10 Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses in 2022 (Prospek, Swanwick, and More)
That's where blue light blocking glasses come in. Just slip on a pair of them two or three hours before bed, and sleep like a baby even if you’ve been watching play-throughs until midnight. But with all the different shapes and tints and brands, how do you know what works and what doesn’t? We've done all the heavy research for you and prepared a list of the 10 best, with Prospek taking first place.
Quick List - Top Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Spectra479
A Clip-On Option That Won’t Scratch Your Lenses
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
What Blue Light Glasses Can Do for You
Before we break out our buying guide and top 10 list, there are a few myths about blue light and blue light glasses we’d like to bust. You can’t really make an informed decision until you know what science has and hasn’t proved.
Do I Even Need Blue Light Glasses?
Actually, blue light is everywhere. The sun up above emits it. In fact, the sky is blue because of blue light. And the amount of blue light your smartphone gives off is only a fraction of what the sun gives off.
So, why do our eyes get tired after sitting in front of a computer all day? Well, it’s because you’ve been staring at a fixed spot for hours, barely blinking.
So don’t think that slipping on a pair of blue light glasses will magically make your eyes feel like new. Rather, the AAO suggests you follow the 20-20-20 rule: look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. However, this is not to say that blue light glasses don't have their uses.
Blue Light Glasses Help Insomniacs and the Light Sensitive
If fluorescent lighting at the mall or hours in front of a computer trigger migraines for you, you might have photophobia. That means that you’re more sensitive to it than most people. Blue light glasses dull the light. So many photophobics, after slipping on a pair, report that their headaches fade in a matter of days.
A second use for blue light glasses is to get better sleep. Staring at a phone right before bed is not exactly good for shut-eye. Blue light, emitted from the sun and our devices, actually suppresses the production of melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone. During the day, it’s a good thing; it keeps us bright-eyed and awake at our desks.
At night, exposure to blue light throws off our circadian rhythm. But, if you still need to use your phone before bed, then we suggest slipping on a pair of blue light glasses two hours before bed. It's been shown to improve sleep quality.
How to Choose Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Check on How Much Blue Light You Want to Block Out
You’ve probably seen two types of blue light blocking glasses on the market–ones that are clear and look pretty normal, and ones that are super orange and tinted. Both are necessary in their own different ways.
If You Can’t Get to Sleep after Surfing the Web, Get Orange Glasses
Orange-tinted glasses are actually the strongest types and block out an upwards of 90% of blue light. They’re also called computer glasses. Because they’re so effective, they’ll help you adjust your body clock by encouraging melatonin production. We recommend them if you’re often up late at night and can’t get to bed.
But, since they are heavily tinted, they distort the colors on your screen, so they’re not great for graphic designers and illustrators. They're also not the best for when you really want to see full HD color on your TV. And many people think the yellow-orange tint makes you look a bit silly.
Light Sensitive Folks or Those Who Like Crisp Colors Should Get Clear Glasses
Clear glasses aren’t completely free from tint, but usually, it's subtle enough that the colors on your screen look pretty much the same. It can come off a little amber though. So if color fidelity’s important to you–whether it’s because you’re a designer or you want your Technicolor films to look just right–then clear is the better choice.
You can also wear these around town without looking like your eyes are orange and without feeling like everything looks too dim. That’s why these are a godsend for the photophobic, who need a lot of protection from light. They usually only block 25 to 50% of blue light, but that’s enough to clear up most light-induced migraines and tension headaches.
See What the Frames Are Made Out Of
The materials used for frames all have a different look, feel, and purpose to them. Here are a few of the most common–see what appeals to you.
Plastic: Lighter, With More Color Options
Zyl (also known as cellulose acetate, or just acetate) is most commonly used for frames because it’s cheap and can take on almost any color imaginable. A lot of zyl frames are different colors on the inside and outside–and lighter colors on the inside look cool and aren’t as noticeable in your peripherals. But zyl gets brittle with age and is the heaviest of the plastics.
Nylon is lightweight and really difficult to break. That’s why it’s often used to make sports glasses.
