When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.

In our modern world, people spend more time than ever in front of screens. In fact, nearly one-third of adults report being online almost constantly throughout the day. Despite its many advantages, this explosion in digital gadgets also comes with a price. Your computer screen, tablet, and smartphone all emit high-energy blue light similar to the sun. When you use these digital devices into the late hours of the evening, the blue light exposure can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

To combat the effects of screen time before bed, more and more companies are offering glasses with special lenses that can block blue light from reaching your eyes. These blue light blocking glasses offer a safe and drug-free way to make sure late-night screen time and artificial lighting don’t affect your sleep.

Blue light blocking glasses are a fairly new type of technology, and the industry lacks a clear set of regulations to guide shoppers. Whether you’re a gamer or just need to get some work done on your computer before bed, we’ll help you sift through the marketing claims to find the best pair of blue light blocking glasses for your needs.

In-Depth Reviews

Price

$47

The Ocushield Anti Blue Light Glasses are comfortable and lightweight yet highly effective at protecting your eyes. The lenses are designed to block up to 99% of UV rays and blue light emissions with wavelengths that fall between 300 and 400 nanometers (nm), as well as 40% of emissions in the range of 400 to 470 nm. This makes them well suited to late-night workers and other people who need to use electronic devices before bed.

Choose from two standard frame styles with three available colors apiece. You can also select a clip-on option to use with prescription lenses or sunglasses. All glasses are treated to resist glare, fog, and smudging, allowing for near-perfect clarity at all times. The unisex design is geared toward men and women.

With each purchase, U.K.-based Ocushield will donate one pound to the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s sight loss charity. Ground delivery is free for all orders of $63 or £45 and higher, though U.S. customers qualify for low flat-rate shipping if they don’t reach this pricing threshold. Each order includes a 100-night trial period, though please note prescription lenses are considered final sale and may not be returned for a refund.

Price

$32

EyeBuyDirect (EBD) takes an unconventional approach to blue light blocking glasses. 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 depending on their preferences and needs.

EBDBlue Plus technology includes advanced blue light blocking, UV protection, an anti-static layer to safeguard the glasses from dust, and a lens coating to reduce smudging. EBDPlus 360 builds on this by offering the same features as EBDBlue Plus as well as a special coating that minimizes reflections by as much as 50% during the day. The innovative EBBBlue Smart option enables the lenses to automatically adjust based on natural light and darkness levels. Lastly, SightRelax glasses have a slight magnification at the bottom of the lenses to improve vision and ease discomfort for gamers, E-readers, and other people with screen-centric lifestyles, as well as employees and students who spend most of their day using a computer.

In addition to in-house styles sold under the names EBD and RFLKT, you can also purchase frames from heritage brands such as Oakley and Ray-Ban. Prices vary, but most of the frames in EBD’s lineup are relatively affordable and suited to shoppers on a budget. Filtering options also allow you to browse frames with bifocal lenses or spring hinges, as well as those designed for people with wide or small faces and low nose bridges. When ordering online, customers must provide their optometrist’s most recent lens prescription.

EBD’s 365-day trial gives you plenty of time to decide whether or not the glasses you’ve chosen are right for you. If the glasses are defective, you’ll be entitled to a free replacement of your choosing. You may also replace your frames for any reason within 14 days of the delivery date. Shipping within the U.S. may be free depending on how much your frames cost, but the flat rates for customers who must pay for delivery are still quite reasonable.

Price

$95

Felix Gray offers a wide range of frames for blue light glasses. Each of the brand’s 17 adult-friendly styles are designated as narrow, medium, and/or wide, so you can make a selection based on what will fit most comfortably. Four of the frames are designed for “low bridge” noses that sit below the pupils. You can choose between clear or amber lenses depending on your personal preference, and most of the frames are available in at least two to three different colors.

The Nash, Roebling, and Faraday designs are also available in kid sizes for age ranges of 4 to 8 years or 9 to 13 years. The lenses for every Felix Gray style have been treated with a proprietary anti-glare coating intended to reduce blue light exposure by as much as 98%. You can arrange for the glasses to match your existing prescription. Most styles are also available as reading glasses.

Felix Gray frames are reasonably priced, though the cost of your order depends on whether you need prescription or non-prescription lenses. Some purchases may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement. Standard shipping is free of charge, but you can choose expedited delivery for a small additional fee.

