What Are Blue Light Glasses and Why You Should Get a Pair

October 11, 2021

“I love your cool new glasses.” We all like to hear that. It’s much better than hearing “New glasses? Is your eyesight failing?” Right? The latest eyewear care everyone is talking about is blue light glasses. However, these are not to be mistaken with rose-colored glasses!


You might have heard of blue light glasses under a different name. Blue blockers, blue filter glasses, or Cyxus® glasses for instance. Perhaps you or your friends are already talking about buying a pair. Good that you’re reading this article.


What Are Blue Light Glasses, and Why Am I Hearing So Much About them?


So, what is blue light, and why do we need glasses for it?  Well, light spreads out in waves, and the warm color tones such as red light or yellow light produce more wavy lines than do violet or blue. You can see this in a  rainbow. The violet-blue color range always appears narrower or less visible than the red-orange-yellow range. Next time it rains, go out and check.


Blue light is a completely normal component of the daylight that reaches our eyes. However, there is increased blue light in all white light sources such as white light lamps, daylight lamps, and LED lights. Unnatural blue light hits us through the use of our computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Yes, even your Kindle produces blue light.


Blue light has a stimulating effect on us. It gets us awake and active during the day. In the evening hours, blue light, found naturally in daylight, decreases. But when we are all using tablets and phones, we keep getting more and more blue light than we need. Due to its stimulating effect, blue light tempts us to sit in front of screens. We then forget to blink, overstraining our eye muscles and drying them out. 


Is this a Gimmick, or Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?


As with any health-related issue, addressing the problem is often better than looking for a cure. For instance, weight gain can be often countered with a change of diet rather than exercise. We still often eat unhealthy foods and hope that ten minutes on a treadmill will help.


If you already have glasses for computer use, you can try other ways to reduce your exposure to blue light. The easiest way is simply to not use your electronic devices before going to bed. Or while in bed! You can also use incandescent lightbulbs in your home rather than fluorescent tubes or LED bulbs. Then again, many devices have settings to reduce the blue light as well.


“The Vision Council, which represents the optical industry, says it doesn’t promote individual brands or products, and it “encourages everyone to do their research, speak with an eye care provider, and determine the right solution for them and their family.” WebMD 

What Are the Signs that I Might Need Blue Light Glasses?


What symptoms can blue light cause? People who are increasingly exposed to blue light radiation from computer or cell phone screens, in addition to sunlight, might have the following complaints:


  • dry eyes
  • tired eyes
  • eye pain
  • headaches
  • perceived poorer vision
  • concentration problems
  • poor performance


If you have these symptoms, will blue light filter glasses be useful? Blue light filter glasses are made for our digital lifestyle. They are recommended for anyone who spends a lot of time in front of screens of all kinds. In the evenings, at night, and in poorly lit rooms, a blue light filter is doubly useful. However, before making any decision about your eyes, the most important thing to do is speak first with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.


“Many individuals have begun to wear glasses that filter out the amount of blue light that reaches the eye. If you peruse the internet in the evenings, chances are you are getting too much blue light to allow your body to produce melatonin. Try to wear blue filtering eyeglasses after 8 pm. You need to help your body help you in every way possible.” Guide for Seniors 


Which Blue Light Glasses are the Best? And Where Can I Get a Pair?


Of course, you should only purchase eyeglasses from a reputable and responsible seller. Talk with your Optometrist; they will be able to advise you. You should also consider scientific studies on the subject as well as customer opinions and test reports. Don’t go overboard either – buy affordable blue light glasses. 


The following suggestions are from The Sleep Foundation and can be found online. 


Suggested Best Overall: Ocushield Anti Blue Light Glasses Price: $70

The Ocushield Anti Blue Light Glasses are comfortable and lightweight yet highly effective at protecting your eyes.


Suggested Best for Customized Prescription: Spektrum PROSPEK-50 Price: $129

Most blue light blocking glasses are not customized and can accommodate anyone, but people who regularly wear prescription glasses may need lenses that are specifically tailored to them.

Suggested Best for Kids: Eyekeeper Kids Blue Light Filter Glasses Price: $24

Adults aren’t the only people who can benefit from blue-light-blocking glasses. The same is true for children, especially those who spend their evenings playing video games, watching television, or otherwise engaging with electronic devices.


Suggested Best Designs: Peepers Blue Light Focus Eyewear Price: $27

If you’re in the market for blue light blocking glasses but aren’t sure which design best suits you, Peepers offers an unparalleled selection of frame styles.


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