Best blue light blockers — Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2024

It is well known that light has powerful signalling mechanisms that affect our sleep wake cycle or circadian rhythm. Blue light blocking glasses are one of the most low cost ways to improve sleep if you are someone who regularly uses screens and devices are daylight hours.

By minimising the levels of blue and green light that you are exposed to in the evening, you are effectively giving yourself a fighting chance at a good nights sleep, minimising the negative effects of blue light for sleep promoting hormones like melatonin. And with such a large portion of the population affected by poor sleep and bad sleep hygiene, a good pair of blue light blocking glasses may help more than you expect.

In this article, we’ve sifted through the options and have a small selection of the best blue light blocking glasses based on price, technology, quality, value and style. We also provide insight on what blue light is and why its time to start giving it the cold shoulder with a quality blue light blocking lense.

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Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses – Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Block Blue Light Nightfall Taylor

Best Australia: Dreamers Lucid Sleep Blue and Green Light Blockers

Best Style: True Dark Twilights Grey Tortoiseshell

Best Budget: Bloomoak Blue Light Blockers Amazon

Best Prescription: Bon Charge Morris Blue Blocking Glasses

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy compared to other colours in the spectrum. It is emitted by various sources, both natural and artificial. Here's a detailed explanation:

Natural Sources of Blue Light: The primary natural source of blue light is the sun. Sunlight contains a significant amount of blue light, and it is essential for regulating our circadian rhythm, boosting mood, and enhancing alertness during the day.
Artificial Sources of Blue Light: Artificial sources of blue light include digital screens (smartphones, computers, tablets), LED and fluorescent lighting, and electronic devices. While these sources emit lower levels of blue light compared to the sun, prolonged exposure can still have significant effects on our eyes and overall health.
Impact on Sleep: Blue light exposure, particularly in the evening and at night, can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle. It suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Effects on Eye Health: Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens and artificial lighting can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue. Over time, it may contribute to more serious eye conditions, although research is ongoing in this area.

What Are The Benefits of Blue Light Blockers?

Blue light blockers, such as blue light blocking glasses, are designed to mitigate the potential adverse effects of prolonged blue light exposure. Here's an in-depth look at their benefits:

Reduced Digital Eye Strain: Blue light blockers can help reduce the symptoms of digital eye strain by reducing the amount of blue light that reaches the eyes. This results in improved comfort during extended screen time.

Improved Sleep Quality: By filtering out a portion of blue light, these blockers can help regulate the circadian rhythm. Wearing them in the evening or before bedtime can lead to better sleep quality, as they reduce the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light.

Potential Long-term Eye Health: While more research is needed, blue light blockers may play a role in protecting the eyes from potential long-term damage associated with chronic blue light exposure. They could help reduce the risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, although these benefits are still being studied.

Enhanced Visual Comfort: Blue light blocking lenses often have an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and reflections from screens and artificial lighting, further improving visual comfort.

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2023 - Review

Best Overall: Block Blue Light Nightfall Taylor

The Block Blue Light Nightfall Taylors are the overall best blue light blocking glasses, really nailing the combination of lense quality, value and style. Block Blue Light as a brand are probably one the leading blue blocking glasses and wellness product brands focussing on sleep tech in Australia.

I have used the Block Blue Light Nightfall Taylors as a pretty consistently since first testing them back in 2021. The Nightfall Taylor blue light blockers are night time lenses which block 100% of blue and green light from 400nm to 550nm to maximise my sleep quality.

The Block Blue Night Nightfall Taylors are similar to a traditional Rayban style sunglasses and come in Black, Pearl Grey and Tortoise Shell. These are probably one of the more stylish looking blue blockers and come with a foldable carry case.

Best Australia: Dreamers Lucid Sleep Blue and Green Light Blockers

The Dreamers Blue Light Blocking glasses are really in a league of their own. The Dreamers Lucid glasses are the best blue light blockers Australia (although they also ship to US). The Dreamers brand have both ‘Screenwear’ and ‘Sleepwear’ glasses, which features slightly different lenses but both using their own patented Dreamtech™ Screen lense which blocks out 99% of blue and green light.

The Dreamers Lucid blue and green light blockers are the range specifically designed to improve sleep hygiene by blocking out harmful light which blocks beneficial melatonin from being released to promote sleep.

The Dreamers Lucid Blue Blockers come in three colours: Clear, Black and Tortoise Shell. The design of these blue light blockers is really what sets them apart from other brands, featuring somewhat of an aviator style with a thickened middle rim. The quality of these blue blockers is really noticeable when you compare them side by side to just about any other blue blocking glasses we have tried.

Best Style: True Dark Twilights Grey Tortoiseshell

The True Dark Twilights blue blockers are one of the more stylish blue blocking glasses on the market right now. Blue light blockers have come a long way from the industrial style, horrid looking glasses and most blue light blocking brands have put considerable effort into style and design, considering many people use these not just in the home anymore.

With more and more people using blue light blocking glasses at work while on devices, particularly when working after sunset hours, the desire for a stylish design like the True Dark blue light blockers is in demand.

The True Dark Grey Tortoiseshell blue light blockers are a similar design to the Block Blue Light Taylor Nightfall glasses, but seem to be about half the price, at $47.40USD compared to $129.95AUD.

The True Dark brand was created by Dave Asprey, who has a long standing passion in the biohacking world and continues to produce high quality wellness gear. The red lenses in the True Dark glasses block 98% of harmful blue light, making them a very small percentage less effective than the Dreamers and Block Blue Light glasses.

Best Budget: Bloomoak Blue Light Blockers Amazon

Blue light blocking glasses can be expensive for some, and there are definitely more budget options out there, although be aware of their quality. The Bloomoak Blue Light Blockers are the best blue blockers on Amazon, at a price of $38.65AUD.