TR90’s a relatively new kind of plastic that is heat-, stress-, and impact-resistant. Plus, it’s super lightweight. It’s a good alternative if acetate irritates you.
Metal: Classy and Malleable
Monel, on the other hand, is the most commonly used in metal frames. It’s a mixture of usually copper and nickel. It’s malleable and resists corrosion, but, of course, isn’t an option for anyone allergic to nickel.
Titanium is a great all-around option. It’s hypoallergenic, super strong, and half as heavy as other metals. But it’s also the most expensive.
Beryllium and stainless steels are both cheaper alternatives to titanium. They’re strong and don’t tarnish easily.
Get Frames That Match the Shape of Your Face
If you’re getting these to wear an hour or two before bed, then you might not care about looking like a little outside the norm. But if you’re going to wear blue light glasses around town, or in front of your coworkers, then it’s worth getting frames that flatter your face.
Angular Glasses Suit Oval or Round Faces
In general, oval faces can wear any frames. That’s because they’re balanced–about twice as long as they are wide, with a chin that’s only a bit smaller than the forehead. But they look extra good in angular glasses that suit round faces.
Round faces have full cheeks and no angles. That’s why rectangular and sharp frames (such as your classic cat eye) look so good–they sharpen you up and accent the cheekbones.
Round Glasses Will Soften Up Square Faces
A square face is defined as if your forehead is broad, your jawline strong, and your chin square. Again, the general rule with frames is contrast. Round and oval frames will add some flowing curves to your face, making you softer and irresistible.
Go for Something Thin or Bottom-Heavy if You Have a Heart Face
Look for Extra Features Such as UV Protection
If you’re photophobic, chances are that UV rays also irritate your eyes. If you’re going to be out and about, look for blue light glasses that also include UV light in their spectrum.
Most of us, however, are going to be using these glasses in front of a computer or smartphone. So get something that’ll cut down on glare. It’ll make the screen clearer and your eyes sting less. They can even make headlights from cars a bit less blinding; just make sure they’ve been approved for use behind the wheel.
10 Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Prospek Blue Light Blocking Glasses | | Fashionable for the Light Sensitive to Wear Around All Day | |
2 | Spectra479 Clip-on Blue Blocking Amber Lenses for Sleep | | A Clip-On Option That Won’t Scratch Your Lenses | |
3 | TIJN Round Rim Frame Blue Light Blocking Glasses | | Vintage, Round Glasses Perfect for Smaller Faces | |
4 | Swanwick Fitover Blue Light Blocking Glasses | | Helps You Fall into a Deep Slumber | |
5 | Swanwick Sleep Blue Light Blocking Glasses｜Large | | Available in Numerous Sizes and Puts You Right to Sleep | |
6 | Prospek Blue Light Blocking Glasses｜Artist | | Versatile Tortoiseshell Frames That Help With Watering Eyes | |
7 | AHXLL Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses | | Protect Your Little Ones' Eyesight | |
8 | Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Aviator Glasses｜Clear Lens Gold | | A Pair of Stylish Aviators to Flatter Almost Any Face | |
9 | J+S Blue Light Shield Computer Reading/Gaming Glasses | | Personalize the Design and Reduce Headaches | |
10 | Uvex Ultra-Spec 2000 Blue Light Blocking Eyewear｜S0360X | | Protects Even Your Peripherals From Blue Light |
Fashionable for the Light Sensitive to Wear Around All Day
They only cut out 50% of blue light, but they’re clear, so you can wear them to the mall, watch a movie, or do some graphic design with them on. It has a light, rectangular frame that, in particular, makes round and oval faces look dashingly intellectual. You can purchase them in black and red or grey.
They do give out a minimal yellow tint to everything, but reviewers say that they are well made, look great, and work well to lessen the strain on the eyes and they even help with migraines.
A Clip-On Option That Won’t Scratch Your Lenses
They are heavily tinted, which means when you look away from the screen, you might have a difficult time seeing. And they don’t flip up, so you need to remember to remove them every time.
But the clip is spring-loaded, so it opens up when you’re removing and attaching the lenses, keeping it away from your glasses so you don’t end up scratching anything. Though they are strongly orange in color, reviewers say that they're easy to put on and take off of your glasses and are very effective, and have helped more than a few sleep better.
