Nowadays, people spend much of their time in front of screens, whether it’s an iPad, smartphone, or laptop. Screen time—and the blue light that’s emitted from those screens—impacts the body, including the eyes. Take a look outside to get a glimpse of the largest source of blue light: the sky. Natural blue light plays a role in the timing of the sleep/wake cycle, eating habits, and other cyclical body functions. However, too much blue light can alter the sleep cycle and contribute to eyestrain. The best blue light glasses filter out the blue light emitted by electronic screens, keeping sleep cycles on time and preventing eyes from getting fatigued.
- BEST OVERALL: TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Women and Men
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Feirdio Blue Light Blocking Glasses 2pack
- UPGRADE PICK: Felix Gray–Nash Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
- BEST MULTIPACK: LNEKEI Blue Light Blocking Glasses – 3Pack
- BEST ROUND: FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses Women/Men (2Pack)
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: SOJOS Cat Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- BEST WITH MAGNIFICATION: Gamma Ray Blue Light Blocking Glasses Amber Tint
- BEST FOR GAMING: J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Computer Gaming Glasses
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Blue Light Glasses
From the frame style to the size and material, there’s a lot to consider when buying a new pair of glasses. While some people prefer lightweight plastic, others need the adjustability of a metal frame. There’s also the lens shape and arm length to think about. All these considerations and more contribute to finding the best blue light glasses. Read on to learn more!
Size
Blue light glasses are made in the same general sizes as prescription eyeglasses. Face sizes aren’t necessarily gender-specific. Women usually have smaller heads and faces, so their glasses frames tend to be smaller. However, head and face size can be deceiving. Many women fit men’s sizes, and men fit women’s sizes—making unisex blue light glasses a popular option. As long as the glasses fit well and the style works for the person, men/women/unisex labels don’t really matter.
Some blue light glasses include standard prescription eyeglass measurements such as the temple length, nose bridge length, lens width, lens height, and total frame width. Frames that include measurements typically offer a better fit because the wearer can either compare or take measurements beforehand to determine fit before buying.
Frames are typically divided into categories such as narrow, medium, and wide. Manufacturers use different measures to classify their products. Some use the total frame width, while others use the width of one lens plus the bridge width to determine the category. General categories include:
- Narrow: Total frame width under 128mm or under 67mm for lens-plus-bridge width
- Medium: Total frame width between 129mm to 135mm or 68mm to 71mm lens-plus-bridge width
- Wide: Total frame width over 136mm or over 72mm lens-plus-bridge width
These are very general, broad categories. Women’s lenses fall on the narrow end and men’s on the wider. However, it’s more about fit than size. The pupils should be at about the center of each lens, and the arms (the pieces that fit around the ears) should prevent the glasses from slipping down the nose.
Measurements can be taken from an existing pair of frames or new measurements can be taken at home. Note that eyeglass measurements are usually done in millimeters.
- Arm length: To find the arm length, measure from the main frame to the end of the arm.
- Lens width: To find the lens width, measure the width of one lens from the inside of the frame.
- (Nose) bridge width: The bridge is determined by the distance between the two lenses.
- Lens height: The lens height is determined by the measurement from the top to the bottom of the lens. (Tall lenses may run into the cheeks of those with high cheekbones or low nose bridges, lifting off the nose every time the person smiles.)
Material
Metal frames offer durability and strength. Those who put their glasses through the wringer by dropping or sitting on them may want to consider metal frames (or cheap plastic ones). Metal frame types include:
- Titanium is an incredibly strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant metal. It’s naturally hypoallergenic for those who are allergic to metals.
- Monel contains a mix of metals to create a lightweight, durable frame. However, monel may contain nickel, a common skin allergen. Most monel frames have a protective coating to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction.
- Beryllium has many of the same properties as titanium but it’s more affordable. Beryllium is a flexible metal, so it adjusts well to each face shape.
- Stainless steel is durable and strong. It resists corrosion but isn’t as lightweight as titanium or beryllium.
- Aluminum is a lightweight metal that’s only found in top-of-the-line frames. Aluminum is known for its flexibility and durability.
Plastic frames offer a good bang for the buck because they’re inexpensive and come in numerous style choices. Different types of plastic frames include:
- Acetate: Several different types of acetates are used to make blue light frames. They’re affordable and come in many styles, like cat-eye and retro, and pretty much any color of the rainbow.
