Blue light glare from staring at your electronics all day might not necessarily be permanently damaging to your eyes — according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it’s really only UVA or UVB radiation that does that, and neither of those are emitted by computer screens — but long hours of staring at your computer screen definitely does contribute to eye strain. Now that things are back open after more than a year of quarantine, remote working, endless Zoom meetings, and socially-distanced activities, we may not be spending as much time staring at computers, notebooks, and phone screens but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stay protected. Blue light glasses, while not a protection against UV rays, are certainly one way to help combat eye strain (also useful: taking breaks, using artificial tears, and generally trying to reduce your smartphone usage — a tough challenge, we know). The eyewear acts as a filter for the blue light that computer and phone screens emit, which is brighter than other types of light. And when you help ease that strain during your workday, your eyes are much better primed to enjoy the crisp colors on your 4K TV at night.
Blue light glasses come in plenty of shapes and colors and price points, so finding a style you like is as easy as choosing a budget. Most cost between $15-$80, far less than a pair of prescription glasses. If you’re thinking of investing in a new pair, we put together a list of the best blue light blocking glasses for all budgets. From retro to round frames, aviators, and more designs, you’re sure to find a suitable pair below. And if you’re looking to upgrade your home office experience, don’t forget to check out our guide of work-from-home essentials, along with best office chairs, and standing desks.
DIFF Eyewear Bella Blue Light Summer Glasses
DIFF Eyewear’s “Summer” glasses are a favorite among customers. The round, hand-cut frames are designed with premium scratch-resistant polymer that filter the blue light from your computer and other devices. The glasses are available in several different colors and they’re currently buy one get one free.
MEETSUN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
You can’t do much better than this two-pack of blue light glasses in two different colors — black wire frame and leopard tortoiseshell. The 53mm lenses block the harsh blue light from your computer, tablet, smartphone, games, television, etc., which means you don’t have to worry about eye fatigue, blurred vision and headache.
SOJOS Cat Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Prefer metal frames? These reinforced gold ones have soft silicone nose pads and durable spring hinges, and are both lightweight and durable. They’ll adjust to different head shapes thanks to the adjustable temples and nose guards, and are 52mm wide. They come with a microfiber pouch, cleaning cloth, and a blue light test electric torch and test card.
CNLO Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Felix Gray Faraday Blue Light Glasses
Perfect for larger faces, these classic wide, square frames have soft edges for a chic look. They come in three different color options (clear, tortoise, or black) and are named after electromagnetism scientist Michael Faraday.
Quay Australia Hardwire Blue Light Readers
These stylish square frames from Australian company Quay come in a bunch of different colors, as well as a mini version for those with smaller faces. It’s the company’s bestselling blue light style, and can be customized with your prescription by an optometrist. (Not to get too HairClub for Men, but they also happen to be the preferred blue light glasses for the author of this story — “not only am I the president, I’m also a client!”)
Felix Gray Hamilton Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The classic, circular shape of these German-engineered metal frames make them a slightly different option than the many plastic frames available. They come in silver and gold, have adjustable nose pads, and can be customized with your Rx.
Warby Parker Percey Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The rounded plastic frames of the Percey come in nine different colors, from tortoise to rose crystal. Like all Warby Parker glasses, your prescription can be added to the polycarbonate frames at no additional cost (though progressive lenses and other specialty options will cost more), and there’s a $50 charge for blue light lenses.
Amomoma Round Blue Light Blocking Glasses
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Warby Parker, Amomam Round Blue Light Blocking Glasses have exceptional use reviews. These rounded frames combine both plastic and metal and come in six different color options that can all be customized with your prescription.
LifeArt Blue Light Blocking Glasses
This pink floral pair has fun art teacher vibes, though there are 10 more slightly safer color choices. You can also add magnification to make these blue light-blocking readers.
FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Peepers by PeeperSpecs Women’s Vintage Vibes Reading Glasses
These blue light readers start at 1x magnification and come in three different, funky color options. They also have an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare, an anti-scratch coating, and spring hinges.
SOJOS Aviator Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Feeling retro? Try the square black and gold aviator-style frames, which also come in different color combinations (but with sunglass lenses). The blue light-blocking version is made with reinforced metal hinges and fun cosmetic details.
AHXLL Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses 2 Pack
Worried about all the increased screen time for your kids as many of them continue schooling over Zoom? This two pack of glasses (black and a fun blue) is perfectly sized for children and is made of soft, bendable plastic so it helps prevent any accidents. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