Price

$29

When it comes to picking out new glasses, many shoppers prefer the experience of visiting a store and trying on frames in person as opposed to buying online without knowing how well they’ll fit. Peepers meets customers in the middle with a nifty “virtual try-on” feature on the product page of every available pair of glasses. All you need is a computer or phone with selfie-taking capabilities. Once a compatible image is uploaded, you can view how the frames will appear against your unique facial structure.

This try-on option is especially handy because Peepers offers more than 150 frame styles engineered for blocking blue light. Six shapes are available: round, rectangular, cat eye, square, soft square, and half-frame. You can also choose between readers if you have a prescription, or non-corrective lenses that exclusively filter blue light. A multi-layer reflective coating reduces glare on both lens surfaces, and anti-scratch coating protects the material from wear and tear.

Every pair of frames in the Peepers Blue Light Focus Eyewear collection carries an approachable sticker price. All U.S. orders qualify for reasonable flat-rate shipping, and your purchase includes a complimentary storage case. The sleep trial runs for 90 nights. During this time, you may return any non-closeout frames for a full refund or store credit, or exchange them for another pair.

Price

$74

GlassesUSA offers a vast array of eyeglasses, including an impressive lineup of blue light glasses designed to block blue light from your gadgets. The blue light models come in a variety of shapes, materials, and designs, from high-end designers to more affordable models.

The company offers over 300 blue light glasses from brands like Ray-Ban, Amelia E., Ottoto, and Muse. A user-friendly filter allows you to choose from nearly a dozen frame shapes, as well as frame materials such as acetate, metal, plastic, and stainless steel, and frame features like adjustable nose pads and spring hinges. You can also search by lens features such as Rx Single Vision or Rx Bifocal. The variety of options helps ensure that you’ll find the most comfortable glasses possible to suit your needs and face shape.

Shoppers can use the company’s “Try Online” feature, which allows you to upload an image of your face and place different glasses on your face to assess how the glasses will look. If you prefer not to upload your photo, you can also “try out” different blue light glasses on preloaded images of models that represent an array of face types.

GlassesUSA provides free shipping within the U.S. and Canada. Customers receive a 14-day trial to test out the glasses. Those who are dissatisfied may return the glasses for a full refund. The glasses are also backed by a one-year warranty.

Price

$145

Warby Parker is a brand best known for customizable eyeglasses. You can visit the company’s website and choose from a wide range of frame styles, then pinpoint a specific design based on your facial structure. Each pair of glasses can be further upgraded with blue light filtering, as well as an “anti-fatigue” option to minimize eye strain that can occur with prolonged screen exposure.

Dozens of frame designs are available for both men and women. For the latter, up to five sizes ranging from extra narrow to extra wide are available. Warby Parker’s site features a virtual aid that uses a camera to measure your facial features and determine which size fits best. All women’s frames start at the same base price, and blue light filtering and anti-fatigue add-ons are available with extra fees.

All lenses are composed of polycarbonate, and are both anti-reflective and scratch-resistant with 100% UV ray protection. You can choose from single-vision, progressive, and reader frames based on your prescription, or non-prescription if you want the UV protection but don’t need corrective lenses.

Vision tests are available online through Warby Parker, allowing you to renew an existing prescription without leaving the house — though only residents of certain states are eligible for this option. You can go this route if your vision hasn’t changed since your last eye doctor appointment, and you don’t have any current eye health concerns.

Warby Parker ships up to five pairs of glasses to each customer, allowing you to try each one at home for five days before making a decision. Prepaid shipping labels are included, allowing you to easily send back unwanted frames. As part of the “Buy One, Give One” program, the company donates frames to charity for every pair of glasses sold.

Price

$89

While blue light blocking glasses can improve your melatonin levels and help you sleep soundly, it’s important to note that some blue light is essential for a balanced sleep-wake cycle. The Day Swannies from Swanwick are designed to block wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 450 nm, which is considered the most harmful range across the blue light spectrum. Wavelengths between 450 nm and 500 nm pass through the lenses, keeping you alert as you go about your day without incurring too much blue light exposure.

People who typically use computers, tablets, and other screen devices for their profession are great candidates for the Day Swannies. The lenses are fairly clear, and aren’t as tinted as many of their counterparts on the market today. This makes the glasses less suitable for nighttime use — Swanwick sells a separate “orange lens” collection with stronger blue light blocking capabilities — but you can wear them throughout the day as you use electronic devices. Each pair is equipped with a pair of spring hinges, giving the frame a flexible feel.

You can choose from 11 frame shapes, as well as solid black, two-tone, and tortoiseshell styles. The glasses are also sold in small, regular, large, and extra large sizes, and a child-friendly design is available as well. If you aren’t sure which size is best, Swanwick’s website has a virtual “try on” feature to match you with the best option based on your facial structure.

