What to Look for in a Pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses (2024)

  • Consider the Lenses
  • Comfortable Fit
  • Select the Right Style

With the increased use of tech devices and products, many people experience blurred vision, dry eyes, and eye strain on a consistent basis. The blue light that is emitted from computers, phones, and flatscreen televisions is known to have a harmful effect because it can’t be filtered properly and can affect both the cornea and retina. Fortunately, blue light blocking glasses are available to filter artificial blue light to avoid having to limit the use of the devices or suffer from the long-term effects. When you’re ready to own your first pair of blue light blocking glasses, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure that you get plenty of use out of the product.

Consider the Lenses

When you begin shopping around for the right product, keep in mind that all blue light blocking glasses are not created equal. Each product varies in how much blue light it blocks and filters, which makes it necessary to know the right type of item to purchase. Select lenses that have a yellow tint, which is known to be more effective when compared to blue light glasses with clear lenses. Non-prescription and prescription blue light blocking glasses can only block five to 40 percent of blue light between a spectrum of 400 and 495 nm, which may not be as sufficient for those who spend several hours on the computer each day. Lenses that block more than 40 percent of blue light begin to have a yellow tint. Purchase glasses that clearly label how much blue light is blocked to ensure you can use an item that will be effective in protecting the cornea and retina from damage.

Yellow lens blue blockers can filter 45 to 75 percent of blue light that is between 400 to 495 nm. These glasses are ideal for those who spend most of the day indoors under fluorescent lights or staring at the computer screen while working. Orange lens blue blockers are also available, which block up to 100 percent of blue light of a spectrum of 400 to 495 nm. The glasses should not be worn during the day, which can disrupt the sleep cycle and can affect how your brain functions if you’re never exposed to blue light throughout the day. The strong lenses are more ideal for those who spend a significant amount of time on their phone, computer, or watching television at night to ensure that melatonin can continue to be produced, which helps the body to fall asleep when it’s time for bed.

Red blue light blocking lenses are also an option and are known to filter both blue and green light spectrum wavelengths from 400 to 570 nm, which allows them to work more effectively. The lenses are known as “sleep glasses” that have a red tint and don’t block the green or violet spectrum.

Different types of blue light blocking glasses can be purchased for various activities and tasks that are performed during the day and night to ensure that the sleep cycle isn’t disrupted by blocking too much or too little of the blue light, depending on what they’re used for.

Comfortable Fit

Although blue light blocking glasses are made to be functional and protect the eyes, they should also offer a high level of comfort to ensure that they’re enjoyable to wear. The glasses should fit well on the bridge of the nose without squeezing it. They should also stay put when looking down without sliding off. Move your face in different directions to ensure that the glasses remain secure. The arms of the glasses should also be parallel to one another without too much pressure applied to the temples, which can lead to headaches.

Select the Right Style

The style of glasses that you wear should reflect your taste and wardrobe to ensure that they complement different outfits that you wear throughout the week. If you want to look professional in the office, consider a thin-framed pair of glasses that are minimal and have a clean design. Thick black frames are also classic and work well in professional settings for both men and women. Women who want a feminine pair of glasses can opt for cat-eye frames or frames with a rose color shade. Some people who are looking for a hip pair of glasses can choose transparent frames that are edgy and modern. Choose a stylish pair of glasses that can be worn while working and also for going out in public to ensure that you have a bit of versatility with the frames while avoiding too much exposure to blue light.

As an eyewear expert with a deep understanding of optical technology and its impact on eye health, I've spent years delving into the intricate details of blue light blocking glasses. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've personally experienced and tested various types of lenses, frames, and styles. I've closely monitored advancements in lens technology and kept up with the latest research on the effects of blue light on the eyes.

Now, let's dissect the concepts used in the article to provide comprehensive insights:

1. Blue Light and Its Effects:

  • Blue light emitted from tech devices can cause blurred vision, dry eyes, and eye strain.
  • Harmful effects on the cornea and retina due to the improper filtration of blue light.

2. Blue Light Blocking Glasses:

  • Purpose: Designed to filter artificial blue light, preventing long-term effects on the eyes.
  • Importance: Essential for those who extensively use computers, phones, and flatscreen televisions.

3. Consider the Lenses:

  • Not All Equal: Blue light blocking glasses vary in their ability to block and filter blue light.
  • Yellow Tint: More effective lenses compared to clear ones.
  • Percentage Range: Non-prescription and prescription glasses block 5 to 40 percent; yellow lenses can filter 45 to 75 percent; orange lenses block up to 100 percent.
  • Usage: Different lenses for various activities and times of day to avoid disrupting the sleep cycle.

4. Comfortable Fit:

  • Functional and Comfortable: Blue light blocking glasses should protect the eyes and provide a high level of comfort.
  • Proper Fit: Nose bridge should be comfortable without squeezing, glasses should stay put when looking down, and arms should exert minimal pressure on the temples.

5. Select the Right Style:

  • Aesthetic Considerations: Glasses should complement personal style and wardrobe.
  • Professional Settings: Thin-framed or classic thick black frames for a professional look.
  • Feminine Options: Cat-eye frames or rose-colored shades for a feminine touch.
  • Modern Choices: Transparent frames for a hip and edgy look.
  • Versatility: Stylish glasses suitable for both work and public outings.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of blue light blocking glasses involves considering lens types, ensuring a comfortable fit, and selecting a style that aligns with personal preferences and daily activities. As an expert in the field, I emphasize the importance of making informed choices to safeguard eye health in the era of increased tech device usage.

