The 8 Best Blue Light Glasses Of 2022 To Help Offset All That Screen Time Before Bed
Screens are everywhere: the TVs on our walls, the laptops on our desks, and the cellphones in our pockets. Studies suggest that the average adult spends about 8.5 hours each day looking at a screen. If you don't have the best blue light glasses (or any, for that matter), you're likely racking up hours of close-up artificial blue light exposure. And, even if you're not looking at a screen, you're spending time indoors under fluorescent lights, which also emit a fair amount of blue light. (Of course, most blue light exposure in your day comes from the sun; it actually takes 15 hours staring at a screen to equate to one hour of sunlight.)
When you're exposed to artificial blue light throughout the day, it can trick your internal clock into thinking it's time for activity at night, not rest—which is part of why experts believe blue light can negatively affect your sleep quality. Blue light glasses aim to mitigate these effects by filtering out a percentage of the potentially harmful light. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is the best pair for you. Read on for our picks, along with expert tips on how to choose.
The best blue light glasses:
The best blue light glasses:
Do blue-light-blocking glasses work?
When you're up late watching the latest binge-worthy show or scrolling through social media with your phone an inch from your nose (we've all been there!), you're exposing your eyes to blue light right before bed. As we've learned, doing this can make it more difficult to catch high-quality Zs.
Though there's no true consensus on their ultimate effectiveness, blue light glasses aim to filter out or block some of the light from reaching your eyes. For the best results, it's important to wear the glasses in the hours just before1 your head hits the pillow. Todd Handel, an optician at East Coast Optometry, says the evidence connecting blue light exposure to eye strain is murky, but that the sleep connection is not. Exposing your eyes to blue light right before bed suppresses melatonin, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
"Some studies suggest that devices like monitors and cellphones have a blue light wavelength that affects vision in two ways: The first is that it's harmful to your eyes and can cause possible long-term damage," he explains. "The second, and more important, effect is that blue light can affect circadian rhythms and negatively impact your sleep patterns."
How we picked:
Blue light filter
We focused on glasses that filter out a sufficient amount of blue light and will therefore have the strongest impact on your sleep and eye health.
Price
Everyone's budget is different, so we included a range of prices.
Customization
We paid attention to customization capabilities because people who wear prescription glasses should be able to benefit from these, too.
Aesthetic
Blue light glasses are only effective if you actually use them, so we looked for options you'll want to wear.
Our picks for the best blue light glasses of 2023:
Pros:
- Filters 75% of blue light
- Multiple styles available
Cons:
- Distorts colors
- Some say they are clunky
Blue light filter:
75%Prescription options:
Designed to be worn over prescription glassesLense color:
YellowDesign choices:
One designDesigned for daytime, indoor use, these blue light glasses feature polarized, visibly yellow lenses that block 75% of blue light. The lenses are scratch-resistant and designed to filter out blue light (or, as the brand aptly calls it: "junk light") to help you achieve a better night's sleep. These glasses are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day—and they come with a case that's easy to toss in your bag if you're traveling or on the go.
Customers who spend 10 hours a day on the computer say these glasses make their eyes feel "instantly" better and "really do make a difference." Some note that they are a bit clunky, but the majority find them to be comfortable.
What our testers say:
"I'm using them to reduce excessive blue light exposure when working indoors on my laptop, with the goal of a) sleeping better and b) preserving my eyesight. They fit very well, and are comfortable on top of my regular glasses." - Doug K.
Pros:
- Filters 100% of blue light
- Designed specifically for better sleep
Cons:
- Only one style
Blue light filter:
100%Prescription options:
YesLense color:
RedDesign choices:
One designThese sporty, goggle-style glasses are intended to be worn indoors in the evening. The wrap-around design is meant to prevent light from leaking in, and the scratch-resistant red lenses are said to block 100% of blue, green, and violet light. For best results, the brand recommends wearing these glasses starting 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime.
While some reviewers lament that these glasses prevent them from differentiating colors, most people speak glowingly about the product's impact on their sleep. Our tester found they made a noticeable difference in their sleep quality, raving, "These are the most effective blue-light-blocking glasses I've tried, and they make it noticeably easier to fall asleep after spending the night on screens. The red lens color looks very silly and takes some getting used to, but it's well worth it for the circadian rhythm support."
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Pros:
- Stylish
- Users say they experience less headaches
- Can add prescription
Cons:
- Only filter 25% of blue light
Blue light filter:
25%Prescription options:
YesLense color:
ClearDesign choices:
Multiple frame designsThese rainbow statement glasses come with a carrying pouch and cleaning cloth and are the least expensive choice on this list. All SOJOS blue light glasses are made with anti-scratch and anti-glare lenses that filter out UV rays and offer 25% blue light protection. This is another clear frame option that won't disrupt your workday—and you can add your prescription.
Customers rave about not only the quality and aesthetic of these glasses, but also the brand's customer service. One writes, "While working from home, I noticed I was getting headaches quite often. But with these glasses, the way they sort of dim the lighting of my computer has helped overnight. Worth buying if you are working at a computer all day. And they look good."