Shipping is free for all orders of $75, a range that encompasses all adult-oriented sizes, and each purchase is backed by a 30-day trial period. You’ll have anytime access to Swanwick’s virtual customer support team if issues arise.

Price

$60

Blue light blocking glasses are a daytime essential for many people, especially those who sit at a computer for the bulk of their day, but lenses that filter UV and blue light can also help you relax in the evening. Ocushield’s Amber Anti Blue Light Glasses are designed to block up to 99% of emissions between 300 and 400 nm and up to 54% of emissions between 400 and 470 nm. This impressive range helps ensure minimal blue light exposure throughout the day and a restful night’s sleep.

These lightweight unisex glasses can also reduce discomfort for people who frequently experience headaches or migraines. The lenses protect your eyes from strain, and are engineered to resist glare. A scratch-resistant coating makes them durable, as well. You can choose between two of Ocushield’s most popular minimalist styles, Carson and Parker, as well as shiny black, transparent white, and tortoiseshell colors. Please note these glasses are only available with non-corrective lenses.

The Amber Anti Blue Light Glasses are competitively priced, and Ocushield offers free worldwide shipping for all purchases of $63 or more. Since these glasses come with non-prescription lenses, you may test them out for up to 100 nights before deciding whether to keep them or return them for a refund.

Price

$59

The Blue Light Glasses from Jonas Paul Eyewear are a low-cost option for high school students and young adults. The lenses in each pair are engineered to block roughly 56% of blue light with wavelengths of 380 to 450 nanometers, the range that has been shown to negatively impact circadian rhythm the most. However, the lenses won’t hinder exposure to blue light with a wavelength of 460 to 500 nanometers, which promotes healthy sleep and mood regulation.

The Blue Light collection includes four different designs for teens who don’t normally wear prescription glasses. The Vint, Charlie, Margaret, and Katherine styles are all available in three color and design options. Your teen can visit the product page of each set of frames and use the “Virtual Try-On” feature to see how they look. This eliminates the need for testing out the frames in person. Each style has different lens and bridge measurements.

All Blue Light frames carry the same affordable price-point and standard ground shipping is available anywhere in the U.S. You can also opt for expedited delivery. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt.

What Are Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

As the name suggests, blue light blocking glasses are a type of eyewear with special lenses designed to filter out blue light.

Blue light refers to a specific wavelength in the visible spectrum. The visible spectrum encompasses all the light wavelengths that the human eye can see, including the entire rainbow of colors from red to violet. Among the visible colors, blue light has a relatively short wavelength and delivers high levels of energy to the eye.

Blue light is very common. When you go outside, your eyes are awash in blue light coming from the sun. Artificial sources of blue light are also ubiquitous in modern life. From fluorescent and LED lighting to all of the various screens we use, we’re frequently bathed in blue light from morning to night.

While blue light during the day plays a positive role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, too much exposure to blue light in the evening can disrupt sleep patterns for children and adults alike. One solution is to end screen time several hours before bed. But for those who don’t want to give up their nightly gaming session or Twitter scroll, blue light blocking glasses can help shield your eyes from this high-energy wavelength in the evening.

How to Choose Blue Light Blocking Glasses

With hundreds of options on the market, choosing the right pair of blue light blocking glasses can seem like a daunting task. It’s key to arm yourself with an idea of your own preferences, as well as a basic understanding of the science behind blue light blocking glasses.

What to Consider When Purchasing Blue Light Blocking Glasses

From fit and color to cost and customer service policies, keeping certain key factors in mind can help you narrow down your choices when shopping for blue light blocking glasses.

Comfort and Fit
It’s important that the glasses you choose sit comfortably on your face without causing any pain or irritation. If the manufacturer lists the specific dimensions of the frames, you can compare the size of the frames to your own prescription glasses or to the measurements of your face. Some frames are also made with flexible materials designed to adapt to different face shapes.

Light Blocking
Blue light blocking glasses come in a range of different light blocking abilities. Consider what time of day you’ll be using your blue light glasses, and how much blue light blocking you really need. Glasses with red- or orange-tinted lenses block a wider spectrum and larger percentage of blue light. However, they can also distort the colors on your computer screen. Clear or light yellow-tinted glasses are designed to target a narrower range of high-energy blue light commonly emitted from artificial sources. These may be more appropriate for daytime use.