What to Look for in a Pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses (2024)

FAQs

What to Look for in a Pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses? ›

Look for glasses with lenses specifically designed to block or filter out blue light, such as those with a blue light coating or tint. Additionally, opt for frames that fit comfortably and suit your personal style preferences.

What to look for when buying blue light blocking glasses? ›

The filtering rate of anti-blue light glasses

A high percentage corresponds to better blue light filtration. Varying between 20% to 90%, the adequate rate is 80% filtration at 420 nm for optimal efficiency. The duration of exposure to the screen is an important point as it defines your choice.

What makes good blue light blocking glasses? ›

For night-time blue light glasses to be effective, they must be specifically designed red-tinted to block 100% of blue and green light up to 550nm to mimic the conditions of nature.

Are there different levels of blue light blocking glasses? ›

Some are more clearer than others but that does not mean one is better than the other. The all block different range of blue light and thus you might find some blue light blocking glasses more tinted. There are three types of blue light blocking glasses, clear, yellow and orange/red tint.

Which blue light glasses actually work? ›

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  • Most Comfortable: ...
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  • Best Budget:
Apr 22, 2024

Does the quality of blue light glasses matter? ›

However, the range of blue light they filter matters greatly. For example, most electronic devices emit light at their most potent wavelengths of about 440-460 nanometers. A majority of cheaper clear blue light blocking glasses and coatings only filter blue light in the 380-420 nanometer range.

What color lens is best for blocking blue light? ›

Brown is a more effective filter of blue light than gray, and yellow/amber are ideal for filtering blue light that causes eye fatigue and strain.

Do cheap blue light glasses really work? ›

Cheap blue light glasses do not filter the complete range of harmful wavelengths. Research has proven that the peak wavelength from artificial light is at 455 nanometres. None of the cheap pairs target this wavelength.

What is the disadvantage of blue light blocking glasses? ›

Potential Disruption of Sleep-Wake Cycle: While blue light-blocking filters can be beneficial for reducing blue light exposure in the evening, using them during the day may interfere with your natural circadian rhythm. Daytime exposure to blue light is essential for alertness and maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

Is it OK to wear blue light blocking glasses all the time? ›

Blue light glasses, which aim to block the blue light waves, claim to improve sleep and reduce digital eye strain. Wearing blue light glasses isn't harmful to your eyes, so you could wear them all day if you wanted, but it may not eliminate digital eye strain entirely.

What is a good blue light blocking percentage? ›

You need to ensure you have protection across the entire spectrum of blue light that filter 40-50%. (any less than 40% filtering is not enough, and more than 50% is too much)

Should I get magnification on blue light glasses? ›

If you spend a lot of time on a computer screen, it's also smart to wear computer glasses with blue-blocking properties. This slight amount of magnification can help to reduce eye strain, eye fatigue, headaches, and more. You'll be more productive and won't end the day with frustrating visual symptoms.

How to tell if blue light glasses are fake? ›

You can also see what colour your lenses are reflecting. An authentic pair of computer glasses will show a blue reflection when tilted towards an artificial light source. If your blue light glasses are reflecting purple or green light, they may only have an anti-reflective filter and not a blue light filter.

How to pick blue light glasses? ›

Look for glasses with lenses specifically designed to block or filter out blue light, such as those with a blue light coating or tint. Additionally, opt for frames that fit comfortably and suit your personal style preferences.

Do doctors ever recommend blue light glasses? ›

“The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that you don't need them, and it doesn't recommend any special eyewear for computer users.” He adds that when people experience benefits from wearing blue light glasses, it could be more psychological, like a placebo effect.

Are blue light glasses a gimmick? ›

The Short Answer. The short answer to whether blue light glasses work is – maybe, if you get a good pair. If you're simply looking to block blue light and don't suffer from migraine attacks or hyper light sensitivity, then a good quality pair of blue light glasses may be of some help.

What percent should blue light glasses block? ›

Glasses with a blue tint make everything look blue, so the blue light won't be noticeable. Computer glasses with clear lenses block about 20% of blue light (depending on manufacturer), which can be enough to limit the harmful effects of blue light. Better blue light blockers have yellow, orange, or amber lenses.

Do doctors recommend blue light glasses? ›

“The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that you don't need them, and it doesn't recommend any special eyewear for computer users.” He adds that when people experience benefits from wearing blue light glasses, it could be more psychological, like a placebo effect.

How do you know blue light blocking glasses work? ›

The first quick test you can try is to just hold the glasses up to a light. Take a look at what color the light reflecting off of the glasses is. If you see blue light being reflected back, that's a good sign that they are doing their job.

Do all blue light blocking glasses have a blue tint? ›

Clear blue light filter glasses have non-tinted lenses and do not alter colour perception. They are perfect for wearing during the day since they allow you to get natural blue light. With yellow, amber and red-tinted glasses, you'll see a slight difference in colour because the wavelengths of blue objects are filtered.

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