Vintage, Round Glasses Perfect for Smaller Faces
These stylish glasses come in a vintage, round, and clear-colored plastic frame. Not only are they tasteful and flatter the face, but they also offer blue light and UV protection. And they're anti-fatigue.
They're super lightweight and have spring hinges that allow the arms to bend more than 90 degrees if needed. There are nine different colors to choose from and four different packs of two if you need more than one pair.
Reviewers do say that they're comfortable to wear but have too much glare; your screen will reflect off your glasses. However, others say that these glasses are perfect for smaller faces and don't have a noticeable yellow tint. They also love the style of the glasses and say that they do feel less strain on their eyes when wearing these.
SwanwickFitover Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Helps You Fall into a Deep Slumber
Unless you have oversized or round frames, they’ll fit snugly over your glasses. These are FDA-approved and work. Put them on two hours before bed, watch a movie, and you’ll be drowsy by the time the credits are rolling. They’re also anti-glare, so your eyes aren’t dazzled from looking at your tablet all the time.
Reviewers say they fit perfectly over glasses and have helped a lot with sleeping issues.
Available in Numerous Sizes and Puts You Right to Sleep
The glasses are quite tinted, so you won't be able to see too many colors–blue is grey, and yellow highlights disappear. However, they will help you sleep better. Reviewers who were felt like they had a lot of trouble trying to fall asleep were able to with the help of these glasses.
Versatile Tortoiseshell Frames That Help With Watering Eyes
There is a yellow tint, but nothing your eyes can’t adjust to. And they reduce glare. According to reviews, the lenses do scratch and smudge, though, so treat them gently. However, they’ve stopped eyes from watering after long hours in front of the screen and cleared up tension headaches.
Protect Your Little Ones' Eyesight
Nowadays, a lot more technology is being used in the classroom, and kids are constantly playing with smartphones. Even if the child is very young, you can't help but want to protect their eyes from the strain of looking at a screen for too long. This pack of two glasses is perfect for younger kids, ages three to nine.
On top of being blue light blocking, they're bendable to fit a variety of faces and they have a comfortable, silicon nose pad. The manufacturer also includes a 12-month warranty, so if you experience any issues with it, you can contact them easily.
It's better to check the sizing before purchasing, as some reviewers had children who had outgrown these glasses before they bought them. One recommends the glasses for toddlers younger than eight. Those who could fit the glasses like the quality of them and that they really work, It even comes with an LED light for you to test that they work.
CyxusBlue Light Blocking Aviator Glasses ｜ Clear Lens Gold
A Pair of Stylish Aviators to Flatter Almost Any Face
Some reviewers do think the frames are flimsy, but, at this price point, they’re easy enough to replace. And fashion aside, they do work well. Other reviewers say that if you get tension headaches from sitting in front of a screen all day, this will reduce them. They’re metal and suitably classy, but not heavy at all.
J+SBlue Light Shield Computer Reading/Gaming Glasses
Personalize the Design and Reduce Headaches
They’re pretty, but they do work. Though they are a bit tight on bigger heads, reviewers say that they ease up tension headaches and make fluorescent lighting far less dazzling. Plus, the color’s only slightly distorted. And they’re so light, you can barely feel them on your face.
UvexUltra-Spec 2000 Blue Light Blocking Eyewear ｜ S0360X
Protects Even Your Peripherals From Blue Light
Reviewers also say that the nose pads are hard and like to slide down your face. Some suggest offsetting this by adding makeshift cushioning. The lenses can also scratch.
Also, it’s so strong, it does discolor things–blue looks grey, and yellow and white are indistinguishable. But they do work. They’re light, and if you wear them an hour before bed, you can fall asleep within 15 minutes, according to reviews.
Make Your Working Space More Comfortable
Now that you've chosen your glasses, you're probably looking for more ways to revamp your workspace. And, of course, computers are necessary to perform any sort of work these days. Why now get the most comfortable mouse and a mousepad to take that strain off your wrists?
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.