This is a very manageable price, and is a strong investment for something that may improve your sleep quality out of sight if you are someone who frequently uses screens and devices after daylight and into the night or play video games often.

These blue light blockers have an ultra light thermoplastic frame and claim to block out 86% of harmful rays between 380-450nm.

Best Prescription: Bon Charge Morris Blue Blocking Glasses

Another brand offering a strong variety of wellness products including blue light blocking glasses is Bon Charge. Between the budget and the boojie, Bon Charge Morris are a mid rand pair of slim blue light glasses.

Bon Charge have a variety of light blocking glasses, but the Morris Blue Light Blockers are particularly designed for night time. These can be bought in non-prescription, prescription or readers, each with a different price.

Scientifically engineered to block out 100% of melatonin disrupting blue and green light between 400-550nm for improved sleep and regulated circadian rhythms, the Bon Charge Morris Blue Blockers have a tonne of positive reviews and also offer a 30 day risk free trial which gives you the option to try them and return if they are not for you.

How To Choose The Right Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Selecting the right blue light blocking lenses is crucial for getting the most out of their benefits. Here are factors to consider when choosing these lenses:

Filtering Capabilities: Look for blue light blocking lenses that are designed to filter or block a significant portion of blue light, particularly in the range of 400 to 500 nanometers, which is most relevant for digital eye strain and sleep disruption.

Quality and Durability: Invest in high-quality lenses from reputable manufacturers. Durable coatings and materials will ensure that your lenses remain effective and scratch-free over time.

Lens Tint: Blue light blocking lenses come in various tints, ranging from clear to slightly yellow or amber. Choose a tint that you find comfortable and suitable for your daily activities.

Prescription Needs: If you require prescription glasses, consult with your optometrist or eye care professional. Many prescription lenses can be customized with blue light blocking coatings.

Usage Habits: Consider your daily routine and habits. If you spend extensive time on digital devices or work under artificial lighting, you may benefit from full-time blue light blocking lenses. If not, occasional use during screen-intensive tasks or in the evening may suffice.

Cost and Budget: Blue light blocking lenses are available at various price points. While quality matters, there are affordable options that can provide effective blue light protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is blue light a concern?

Blue light, especially from screens, can lead to digital eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and potentially cause long-term eye health issues. It may also contribute to eye fatigue and headaches.

How do blue light-blocking glasses work?

Blue light blocking glasses use special coatings or filters on the lenses to absorb or block a portion of blue light. This reduces the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes, alleviating its adverse effects.

What are the benefits of wearing blue light blocking glasses?

Benefits may include reduced eye strain, improved sleep quality, decreased risk of digital eye strain symptoms, and long-term eye health preservation.

Do blue light blocking glasses work for everyone?

Blue light blocking glasses can benefit individuals who spend extended periods in front of screens or under artificial lighting. However, their effectiveness may vary depending on factors like lens quality and the individual's sensitivity to blue light.

Can I wear blue light blocking glasses all day?

While you can wear blue light blocking glasses throughout the day, it's not always necessary. The truth is, blue light during daylight hours is completely natural and beneficial, given off by the sun. Blue blocking glasses are most effective when used during extended screen time or in the evening to prevent sleep disruption. It's essential to take breaks from screens regardless of wearing blue light blocking glasses or not.

Are there any side effects of wearing blue light blocking glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses typically have no significant side effects. Some users may experience minor colour distortion, especially if the lenses have a strong tint. Adjusting to the new colour may take a short period.

Can I use blue light blocking glasses with prescription lenses?

Yes, many manufacturers offer blue light blocking coatings for prescription lenses. You can consult with your eye doctor or optometrist to discuss adding blue light protection to your prescription glasses.

Do blue light blocking glasses affect screen visibility or image quality?

Quality blue light blocking glasses should have minimal impact on screen visibility and image quality. High-quality coatings and materials ensure that your vision remains clear while reducing blue light exposure.

Are all blue light blocking glasses the same?

No, blue light blocking glasses vary in terms of quality, the percentage of blue light they block, and the specific wavelengths they target. It's essential to choose reputable brands or consult an eye care professional for guidance.

Can blue light blocking glasses replace regular sunglasses?

Blue light blocking glasses are not a substitute for sunglasses. Regular sunglasses protect against UV rays, while blue light glasses primarily target blue light from screens and artificial sources. You may need both depending on your environment and activities.

How do I clean and care for my blue light blocking glasses?

Clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the coatings. Store them in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches.

Do children need blue light blocking glasses?

Children who spend significant time on screens may benefit from blue light blocking glasses. Consult with a paediatric optometrist or eye care specialist for personalised recommendations.

Are there alternatives to blue light blocking glasses?

Other alternatives include reducing screen time, adjusting screen settings (such as reducing brightness and using night mode), and installing blue light filtering software on electronic devices.

Conclusion on Best Blue Light Blockers

If you are someone who regularly uses devices and screens in the evening hours, a good pair of blue light blockers could be a very small investment for improving your overall health by first targeting sleep quality.

Blue light blockers are a science based approach to improving sleep and there are handful of quality blue blocker in this article for a variety of needs. The overall best blue light blockers based on our research are the Block Blue Light Nightfall Taylors, which are a reasonable price, quality optical grade red lenses that block 100% of blue and green light, with a good selection of colour options.

If you have the budget, the Dreamers Blue blockers are at the higher end of the spectrum, but have a stylish aviator frame and unique DreamTech patent lenses. For a more budget approach, the best would be the Bon Charge or Amazon blue light blockers.