Let’s talk about the BEST Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2021.
Americans spend an average of 8 hours a day looking at screens—which is why having a good pair of Blue Light Glasses is super important.
That is, my friends, a third of your life.
Since today’s New Year’s Eve in 2020, I think it’s the perfect time to launch into the New Year of 2021 with improved eye health and cute glasses!
And honestly right now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that screen time number has to be even higher. Most businesses and activities have turned virtual, including school. Kids and teens especially are spending way more time on computers, and our eyes aren’t meant to absorb so much intense light for so long.
All those Zoom calls start to take a big toll on your eyes, your sleep, and your overall wellbeing.
Are blue light blocking glasses really that important? What do they do?
YES. They really are necessary to have in today’s technology-driven world.
Here’s the deal: too much screen-staring causes us a handful of health problems. Screens are a source of artificial light, and they contain Blue Light waves, which is the big enemy.
The first main issue Blue Light causes is Digital Eye Strain, which currently affects about 60% of Americans. This can create headaches, dry eyes, eye fatigue, and blurred vision. It can also increase the risk of macular degeneration (a thinning of part of your retina), as well as other long-term vision complications.
Blue Light also really Fs with your sleep. The Blue Light mimics sunlight, which tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daylight out while you scroll Twitter late at night. This throws off your circadian rhythm, which means your body stops producing the correct hormones to make you tired enough to go to bed, and then wake up feeling alert and well-rested the next morning. This includes a halt in your body’s production of melatonin, which can lead to trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
Blue Light is, basically, not the best.
Thankfully, Blue Light-blocking glasses do exactly what they say and block the Blue Light from getting to your eyes, filtering out the harmful rays from your screen.
The benefits of using Blue Light Blocking Glasses include:
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved eye health
- Prevention of vision degeneration
- Better mental focus (cognition)
Everyone I know who has tried blue light blocking glasses agrees—they’re a necessary game-changer. Obviously, the less time you can spend in front of screens in general, the better. But when it’s a necessary part of your life, it’s important to protect your health along the way.
I like to wear mine for most of the day. I start off without them, since the Blue Light can be okay in the morning to help your body wake up. Then I can usually feel my eyes get tired after a couple hours of screen time, around noon, and that’s when I’ll switch to my glasses. If your main concern is sleep, wear the glasses when the sun goes down/you get home from work, and use them to watch TV and look at your phone, as well as use the computer.
By the way, if you want help on breaking your phone addiction, read this. But since screens are a mostly inescapable part of life, you might as well get the best Blue Light blocking glasses out there!
So which ones should you buy? Let’s get into it…
Top 5 BEST Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2021
1 » Felix Gray
Felix Gray is at the top of my list because they’re the ones I personally own, after doing lots of research! They specialize in making clear Blue Light glasses, and have gender-neutral styles for both adults and kids. They’re also available in prescription, reading, and even sunglasses. They also have a Sleep line that targets the specific range of deeper Blue Light that impacts melatonin secretion (440-500 nm wavelengths) to help improve the quality of your sleep.
Buy: Felix Gray, starting at $95 (pictured style: Nash, which is what I have)
2 » Warby Parker
You may know Warby Parker as the go-to brand for affordable glasses, but you may not know you can add blue-light-filtering lenses to any pair of glasses for just $50, with or without a prescription. They have a genius concept to shop for new frames in the comfort and safety of your home, while giving you an option to try on different frame styles to find one that best fits your face. They mail you your choice of 5 different frames to choose from, so you can try them on before you commit.
Buy: Warby Parker, starting at $95 (pictured style: Simon, silver)
3 » FLOWER Drew Barrymore Collection at Walmart
Beloved actress and certified business mogul Drew Barrymore created a line of highly affordable and super cute Blue Light blocking glasses for Walmart! For only $20 a pair (currently on sale!), they’re a perfect option if you want a budget-friendly option, or tend to lose/break your glasses frequently! The only downside is that their lenses do have a yellow tint to them (part of what keeps the cost down) but still look great on and keep your eyes protected from both Blue Light AND UV rays.
Buy: FLOWER, $20-29 (pictured style: Violet Frame, Onyx Black)
4 » Baxter Blue Glasses
Like Felix Gray, Baxter Blue specializes in making unisex adult and kids Blue Light blocking glasses. Their lenses eliminate glare, block UV rays, and virtually clear, with the option to get them with reading lenses. They’re also a company with heart—for every pair of glasses purchased, they provide a pair of reading glasses to someone in need with the charity organization Restoring Vision. After looking them up to write this post, I’ve kind of fallen in love with Baxter (it’s the pink frames for me).
Buy: Baxter Blue, starting at $89 (pictured style: Georgie Pink Crystal)
5 » TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses on Amazon
Another budget-friendly winner are these cute frames from brand TIJN on Amazon. They have a kind of cult following—these pictured frames have over 43,000 ratings and all their frames have 4 stars or more. They also have kids’ glasses. These also have a slight yellow tint, though not as apparent in the photos. You can save even more with one of their 2 packs!
Buy: TIJN, $17-20 (pictured style: Square Nerd, transparent)
Here’s to better eyesight, fewer headaches, and a happier work life!
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What are your favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses for 2021? Share with the class—drop a note in the Disqus Comments section below!
xo,
Amy
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. I truly love these products and know you will, too. Thanks for supporting the blog!