious blue blockers, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better bang-for-your-buck pair (or, in this case, two) than Oilway's Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses. They offer all the essentials we look for in a decent pair of BLB glasses, including a durable, lightweight frame, good looks, a reasonable price, and, of course, reliable, blue-light-blocking lenses. These also happen to be extremely scratch-resistant which is a nice bonus. We love that this model is available in 20 different frame styles, so you can dial in your preferred aesthetic.
At less than $14 for two pairs (just $7 per pair!), you won't find a better value in the blue-light-blocking category of eyeglasses. They're also among the best-reviewed on Amazon with hundreds of five-star reviews, and roughly 90% of buyers rating these at least four stars. They're handsome, versatile, durable, and affordable—all of which makes these an easy pick for some of the best blue-light-blocking glasses of 2023.
What do buyers say? "I work from home full-time on the computer and have noticed I get less headaches. Would recommend," said one Amazon reviewer.
Courtesy of Retailer - 7/9
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Gamma Ray Optics
amazon.com
$17.99
Another basic choice for blue-light-blocking glasses, this pair from Gamma Ray Optics balances basic style, blue-light-blocking capability, and price. Reviewers say they're a great choice for everything from Zoom meetings to all-night gaming seshes to night driving, thanks to their simple style and ability to block out bright light. According to the manufacturer, these glasses keep out 97 percent of blue light. The amber-tinted lenses reduce the sharp contrast of bright screens (TVs, computers, smartphones, and more) in dark settings, making them ideal for pre-bedtime wear.
Some buyers note that the thermoplastic frame isn't as durable as they'd like, and the lenses are simply coated with an amber film which can scratch easily. Still, with hundreds of glowing, five-star ratings, these are another well-reviewed favorite among Amazon buyers. At less than $20 per pair, they're also among the most affordable, which is why they're our pick for the best budget blue-light-blocking glasses.
What do buyers say? "I work on a computer screen while looking at documents, & clients. These are the best OTC glasses I've found for that combination," said one Amazon reviewer.
amazon.com - 8/9
Hamilton Round Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Felix Gray
nordstrom.com
$110.00
This pared-down pair (get it?) of blue-light-blocking glasses from Felix Gray perfectly balances form and function. The Hamilton Round in silver/clear boast an understated sophistication that works with just about any personal style. They're studious, yet casual with a curved frame that adds a touch of classic whimsy. But the lenses are the real star of the show. They offer solid blue-light-blocking capability (without the typical weird amber tint), filtering out 90% of the highest range blue light and a solid 50% of all blue light. Plus, they're built with an anti-glare coating to boot. Both of these features make these a great "daily driver" pair of glasses that you'll be happy to wear day or night.
Some reviewers note the frame isn't as durable as they'd like. But, we can't find much else to complain over with this stylish-yet-functional pair. At a little over $100, they strike a good balance between the most budget-friendly options and the priciest premium alternatives from designers like Ray-Ban and others.
What do buyers say? "Love these glasses! I work on the computer everyday, and these have helped relieve the strain it puts on my eyes," said one FelixGray.com reviewer.
Courtesy of Retailer - 9/9
Clip On 87% Blue Light Glasses
Sleep ZM
amazon.com
$39.99
If you're happy with your current glasses—and aren't eager to buy yet another pair—this clip-on solution from Sleep ZM might do the trick. As the name implies, the simply named Clip On 87% Blue Light Glasses feature a hinge that can be opened and operated to clip-on or take off of your existing eyeglasses. It's not the most seamless look, but it's arguably the most functional. Just swap them on or off as needed throughout the day as an "add-on" to your favorite pair. They filter out nearly 87% of blue light, so they're ideal for wearing just before bed.
With more than 1,200 five-star reviews, this is another fan favorite on Amazon. The design makes these a unique option for anyone who doesn't want to have to bother swapping eyeglasses whenever they'll be sitting in front of a screen. Plus, the roughly $40 price tag is perfect compromise between the sub-$20 bargain basement pairs we've seen and the designer pairs typically priced north of $200.
What do buyers say? "Clipping these on my reading glasses made it easy for me to do occasional evening work on my phone or computer and have the blue light not interrupt my sleep. Once you get used to how to quickly and easily clip them on and off, they’re super convenient!" said one Amazon reviewer.
Courtesy of Retailer