Shape and Weight
To be able to read, complete computer work, or play games comfortably for several hours in the evening, you’ll need a pair of blue light blocking glasses that suits the shape of your face and doesn’t feel cumbersome. If you already wear prescription glasses, consider finding a pair of blue light blocking glasses that are large enough to comfortably sit over your current glasses. Many people also prefer glasses that are lightweight, so be sure to check the weight of your chosen model before purchasing.

Size Options
For the best chance at finding a pair of blue light blocking glasses that fit your face, you’ll want to search for a model that offers multiple size options. Before buying, try them on or double-check the dimensions. Two of the most important measurements to take note of include the width of your face and nose.

Style & Color Options
Blue light blocking glasses are available in many different colors and styles. Some manufacturers sell glasses in packs of two or three so you can switch the glasses to suit your current mood. If style is important to you, you may prefer to opt for glasses with less of a yellow tint, bearing in mind that this style generally allows a greater percentage of blue light to reach your eyes.

Trial & Return Policy
If you’re ordering your blue light blocking glasses online, it’s important to find a model that comes with a generous trial period or return policy. Eyewear is very personal, and if you’re not able to try on a pair of glasses before you make your purchase, it’s nice to be able to return them in the event they don’t fit properly or the color and style aren’t what you expected.

Cost
Blue light blocking glasses can cost anywhere from $15 to $50, with many models around the $20 price-point. More expensive glasses may offer additional features, such as more unique style options or a greater percentage of blue light blocked. When shopping for blue light blocking glasses, you’ll have to weigh the benefits against the cost and keep your personal budget in mind.

How Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Work?

Blue light blocking glasses are glasses that are designed to prevent blue light from reaching your eyes. The concept of blue light blockers is based on the discovery that exposure to blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Blocking blue light is therefore thought to be an easy and inexpensive way to help people sleep after using electronics in the evening. Glasses designed to filter out only the most high-energy blue light may also help reduce eye strain during the day.

Natural blue light emitted by the sun is crucial for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, exposure to sunlight promotes alertness. At night, darkness stimulates the release of melatonin. Without these natural light cues, your body would have a hard time knowing when to wake up and when to fall asleep.

Due to the ever-increasing availability of artificial light sources such as light bulbs and computer screens, many of us are exposed to light late in the evening. Electronic screens in particular are rich in blue light, meaning they have a similar effect to sunlight. Extensive research has shown that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt the natural regulation of your sleep-wake cycle.

Blue light blocking glasses are designed to specifically filter out the blue wavelengths of light before they reach your eyes. Most blue light blocking glasses target ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 to 400 nanometers (nm), as well as violet light between 400 and 440 nm and blue light up to 500 nm. With less blue light reaching your eyes, your body is free to produce melatonin to help prepare for sleep.

Traditional blue light blocking glasses are orange- or amber-tinted. As blue light is a visible wavelength, filtering out blue light has an effect on the way you perceive colors. Therefore, while orange and amber blue light blockers may be more effective than clear glasses, most people consider them to be less user-friendly, especially for applications that require seeing colors.

Accordingly, some manufacturers market blue light blocking glasses with lenses that are practically clear. These glasses target high-energy violet and blue light between 400 and 450 nm, but they filter out a smaller percentage of blue light overall. They are engineered to offer a balance of blue light blocking and normal visibility.

Emerging evidence suggests that using blue light blocking glasses may successfully prevent bright lights from interfering with your sleep hormones. In these studies, people who wore blue light blocking glasses slept better and didn’t experience the drop in melatonin normally associated with evening light exposure.

Light Exposure and Sleep Quality

Light is one of the most important external factors that helps control our sleep-wake cycle.

Before the advent of electricity, humans slept and woke according to the timing of the sunrise and sunset. Sunlight is composed of a wide range of light wavelengths, including the entire visible spectrum from red to violet as well as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared wavelengths. However, blue light in the range of 446 to 477 nm has the most significant impact on the sleep-wake cycle.

When it comes to natural light from the sun, blue light is very helpful. Exposure to a healthy amount of blue light in the daytime promotes alertness and helps you sleep better at night. However, too much blue light exposure later in the evening makes it harder to fall asleep and may also contribute to poor sleep quality and morning grogginess.

Popular electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, and televisions emit blue light. Blue light blocking glasses are intended to act as a barrier between you and these artificial blue light sources to prevent your late night screen time from disturbing your sleep.

Other Ways to Reduce Blue Light Exposure

In addition to wearing blue light blocking glasses, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your exposure to blue light in the evening. You may also want to consider talking with your eye doctor about bright light exposure and protection at your next eye exam.

