Have you ever been on a plane and thought, “Oh! I’d better put my phone into airplane mode and tuck it away”, only to notice everyone around you is staring at their own screen?
How often do you check your email a day? Play video games? Read the news or a book on your Kindle?
We’re all using our devices all of the time! Have you ever tracked how much you’re using your phone in a day? Have you ever considered what all of that screen time might do to your eyes?
Our device screens emit blue light, which isn’t that great for the human eye. So, what can we do to protect our eyes from the inevitable time we spend scrolling, playing, or emailing on our phones?
Blue cut lens glasses have become a popular option, so we’ve gathered up the best options so you can find your perfect pair!
Average Hours Spent On A Device Per Day
A survey in February of 2021 asked Americans how many hours they were using their phones per day on average. 46% of respondents reported using their phones between 5 and 6 hours per day.
The next highest was the 22% who used their device 3-4 hours a day. 16% who used their devices 1-2 hours a day, 11% said 7 hours or more, and only 5% reported under an hour of use.
This may not be a huge surprise to you, but think about how your screen time has increased over the last number of years.
Though the risk is greater if you’re spending 3 or more hours looking at a digital device per day, as little as 20 minutes of screen time can cause some eye strain.
Symptoms Of Digital Eye Strain
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain is caused because our blink rate is inhibited when we use our devices. Usually, humans blink about 15 times a minute, but when we stare at our screens, this number is cut in half.
It’s the same as when we’re doing near-work activities like reading, focusing on something very tiny, or doing something that requires precision. CVS can also be caused by the glare on our screens.
Thankfully, except for in rare cases, our laptops, tablets, and phones aren’t going to cause any permanent damage. However, we do tend to experience some uncomfortable, acute symptoms that can affect our immediate health, our work, and our daily lives. These are some common symptoms:
- dry eyes
- blurry vision
- tearing or watery eyes
- headache
What Is Blue Light?
The light spectrum ranges from red to blue and then to ultraviolet, which is invisible radiation. From red to blue, the light’s wavelength shortens and energy increases.
Red light has the longest wavelengths, and therefore the least energy, whereas blue light has the most energy of visible light.
Light across the spectrum is measured in nanometers (nm), with blue light recorded as 380 nm – 500 nm, which is high energy visible light (HEV) and is considered to be harmful. All other visible light 500-700 nm.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
The human eye can filter all other forms of visible light, but has trouble when it comes to blue light. Blue light glasses were created to change the way that the light hits the eye.
A specially crafted lens blocks or filters the blue light from digital screens. Within the lens are layers that change the direction of the light or absorb it.
The lens also often has anti-reflective coating, which helps to minimize glare and makes it easier for the eye to process the light.
What Does The AAO Say About Blue Light Glasses?
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) currently doesn’t recommend blue light glasses as a way to minimize or protect against digital eye strain, and referenced a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology to back up their position.
However, this stance is based upon the lack of available proof, so more research needs to be conducted to further understand if blue light glasses actually have any impact,
The Cleveland Clinic notes thatblue light impacts our circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that tells us when it’s time to sleep and wake up. They suggest that blue light glasses can help to protect us from these negative effects and preserve our sleep cycle.
What Are The Best Practices For Using Digital Screens?
If blue light glasses aren’t as effective as we thought, what are some other ways we can protect our eyes? Check out these guidelines for using digital screens from the AAO:
- Take frequent breaks, following the “20-20-20” rule. Look away from your screen about every 20 minutes, and focus your eyes on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Use artificial tears to lubricate dry eyes.
- Keep a proper distance, (at arm’s length) from your screen. You want to adjust its height so that your eyes are geared slightly downward.
- Reduce glare and brightness. Glare is especially common with devices that have glass screens. You can use a matte screen filter, adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen, and dim the lighting near your screen.
- Wear eyeglasses, especially when working on your device for long periods of time. Contact lenses can increase dryness and irritation so if you need corrective lenses, it’s better to stick with your glasses.
Best Overall Blue Cut Lens
1. Lambs Blue Light Blocking Glasses
When Lambs customers asked for the best blue cut lens possible, Lambs delivered. Available in two colors – whiskey tortoise and ice cube – Lambs claims that their blue light blocking glasses can block up to 40% of blue light at 455 nm.
They have FL-41 lenses, which is a specially tinted lens made for people with medically recognized light sensitivities.
Features:
- Blue Light Filter (Non-Rx)
- Acetate Frame
- Case and cleaning cloth included
- Non-prescription glasses
- Unisex
- One size fits all
What We Like:
- Attractive unisex design
- Lambs uses science as the base of their designs
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive for what science has not yet proven. If you’re using these during regular working hours (i.e. 9-5 pm) and if blue light glasses in fact are not helpful against blue light outside of interference with your circadian rhythm, then this is an expensive pair of glasses.
If you want to invest in a pair of blue light glasses, these are the ones to spend some money on. Even though science still needs to sort out how blue light glasses work, many people who use them believe in them so that says something!