- Nylon: Nylon-based plastics are hypoallergenic, but they’re a little softer than acetate or epoxy resin frames.
- Epoxy resin: Epoxy resin frames become bendable when heated, allowing for adjustability and a better fit.
When it comes to blue light glasses, there are two lens material choices—plastic or glass. Unlike plastic, glass is, for the most part, scratch resistant. On the downside, glass is heavier and more expensive. Plastic lenses are an easy, affordable option. Care must be taken not to lay them lens-down so as not to scratch them. Careful cleaning is important, too. Plastic lenses require the use of a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean the plastic without scratching it.
Comfort
- Fit: A good fit will determine comfort more than anything else. Frame arms that tuck around the ears without too much pressure, a bridge that fits the wearer’s nose, and a lens width appropriate for the face make all the difference. Use existing glasses to get an idea of measurements, take measurements yourself, or use a virtual fit program to determine the correct frame size for the best fit.
- Weight: Heavy glass can contribute to headaches and facial pain or pressure. Titanium, beryllium, and plastic frames with plastic lenses are some of the lightest choices.
- Material: Some people prefer plastic because it’s lightweight and there’s even weight dispersion across the nose, whereas others prefer metal frames with nose pads because they don’t slide down the nose and offer more adjustment options.
Style
Lens shape, size, and frame material determine the frame’s overall style. Retro frames usually feature round or rectangular lenses, while thick, black plastic frames offer a modern take on classic styling. Some people prefer something that’s a little flamboyant, like a ’30s-inspired cat-eye frame or bright, bold colors and patterns that call attention to the eyes and face. Clear, color fade, and ombre frames are all options, too.
Performance
Manufacturers typically list the percentage of the blue light that the glasses block. Look for pairs that block at least 90 percent of blue light. If the blue light percentage isn’t indicated, the color of the lens can be telling. Clear frames usually block 15 to 25 percent of blue light; yellow-orange frames block 90 to 100 percent of blue light. While glasses that block less than 90 percent can help eyestrain and light exposure, they’re not nearly as effective.
The blocking percentage also matters for the time of day. The human body uses blue light from the sun to time the sleep-wake cycle. Excessive blue light exposure, especially at night, suppresses sleep hormones like melatonin. Consequently, blue light glasses with darker lenses worn at night can help keep the sleep cycle on target. During the day, lighter lenses that don’t block as much light can support a healthy sleep-wake cycle, allowing the wearer to see a computer screen better.
Additional Features
Some blue light glasses include additional features, such as the ability to reduce headaches or specifically target eyestrain due to glare. Blue light glasses can also help with other maintenance, visual, or sight issues. For example, some glasses feature scratch-resistant coatings or magnification lenses that help with reading. Others have glare reduction or UV protection for outside use or driving. Look for glasses that address your specific issues to maintain comfort and health.
Our Top Picks
The blue light glasses on the list of top picks include frames made of different materials in designs for both men and women, with several unisex frames. These frames rose to the top in performance and comfort, from multipacks for a better bang for the buck to magnification glasses for reading and other daily tasks.
Photo: amazon.com
TIJN’s Blue Light Blocking Glasses are a unisex frame that comes in 15 colors and can be bought as a single pair, two-pack, or four-pack. They block 100 percent of blue light. The lightweight frames have a square lens and come in a variety of colors that let the wearer’s personality show.
A combined lens and bridge width of 71mm creates a medium-size frame. The scratch-resistant plastic lenses have a slight yellow tint. However, the tint doesn’t drastically distort colors.
Photo: amazon.com
The Feirdio Blue Light Blocking Glasses come in a two-pack and 11 color options. They’re a one-size-fits-all solution with a total frame width of 137mm, which works better for larger faces. They’re designed for men or women who like tall, square lenses.
These lightweight plastic frames feature polarized lenses. Polarized lenses block sunlight, 62 percent in this case, as well as reduce the glare from objects that reflect light, like glass, water, or snow. While the 62 percent light filtering isn’t the 90 percent that’s recommended, for those with minimal eyestrain, it can provide enough filtering. When combined with glare reduction, it can significantly reduce eyestrain.