Pros:
- Multiple styles available
- Clear lenses
- Can use prescription
Cons:
- Some say the quality does not match the price
Blue light filter:
30%Prescription options:
YesLense color:
ClearDesign choices:
Multiple frame designsMany of Felix Gray's frames can be adapted with blue-light-filtering lenses, including the trendy Nash style. The brand not only allows you to exchange the frames for no charge, but the glasses include a 30-day money-back guarantee and a yearlong manufacturer's warranty. The frames come in three color options, and the lenses have a double-sided anti-glare coating. If you're not a fan of tinted lenses, you'll be happy to see that these are completely clear—but the brand says they still filter out 15x more blue light than other clear lens models. Pro tip: Check your benefits, because these are FSA or HSA eligible.
Google customers appreciate that these glasses do not significantly distort colors in the way other models do. Some customers criticized the quality of the product, referring to the frames as "on the cheap side of the spectrum." However, others praised the glasses and said they quickly noticed a positive impact on their sleep: "The product does as it says. I wake up feeling much more refreshed since wearing them before bed," one reviewer says.
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Pros:
- Multiple lenses available
- Can add prescription
Cons:
- Not clear how much blue light they filter
Blue light filter:
N/APrescription options:
YesLense color:
ClearDesign choices:
Multiple frame designsEyeBuyDirect has dozens of frame styles to choose from, and the brand's frames are also extremely customizable, depending on what you are using them for. There are four blue-light-filtering lenses to choose from: EDBlue Plus (with advanced blue light filters for everyday protection), EDBlue 360 (with anti-glare coating for computer use), EDBlue Smart (with light-adjusting technology), and Sight Relax (to reduce digital eye strain while reading).
While the frames are $35, it will cost an additional $29 to add the SightRelax technology, and there will be added fees for a prescription. All purchases come with a 14-day return policy and a one-year replacement warranty.
EyeBuyDirect does not separate blue light reviews from frame reviews, but customers love the Potter glasses. With an average of 4.8 out of five stars on the company's website, there are sky-high marks for style and fit.
Pros:
- Filters 98% of blue light
- Reviewers note improved sleep
Cons:
- Not a daily-wear aesthetic
- Distorts colors
Blue light filter:
98%Prescription options:
NoDesigned to be worn over prescription glassesLense color:
YellowDesign choices:
One designThe Uvex sport glasses emphasize function over form. In other words, they're likely not something you'd wear around town or on your next Zoom meeting. That said, the brand claims the Spectrum Control Technology (SCT) in the orange lenses filters out a staggering 98% of harmful blue light. The wraparound design features anti-fog lenses, adjustable arms, and a moldable nose bridge to maximize comfort.
These blue light glasses have over 8,000 reviews on Amazon and still maintain a 4.2 out of 5-star rating overall. Customers praise the product for improving their sleep. "Did these glasses work for me?" one reviewer writes. "An emphatic yes, they did. Five nights (so far) of excellent sleep and well-rested mornings. And I am not a morning person!"
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Pros:
- Multiple styles available
- Filters 100% of blue light
Cons:
- Not many reviews yet
Blue light filter:
100%Prescription options:
YesLense color:
YellowRedClearDesign choices:
Multiple frame designsKids, unfortunately, are not immune to the impact of blue light—and these days, they likely aren't staying away from screens. These blue light glasses are made specifically for children 4 to 11 years old, and they filter out 400nm and 550nm, which the brand says is all blue light and "most" green light. The brand has a line of adult glasses too, and its kids' line uses the same technology. These are also a great option for adults with smaller heads. There are multiple colors and styles available, and you can find a size guide on the website to help pick out the best pair for you.
There is not a ton of feedback on the Bon Charge kids models yet, but all the reviews they do have are positive. One customer says, "Bought the Piper Sleep+ for my daughter and I wish I had done so sooner. She loves them! A game changer in her sleep quality!"
How to know if you need blue-light-blocking glasses.
Anyone who spends a significant amount of time looking at screens could benefit from giving blue light glasses a try—though people who suffer from extreme eye strain should consult their doctor to explore more personalized treatment methods. If you struggle to fall asleep or are prone to looking at devices right before bed, blue light glasses might be a great investment for you. However, it's worth noting that those who work on graphics during the day may want to skip blue light classes, as they can distort the colors on your screen.
FAQ
Are blue-light-blocking glasses safe?
Yes, blue-light-blocking glasses are safe. There is nothing to show that wearing these glasses could be harmful.
Are there glasses that block 100% of blue light?
Handel says most blue light glasses filter out between 20% and 80% of blue light, though some—especially those with visibly tinted lenses—may filter out more. Some on this list claim to filter out 98% to 100%.
Should you wear blue light glasses all day?
There's no harm in wearing blue light glasses all day, though you'll never be able to (or be interested in) fully blocking all blue light since it is emitted from the sun. Blue light glasses are most useful at night.
The takeaway.
There is strong evidence that people who wear blue-light-blocking glasses before bed have an easier time falling asleep. Keep in mind: If you're having trouble sleeping, there are a lot of factors that could be interfering and many things you can do to optimize your sleep environment. This list of the best blue light glasses gives you the chance to limit your exposure to harmful blue light rays and be on your way to a more restful, restorative sleep—or you can always try out a pair of blue-light-block contact lenses.