Blue light blocking glasses are becoming increasingly popular. So much so, you’ve probably seen them advertised, but the benefits may be lesser known than the product itself. So, we have some research to share about the perks. Read on for the need-to-know details, plus find out which are the five best blue light glasses you can buy, according to experts.
Constant exposure to blue light from phones and computers is very harmful, and researchers from Oregon State University say the damaging effects of daily, lifelong exposure to blue light worsen as a person ages. Why? Well, natural light is critical for a healthy circadian rhythm, which is important for a person’s eating and sleeping patterns. However, being constantly subjected to blue light disrupts sleep and causes circadian disorders.
New research also suggests smartphones and tablets are causing early puberty in children. Researchers say the devices emit blue light which reduces melatonin, a hormone that slows sexual maturity. The scientists add that kids should not use digital devices before bed because humans secrete the chemical at night, in response to darkness. The study reports that blue light-emitting devices also fuel reproductive hormones and trigger physical changes in ovaries, possibly even triggering infertility.
Although blue light is bad for humans, it seems to be great for growing mangos. A study by researchers at China’s Zhejiang University finds that exposing mangoes to blue light for several days can turn them redder and riper. So, for now, no blue light blocking glasses are needed for your mangoes! Your eyes aren’t so fruit-like, however. That being said, it’s a good idea to shield your eyes with the best of the best blue light glasses that are recommended by experts.
The List: Best Blue Light Glasses, According To Experts
1. Eyebuydirect Blue Light Blocking Glasses
This is the top brand of choice for the Sleep Foundation, “Eyebuydirect (EBD) takes an unconventional approach. Customers can choose from more than 1,400 different frame styles, then select the type of blue light blocking technology they’d like for their eyewear. Prices vary, but most of the frames in EBD’s lineup are relatively affordable and suited to shoppers on a budget.”
Forbes describes all of your options: “Eyebuydirect offers four different blue light blocking lenses on all its frames. The first is EBDBlue Plus, which is scratch-resistant and protects against glare and UV light, in addition to blue light. The second is EBDBlue360, which has an additional premium anti-glare coating. The third is EBDBlue Smart, which is blue light blocking and transitional. And the fourth is SightRelax, which is designed to relieve eyestrain and enhance reading.”
“If you’re looking for variety and a huge range of styles, then Eyebuydirect is a great place to start. The EBDBlue 360 comes with the bonus of a premium anti-reflective coating that reduces reflections by 50 percent during the day and 30 percent at night,” Everyday Health writes.
2. Warby Parker
Good Housekeeping highly rates Warby Parker glasses: “Blue light-blocking lenses are accessible for all Warby Parker products, regardless if they use prescription lenses or not. Warby Parker’s frames were extremely easy to clean, given the frame’s body is made from durable polished plastic, and that the brand’s polycarbonate lenses are made with scratch-resistant coatings that stood up to daily wear and tear.”
“The company offers the lenses complete with a choice of frames. Alternatively, a person can add the lenses to any frame for $50. Warby Parker offers a home try-on service, meaning that a person can choose five frames and the company will ship them for free. People then have 5 days to see which pair they would like to purchase,” Medical News Today claims.
ZDNET suggests this brand, too: “With plenty of different styles and color options, you can get a functional pair of prescription glasses that also double at blocking the harmful blue light. Each pair of lenses are custom-cut and made and include impact-resistant lenses and scratch-resistant coating. In addition, they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and up to 34% of blue light from the frequency of LED screens.”
3. SOJOS Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The Sleep Doctor recommends checking out this stylish brand: “The company’s blue light blocking lenses are available in nonprescription or prescription varieties. A subtle tint keeps the lenses clear while blocking 25% of blue light between wavelengths of 380 and 450 nanometers. SOJOS offers free shipping for orders over $49. Returns and exchanges can be made within 30 days of purchase for nonprescription frames.”
The Sleep Doctor isn’t kidding when they say this brand is fashion forward! According to The New York Times, you can get a cat eye pair: “If you love round lenses and want something with a hint of flair, the SOJOS Cat Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses are for you. More durable than most other metal-framed pairs we tested, the SOJOS also have extra-thin arms that flex farther than those of most glasses we found, which makes them very comfortable and easy to wear.”
And you can also get a rainbow-colored frame! “These 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 blue light protection. Customers rave about not only the quality and aesthetic of these glasses, but also the brand’s customer service,” MBG Lifestyle writes.
4. Uvex Skyper Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
The Strategist says these are the same glasses used in research labs: “If you want to use the same blue-light-blocking glasses that researchers use in the lab, go for Uvex. They’re usually less than $10, and these have been used in studies. It’s shown that when you use these, the light doesn’t suppress your melatonin, so the glasses can improve sleep. They’re not as nice-looking as some of the other blue-light-filtering glasses out there, but the best time to use them is right before bed (and not at the office).”
And Men’s Health also recommends them, as do thousands of Amazon customers: “If there’s one reason to trust the Uvex Skyper, it’s that they’re the blue-light-blocking glasses found in many related sleep studies around the world. They provide high coverage and purportedly block out 98 percent of blue light. They’re among the best-reviewed blue-light-blocking glasses on Amazon with more than 6,000 positive, five-star buyer ratings.”
5. Benicci Stylish Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Travel + Leisure says these will feel perfectly at home on your face: “Of the 21 blue light glasses tested, Benicci Glasses felt the most natural and comfortable — our tester nearly forgot they were wearing glasses at all. That’s largely because, unlike other glasses, these don’t have a blue tint or film; they’re perfectly clear. It’s also due to the fact that they fit perfectly on the nose and just above the ears while not slipping at all due to its slightly textured feel.”
“If you’re looking for a pair of untinted, go-with-you-everywhere, no-adjustment-needed blue light glasses, the Benicci Blue Light Blocking Glasses are our pick thanks to how durable, comfortable, and effective we found them to be. In testing, these glasses scored high in fit, feel, and clarity, coming across as a lightweight, well-fitting, and well-made pair that could hang out on your work desk as easily as they can be tossed in a bag for travel,” Verywell Health raves.
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose the best pair, but we hope this list of the top five blue light glasses helps!
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Sources
- Sleep Foundation
- Forbes
- Everyday Health
- Good Housekeeping
- Medical News Today
- ZDNET
- The Sleep Doctor
- The New York Times
- MBG Lifestyle
- The Strategist
- Men’s Health
- Travel + Leisure
- Verywell Health
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
