You’re probably staring at a screen right now as you read this. Computers, televisions, and cell phones emit high-energy blue light, a type of light that can cause headaches, blurred vision, and interrupted sleep, among other conditions.
Blue light blocking glasses are specially designed lenses that filter out the high-energy blue light that emanates from digital screens. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best and top-rated yet inexpensive blue light blocking glasses. We will also cover the benefits wearing blue light blocking glasses could bring to your daily life.
With an extensive range of blue light glasses to choose from, it can be challenging to find the right fit for you. We’ve narrowed down the list to the 5 best blue light blocking glasses under $50:
- Spectra479 Blue Blocking Amber Glasses
- Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Spektrum Prospek
- J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Glasses
- Gamma Ray Optics Orange Glasses
1. Spectra479 Blue Blocking Amber Glasses
Designed with a focus on enhancing sleep quality, the Spectra479 Blue Blocking Amber Glasses is one of the most effective blue-light blocking lenses on the market. If you’re especially sensitive to light and want to wind down before bed, then these glasses are your best fit. The Spectra479 Blue Blocking Amber Glasses filter out 99.8% of the blue light in the 280-490 nm wavelengths (one of the widest ranges you can find). Besides, they have a wraparound style to protect your peripherals from blue light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Blocks out a high % of the blue rays -Shields peripheral vision from blue light -It’s light in weight and comfortable to wear -Non-polarized | -It’s quite pricy. |
Check them out on Amazon here.
2. Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Glasses not only help ease eye strain and improve sleep, but they also protect you against UV radiation between 10nm and 400nm. These lenses are waterproof, shock-resistant, and have an anti-glare coating, meaning they’ll keep reflections and any other disruptions from popping up in the corner of the lenses. Besides, its frames are designed with long-lasting hinges and a wider nose pad to give you utmost comfort.
Furthermore, these blue light blocking lenses come in so many options- 20 different styles and 23 colors (including clear, pink, black, purple, and patterns).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Has anti-eyestrain, UV Rays, and Blue light filters -UV 400 protection -Built to last -You can add your prescription to these glasses -Non-polarized | -Limited color choices for some designs |
Check the current price on Amazon here.
3. Spektrum Prospek
If you’re looking for lenses that offer an extra boost, we recommend Spektrum Prospek. It has a variety of magnification strengths, ranging from 0.00 to 3.00. It has anti-scratch and anti-glare properties, fingerprint-resistant coating, and promises to block all blue light and UV rays. Besides, they’re durable and lightweight as they’re designed from titanium and acetate. The Spektrum Prospek is available in different frames and styles to suit your style and preference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Its magnification strengths can double as the reading glasses -You can add your prescription to these glasses -Provide immediate and lasting strain relief -It has a classic charm -Minimal color distortion | -It’s quite high-priced |
They are available on Amazon here.
4. J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Glasses
The last thing you want while using your screen is to be distracted by heavily tinted glasses. The J+S Vision Blue Light Shield glasses feature low color distortion lenses optimized to provide eye protection and enhance the quality of the viewing experience. Besides, these glasses filter out up to 90% of blue light 400nm-430nm rays while allowing the less harmful blue light to pass through.
And unlike other lenses in the same price range, the J+S Vision Blue Light Shield glasses offer different shapes from the classic rectangle, square, to round frames and an array of colors including Tortoiseshell and Glossy Black.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Low color distortion -Blocks out a high % of the blue rays -Allows less harmful blue light -Plenty of colors and stylish frames to choose from -Discreet enough and can be worn during the day comfortably | -Some users have reported easy smudging on the lenses |
You can get them on Amazon here.
5. Gamma Ray Optics Orange Glasses
Gamma Ray Optics Orange Glasses can help you avoid restless nights that usually come after using the screen for long hours. These glasses can block up to 97 % of the blue light and improve vision and sleep. Their magnification strengths range from 0.00 to 2.25, making them incredible reading glasses.
The Gamma Ray Optics Orange glasses feature black frames made of plastic, which is light and comfortable on your face. The orange-tinted glasses also come with a cleaning cloth, complimentary case, nose pads, and spring hinges that ensure a perfect fit.
Besides, they’re pocket-friendly and still don’t compromise on quality. Gamma Ray manufacturer stands behind the product with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against breakage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Lightweight and comfortable to wear -The subtle orange tint means little color distortion -High UV and blue light protection -Good warranty | -Some users might find the model a bit small -Doesn’t offer many color and style options |
Check them out on Amazon here.
Why Getting Blue Light Blocking Glasses is A Good Idea
Blue light blocking glasses are lenses designed to limit our exposure to high-energy blue light from digital screens. Typically, wearing these glasses benefits you in the following ways:
Get Better Sleep
Researchers agree that exposure to blue light at night can delay the production of the sleep-inducing melatonin in the body. The blue light essentially disrupts your circadian rhythm (the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle) since the brain associates it with daytime. Fortunately, a 2017 study found that people wearing blue light blocking glasses had a 58% increase in the nighttime melatonin levels, and hence they experienced better sleep.
If you are interested in how to get the sleep quality you deserve beyond wearing these special glasses, be sure to check out my article ‘How to Sleep and Wake Up Refreshed – The Ultimate Guide.’
Alleviate Digital Eye Strain
High-energy blue light scatters more than other visible lights and can’t be easily focused. This unfocused light reduces contrast and may contribute to digital eye strain. The strain causes dry eyes, blurred vision, neck pain, and headaches. Research by Vision Council revealed that at least 27% of Americans reported experiencing one of these symptoms after using digital devices.
Blue light blocking glasses can ease eye fatigue and allow you to be more focused and productive. They also enhance your comfort levels while viewing screens for a prolonged time.
Ease the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A study done by the University of Alcala indicates that blue light exposure can increase macular degeneration risk, which might result in permanent vision loss later in life. That is because the blue light penetrates through the cornea to the retina, causing damage to your light-sensitive cells in the retina. The blue light blocking lenses could protect your eyes from glare and retina damage.
Lower the risk of other health issues
Lack of sleep may contribute to cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and the risk of depression. Blue light blocking glasses can help increase melatonin levels in the body and enhance sleep, inhibiting any of these sleep-related health problems.
Ending Thoughts
Light is a beautiful thing! The sun’s blue light is beneficial because it increases our mood, attention and regulates natural sleep and wake cycles. However, the high-energy blue light from digital screens could be detrimental to our wellbeing as it can cause headaches, eyestrain, and insomnia. Fortunately, wearing the blue light blocking glasses is an easy and affordable fix!