Photo: amazon.com
The Felix Gray Nash Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses feature premium Italian-made acetate with three barrel hinges for greater durability. A keyhole nose bridge with a slightly narrower fit keeps the glasses in place and comfortable for long days of wear.
The clear lenses block 90 percent of blue light while reducing 99 percent of glare from reflective objects. The filters are embedded in the lenses to extend their life. A combined 66mm lens and bridge width offers a fit that works for medium-size faces. Classic styling and two-color/pattern options won’t stand out in an office setting.
Photo: amazon.com
The LNEKEI Blue Light Blocking Glasses 3-Pack has 22 different assortments of blue light blocking glasses to choose from. Options include everything from three black pairs of glasses to three different colors and patterns. A lightweight frame with reinforced metal hinges offers durability and fade-free wearing.
These highly flexible glasses block 85 percent of blue light with a multilayer blue filter coating that doesn’t distort the lens color. The medium-size 134mm frames work well for both men and women.
Photo: amazon.com
The FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses 2-Pack creates a retro look that’s not as defined as square or rectangular frames. Get a distinct ’80s vibe from any of the eight colors. These glasses come in pairs, so make sure to check which colors come in the pack.
The lenses block 99 percent of the blue light and 93 percent of harmful UV rays. The 138mm total width works well for larger faces. However, a relatively narrow bridge keeps the glasses in place. Made of durable plastic, these frames bend and flex without breaking.
Photo: amazon.com
The SOJOS Cat Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses combine lightweight metal with soft silicone nose pads to disperse frame weight. Spring-loaded hinges prevent the arms from putting pressure on the head or ears for maximum comfort. Adjustable temples expand to accommodate different face sizes and shapes.
The combined lens and bridge width of 74mm puts them in the medium-size category, fitting both men and women. The SOJOS glasses block both blue light (25 percent) and UV light, reducing glare and offering extra protection. A blue light testing kit comes with the glasses so users can see how much blue light they block upon arrival. The lenses can also be removed from the frame and replaced with prescription lenses.
Photo: amazon.com
The Gamma Ray Optics Blue Light Blocking Glasses have a classic black, hypoallergenic nylon frame with amber-tinted lenses. Choose from magnification options that range from zero to 3.50+ for use as reading glasses. Depending on the wavelength of the light, they block up to 95 percent of blue light.
The lenses have anti-reflective and UV coatings that further reduce eyestrain. The 139mm frames are on the large side, making them more suitable for larger faces. They’re an ultra-lightweight frame that offers comfort for all-day use.
Photo: amazon.com
The J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Computer Gaming Glasses give gamers style and lens options. These glasses come in three shapes, several colors, and a few different lens types. Gamers can opt for low color distortion options to maintain the game’s feel and intensity or heavy-duty yellow lenses for prolonged use. Each pair, no matter the style or lens, blocks 90 percent of blue light.
They strike a balance between optimal viewing and eyestrain reduction, so gamers stay comfortable and focused on the game. Spring-loaded hinges help the frames fit a wide range of faces without putting too much pressure on the temples. An overall width of 136mm offers sizing that’s right on the border of medium and large to fit a wide range of faces.
FAQs About Blue Light Glasses
Eyestrain and headaches from heavy computer use, gaming, or research can be reduced with the right blue light glasses. However, you may have some lingering questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions.
Q. Who should wear blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses can help people suffering from eyestrain-related headaches, eye dryness, and sleep disturbances. Anyone who works with or otherwise uses a computer for several hours a day may benefit from blue light filtering.
Q. When do you use blue light glasses?
Wear blue light glasses during the day when sitting at a computer desk using a laptop or another blue light-emitting device. At night, wear them when watching television or using a laptop to prevent the blue light from suppressing sleep hormones.
Q. Is it OK to wear blue light glasses all day?
Blue light glasses can be worn all day without any adverse effects. They’re simply blocking light, so they won’t hurt your eyes or get in the way of daily activities. Combined with an ergonomic keyboard and adjustable chair, the blue light glasses reduce general body strain during the workday.
Q. Can my blue light glasses wear out?
The lenses of blue light glasses have a coating that filters out blue light. The coating can wear out over time or get damaged by exposure to common chemicals like those found in sunscreens.