Reduce Electronics Use Before Bed

One of the most effective ways to reduce blue light exposure and improve your sleep is to avoid using electronics before bed. Ideally, you should try to end screen time at least 1 hour before you go to bed, to give your body time to ramp up melatonin production. Instead of scrolling through social media, consider winding down by reading a book or listening to music.

Switch Up Your Home Lighting

Fluorescent lights and LED bulbs typically emit more blue light than warmer-toned incandescent light bulbs, though plenty of manufacturers are starting to make LED lightbulbs that emulate the color pattern of incandescent lightbulbs. Consider switching to warmer-toned lightbulbs or installing a dimmer to reduce the brightness of your home lighting as you approach bedtime. Similarly, using a dim red night light during midnight bathroom trips can help provide illumination while limiting your blue light exposure.

Use a Dimming Software

If you must use electronic devices at night, consider installing dimming software. Software programs such as f.lux adjust the type of light that your screen emits. Using this software, your screen releases more blue light in the morning to keep you alert but slowly shifts to low-energy red light as you approach your bedtime. Some devices also come with built-in nighttime settings that switch to a black background at night, or automatically decrease the brightness of your screen and shift your display to warmer colors late in the evening.

Install a Blue Light Screen Filter

Another option for those that must use screens at night is a physical blue light filter that can be installed over your screen to block the majority of blue light from reaching your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Light Blocking Glasses

How much do blue light blocking glasses cost?

Blue light blocking glasses typically range in price from $15 to $50, with an average price of approximately $30. Most blue light blocking glasses don't require prescription lenses, so they are relatively inexpensive to produce.

Do blue light blocking glasses actually work?

While there isn’t a consensus among the medical community, some research demonstrates that blue light blocking glasses may help pave the way for sleep by helping boost melatonin production. Orange-tinted lenses block more blue light than amber-tinted lenses, and amber-tinted lenses block more blue light than clear lenses. Red-tinted lenses block the most light, but they are rarely worn as they make it very difficult to see.While there isn’t a consensus among the medical community, some research demonstrates that blue light blocking glasses may help pave the way for sleep by helping boost melatonin production. Orange-tinted lenses block more blue light than amber-tinted lenses, and amber-tinted lenses block more blue light than clear lenses. Red-tinted lenses block the most light, but they are rarely worn as they make it very difficult to see.

Where is the best place to buy blue light blocking glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses are sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores, each of which offers certain advantages depending on your needs. By shopping for glasses in pharmacies, drug stores, and eyewear stores, you may be able to ask for advice from the store attendant regarding the best model for you. However, by shopping online, you'll be able to choose from a much wider selection of brands and models. Online retailers also tend to have more competitive prices, as well as generous return policies in case you're not satisfied with your purchase.

How can I test if my glasses block blue light?

If the manufacturer can provide you with the transmittance spectrum report for your glasses, then you can see for yourself what percentage of blue light they block. An alternative method is to use an online color test, or devise your own by looking up an image of a rainbow online. A Google image search should bring up many pictures that look like a rainbow of colors blending into one another from red to blue to violet. When observed through a pair of blue light blocking glasses, the blue section should appear darker or even black, depending on the strength of the glasses.Certain blue light blocking glasses come with a so-called blue light laser and ask you to shine the laser through the lens of your glasses to verify that no blue light reaches a white paper held up to the other side. However, most of these lasers actually emit violet light, which is not the light that most affects the sleep-wake cycle.

Are blue light blocking glasses safe?

Blue light blocking glasses are considered just as safe for your eyes as wearing regular sunglasses. The only caveat is that wearing blue light blocking glasses during the day may be counterproductive. While it's important to reduce your exposure to blue light in the later evening hours, blue light exposure from the sun in the early morning and afternoon helps regulate your internal clock. If you're looking for a daytime pair of glasses to help reduce eye strain, opt for blue light blocking glasses that are almost transparent, instead of visibly amber- or orange-tinted.

Do prescription glasses block blue light?

Standard prescription lenses do not block blue light. However, prescription blue light blocking glasses are available, and some manufacturers make blue light blocking glasses that fit over prescription glasses. Ask your optometrist about prescription options for blue light blocking lenses.

Are blue light blocking glasses worth it?

Blue light blocking glasses may be a worthwhile option for people who have trouble getting to sleep after too much screen time. With models available at the $20 price-point, blue light blocking glasses are a fairly low-cost and easy-to-use solution for shielding your eyes from blue light and potentially improving your sleep.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our Editorial Team