If you find yourself rubbing your dry, red eyes at the end of the day, it could be from the many hours spent looking at screens. Checking emails, scrolling Instagram, adding deals to your cart, and watching videos might be normal parts of your day, but they can take a toll. That's because the blue light emitted by phones and computers can cause eye dryness, blurred vision, and, in extreme cases, cataracts.
Luckily, protecting your eyes from this short-wavelength light isn't as difficult as it might seem. While the most obvious solution would be to swear off technology entirely, it’s safe to say that that’s pretty unrealistic for most people. (Last time we tried, we only lasted about 12 hours!) Although we must admit, living unplugged in a cozy cabin in the wilderness doesn’t sound like a bad idea some days...
What do blue light-blocking glasses do?
But, back to reality: Blue light-blocking glasses are a much more convenient way to protect your precious eyes while you scroll, work, and read. These glasses have a special coating on the lenses that can help block light, potentially preventing eye damage. Plus, they can even help you sleep better, since blue light can mess with your circadian rhythm — and we’re all guilty of a little late-night doom scrolling.
But do blue light-blocking glasses really work?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, blue light glasses won’t necessarily solve all your eye woes. While these lenses block blue light, they can’t prevent screen fatigue from staring at a small screen for hours at a time. Remember to take breaks while working or scrolling, and always go to an eye doctor if you have persistent eye issues.
That said, wearing blue-light-blocking glasses can help in some ways, making them worth the investment. If you’re curious about buying a pair of your own, here are some options that you can get with your prescription (for readers) or with no prescription at all — including the pair you'll always see Katie wearing.
The Best Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Caddis Miklos Glasses
Caddis
Katie cannot live without her glasses from Caddis (she even designed a pair with the brand in honor of her Going There tour), and most of the brand’s styles have the option for blue light lenses. The Miklos is Katie’s go-to because it’s bold without feeling too flashy, and the thick frame compliments most faces.
EyeBuyDirect Prism
EyeBuyDirect
These are the glasses that commerce editor Katie P. has been wearing for the past couple of years. She loves the classic tortoiseshell, and the fact that the shape accommodates her funky lenses. “I’m near-sighted in one eye and far-sighted in the other, so my lenses are actually different thicknesses,” she says. “You don’t notice the difference in size in these, unlike in metal frames.”
Caddis Mabuhay Glasses
Caddis
Lately, Katie's been wearing this Caddis frame with tinted lenses. She says she feels like Gloria Steinem whenever she puts them on. They won’t feel heavy on your face, and Katie says they’re especially gentle behind the ears.
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses 3-Pack
Amazon
Prone to losing your glasses? Grab this affordable set of three from Amazon. There are 19 varieties to choose from, including neutrals and patterns, so you're pretty much guaranteed to find a set that works for your style. Plus, they're lightweight enough to keep you comfortable while you scroll.
Zenni Square Glasses
Zenni
Who says glasses can't be fun? Maximalists will love the bright hibiscus pink color of these glasses (although neutral options are also available). Level up your accessory game further by adding a fun and flashy glasses chain to keep them close.
Freyrs Lulu Glasses
Freyrs
Bright colors are an obvious choice if you want to make a statement, but opting for an innovative shape is even more unexpected. These oversized square glasses come in three subtly patterned colors for a fun and trendy look, plus are made of biodegradable acetate.
LensDirect Camden Glasses
LensDirect
Remember the cool English teacher you had in high school who was always rocking trendy frames? They would’ve worn these. With its semi-rimless style, these glasses will open up the area under your eyes and accentuate your brows.
Benicci Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Amazon
For minimalists, these black frames will do the trick. They look good on pretty much any face shape, and have no colored hardware, so you won’t need to match your accessories to a certain hue. They're feather-light, too, so you won’t find yourself constantly pushing them up your nose throughout the day.