Best Runner-Up Blue Light Glasses
2. ANRRI Blocking Eyeglasses
ANRRI makes some of the best selling blue light glasses; you have six styles and multiple color options to choose from. In terms of blue light protection, these claim to block 400 nm, reduce eye strain, and help you get a better sleep.
Features:
- 400 nm blocking
- 90% Blue light cutting
- Lifetime warranty
- Case, cleaning cloth, and blue light testing kit included
What We Like:
- Many great frames and colors to choose from; you don’t have to sacrifice style for function
- Company offers a lifetime warranty, so quality is guaranteed
- Customers state that vendor is very responsive and offers great customer service
What We Don’t Like:
- One review states the material is really lightweight, almost cheap (We wonder if this person wears regular vision correction glasses because there would be a significant difference in the weight.). Still, it should be comfortable for the wearer.
One review showed photos of the blue light test kit on her ANRRI glasses versus her regular glasses, and it’s pretty cool to see how the light filters differently through.
We’d love to try this little test out for ourselves, and we definitely think this brand is a good contender for the best blue cut lens runner up.
Best Budget Blue Lens Glasses
3. Gamma Ray Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The Gamma Ray glasses are some of the best blue cut lens glasses we’ve come across, and with thousands of positive reviews listed, we think buyers must feel the same.
Gamma Ray created an amber tinted lens to help minimize eye strain by alleviating visual fatigue and discomfort. The company also offers a 90 Day Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee and a Lifetime frame and lens breakage Warranty coverage.
Features:
- Amber tinted
- 400 nm blocking
- Glare reduction
- TR-90 Frame
- 7 magnification options
What We Like:
- Multiple reviewers state that they bought these after having digital eye strain headaches regularly, and found that these prevented headaches from occurring.
What We Don’t Like:
- Multiple buyers commented on the smell of the product when they removed them from their original packaging. It’s likely to do with the manufacturing, but an odd effect.
These are a great option if you’re looking for an inexpensive pair that will do the job you need.
Best Blue Lens Glasses Under Twenty Bucks
4. Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Retro Eyeglasses
The Cyxus blue light glasses have a great retro-style frame, but they also seem to have a lot to offer in the way of eye protection. Cyxus claims its frame is durable, ‘wear-resistant’ and anti-rust, which you’ll appreciate if you’re ever bought a cheap pair of sunglasses.
They also claim to block blue light between 380 nm and 450 nm.
Features:
- Shatterproof crystal lens
- HEV absorbing
- UV protection
- Anti-glare
- Lightweight
What We Like:
- Not only blue light protective, but also protect from up to 99% of UV rays
- Lenses are lightweight – 30% compared to resin lenses, 50% lighter than glass lenses
What We Don’t Like:
- One review states that the frames pinch the bridge of the nose
- Another review said frames were far too big for their face, saying it was “almost comical.”
- Mixed reviews on how effective these are at blocking blue light
These frames are an economical choice; they aren’t going to break the bank and will provide some level of protection. If you’re not the sort prone to more severe digital eye strain symptoms, these may be a great option for you.
Best Alternative Blue Lens Glasses
5. Blue Cut Blue Light Blocking Glasses
If none of the above choices seem like the best blue cut lenses for you, the Blue Cut FDA glasses are a great alternative. They market these as an ideal option for gamers, as they’re comfortable for long hours of wear, and the multi-layer anti-glare lenses will help to prevent digital eye strain.
The frame itself is TR-90, which is known for being highly durable.
Features:
- TR90 frame
- Multi-layer anti-glare
- Options for magnification strength
- Case and cleaning cloth included
- Lifetime breakage warranty
What We Like:
- Magnification options; Blue Cut FDA gives you four choices
- Frame is highly durable
What We Don’t Like:
- According to multiple users, lenses are difficult to clean
- Avoid if you have high sensitivity to light; some reviews state inferior protection
These aren’t standouts from the other glasses we’ve covered, but they do offer all the necessary features for blue light glasses.
If you are very light sensitive, they may not be the best option for you. For those who are less sensitive, they could be a handy option for your gaming sessions.
Give Your Eyes The Best By Choosing The Best Blue Cut Lens Available
Blue light isn’t a single measurement of light, but a spectrum within a spectrum. While all of these brands claim to block out or filter blue light and minimize digital eye strain, it’s important to figure out what features are most important to you. If you’re going to invest in a pair of blue light glasses, you might as well choose a pair that offers the best blue cut lens possible.
Though your glasses are certainly more than an accessory, you have many options to choose from in terms of both look and features. Hopefully this list has given you some viable options, and be sure to take a screen break if you’ve spent a while studying them!
Sources:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/blue-light-digital-eye-strain
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/are-computer-glasses-worth-it
https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-ca/digital-eye-strain/blue-light/
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/computer-vision-syndrome.html
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a20707076/blue-light-glasses/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1224510/time-spent-per-day-on-smartphone-us/
https://www.theraspecs.com/blog/what-is-fl41-for-light-sensitivity/
