Whether we are working in front of the computer, participating in a Zoom call, or scrolling through social media on our smartphones, it’s almost impossible to escape daily time staring at a screen. For many of us, that daily screen time seems to be constantly growing. But what effect does this have on our eyes?

Dr. David Friess, OD and Eyesafe Vision Health Advisory Board Member shares, “With screen time increasing across the board due to many of us remaining at home as a result of the Coronavirus, the wear and tear on our eyes caused by screen time—which is exceeding 11 hours a day—and according to latest Nielsen data, is causing exhausting symptoms for many. This cumulative time on screens has been linked to a malady of symptoms.”

Some of these symptoms may be accentuated by the blue light that we are exposed to from our devices. “Blue light is necessary for vital functions, like regulating a healthy circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle,” explains Dr. Friess. “However, too much blue light late at night can disrupt this natural cycle, which can cause sleepless nights and fatigue during the day. The UV component aids vitamin D synthesis in moderation. Therefore, HEV blue light produces benefits and concerns for our eyes and overall health.”

Dr. Friess says that too much blue light can potentially lead to long-term eye damage, including increased incidences of age-related macular degeneration, potential damage to retina cells (particularly in children and teens), eye strain, headaches, and sleep disruption.

Luckily, there are products that can filter out the HEV blue light spectrum. Dr. Friess recommends looking for products that carry the Eyesafe brand of low blue light certification, including screen protection covers for your mobile devices with built-in blue light filtering. “ZAGG makes a great product called Visionguard with Eyesafe, and it’s great for protecting both your eyes and your devices,” he says.

Many eyewear brands are now offering blue-light protection glasses, including prescription blue light glasses, children’s blue light glasses, and non-prescription blue light glasses options. “Computer glasses can also help to reduce blue light exposure from computers and other digital devices. You can get these without a prescription if you don’t need vision correction or if you use contact lenses to correct your vision.” Dr. Friess advises consulting with your doctor to find the best glasses for your particular needs.

If you’re looking for blue light glasses that offer protection and style, check out these options to help you to find the right pair for your needs at every budget:

Zenni

Zenni offers affordable glasses including blue light glasses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses—starting at just $6.95 for a complete prescription pair. Blockz is Zenni’s blue light protection technology that can be added to any frame. In 2019, Zenni sold more than a million of its “Blokz” blue-light blocking lenses, and since then Zenni has expanded its Blokz product line to include a photochromic option, which darkens in sunlight, Blokz sunglasses, and impact-resistant Blokz Trivex lenses. You can virtually try on a pair of Zenni glasses to find the right look for you. All glasses come with a protective hard case.

Zenni Browline Glasses ($32.95+)

Zenni Geometric Glasses ($32.95+)

Blenders 

Blenders, known for its fashionable, affordable, quality sunglasses and head-turning approach to e-commerce, is bringing its same great styles indoors with a new collection of blue light glasses. Whether you’re looking for a little Zoom-meeting flare, or you work in retail and want an extra layer of protection between you and customers, Blenders’ clear blue light lenses are a great way to alleviate the stress of the day-to-day. 

Coastal Blue Light Collection ($48 each)

L Series Collection ($38 each)

Diff

Diff is a socially conscious eyewear brand that has been able to provide over 1.6 million people with the reading glasses they need. Through their partnership with Sightsavers, every pair of DIFFs sold helps provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, medicine, and more. Diff offers a stylish selection of blue light glasses to help protect your eyes available in prescription, non-Rx, and readers.

Beck IV ($109)

Bella XS ($85)

Lensabl

At Lensabl you can find contacts and glasses, including blue light glasses, at an average discount of 70% off. Premium optical, sun, and night lenses include blue-light protection added in for no extra price. You can virtually try on the glasses to find a pair you like.

Lensabl Beverly ($77+)

Lensabl Hollywood ($77+)

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses to get at SmartBuyGlasses

zFORT™ blue light block technology was recently introduced at SmartBuyGlasses. This is a powerful technology that is effective in blocking the blue light wavelengths ranging from between 380 and 500 nm and prevents them from reaching to your eyes and damaging your eye health. 

 When you opt for blue light blocking glasses the chances of you enjoying your screen usage increases and this is all what you would want right? zFORT™ now offers you an easy way of turning your any regular pair of glasses into computer glasses that will provide you good vision along with keeping your eye health intact. Choose from more than thousands of pairs of stylish glasses online from the comfort of your home.

Gunnar Intercept INT-00101 ($73): 

Tom Ford FT5535-B Blue-Light Block 056 ($185): 

SmartBuy Collection Libai Blue-Light Block 924G ($49)

Zeelool

Zeelool offers a range of unique and stylish frames for the fashion enthusiast or a daily glasses wearer. Options include professional prescription with standard lenses, blue blockers, photochromic lenses, polarized sunglasses lenses, and mirrored lenses. Each pair of glasses goes through five stages of quality control before shipment. Zeelool’s anti-blue ray lenses block ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (nm). Use coupon code “spaandbeautytoday” for 10% off your order.

Zeelool Alberta Cat Eye Tortoise Glasses ($9.95)

Zeelool Dalton Cat Eye Dark Green Glasses ($7+)

Zeelool Reeves Square Floral Glasses ($7+)

CalmOptics

CalmOptics offers trendy blue light blocking glasses for the entire family. They help reduce the eye strain caused by your digital screens. All glasses are non-prescription so everyone can benefit from this blue light solution. Because children’s eyes are especially sensitive, CalmOptics has them covered with both kids and teens collections. Protect their eyes with these specially designed lenses that block out blue light and trust in the frames that hold up to your kiddo’s activities. 

 CalmOptics Kids Cotton Candy ($25)

CalmOptics Kids Blue Lemonade ($25)

Gunnar

Pioneering the standard for blue light protection with its "Blue Light Protection Factor™ (BLPF)," GUNNAR created a lens protection scale similar to SPF in sun protection. GUNNAR recently launched “Cruz” for kids and teens, and “Emery” for adults. "Cruz" is available in the patented Amber Lens (BLPF 65) or Clear Lens (BLPF 35) for those who prefer protection without the amber tint. Designed for adolescents age 12 and up, "Cruz" features the benefits of GUNNAR's patented lens technology and is engineered to protect developing eyes from digital screens. "Emery" offers modern elegance to digital device users seeking a superior choice of blue light blocking protection. 

Gunnar Cruz ($120)

Gunnar Emery ($79.99)

This website does not provide medical advice and is for informational purposes only. The content here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Spa & Beauty Today.

[Images courtesy of brands]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy