Blue light glasses have been a huge hit over the past few years, thanks to their powerful lenses that are designed to block out a majority of harmful blue light, which can have a serious impact on eye health, and even your sleep pattern. But who would benefit from wearing the best glasses for gaming and computer work? These glasses can be worn any time of the day or night, for work, or play. If you’ve ever spent several hours staring at a computer screen, whether you have a desk job, or you’re an avid gamer, then you know the struggle is real when it comes to red eyes, eye strain, and even blepharitis.
At the end of the day, your eyes are fatigued, sore, slightly swollen, and you may even have to deal with excessive tearing. But what if there was a way you could enjoy your favorite video games, or get your work done, without the harsh punishment that comes at the end of the day in the form of eye pain and headaches? The solution is the best glasses for gaming and computer work. If you’ve never heard about these glasses, then they may be the solution you’ve been looking for. The glasses I’ll cover here can help to reduce the symptoms associated with eyestrain that’s linked to PCs, smartphones, TVs, and other types of digital device use.
Blue light can cause a wide range of symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, redness, swelling, and general pain and irritation. These symptoms are common for both the gamer and the people who have computer-based jobs. The constant exposure to blue light can cause the muscles in the eyes to contract constantly. There are some monitors out there that come equipped with a blue light filter, however, it’s near impossible to fully eliminate blue light exposure via a computer screen, which is where blue light glasses come in.
These tinted glasses work by contrasting against the light in order to block it out of the wearer’s spectrum of vision. The amber tint’s contrast works to relieve watery eyes, red eyes, fatigue, soreness, eye pain and headaches, and more. These glasses are relatively inexpensive, so even the professional or gamer on a tight budget can afford them. They also look very low-key, so you can wear them pretty much anywhere.
Recently, blue light blocking glasses have really exploded, providing those who work primarily on computers and gamers alike to hit that buy now button, in the hope of finally solving eyestrain and the many eye issues that accompany it. But because there are so many models on the market to choose from, narrowing it down and finding a pair that works for you based on how often you’re exposed to blue light, your budget, and your general eye health and eye health needs can be a process and one that will require plenty of research on your part.
But if you don’t have the time and you’d rather have an expert research and review many of the best-selling models, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve created a best-of list, which includes the top ten pairs of blue light glasses on the market. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that will explain the differences between each pair, which will make it easier for you to select the model that will work the best for you.
Table of Contents
Gaming Glasses Comparison Chart
| Product | Color | Blue light protection | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Gunnar Optics Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Amber | 450 NM | |
J+S Vision Blue Light Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Amber | 400-430NM | |
KLIM Optics Blue Light Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Yellow | 400NM | |
Gamma Ray Blue Light Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Amber | 400NM | |
Anima Computer/Gaming Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Clear | 380 NM | |
Noon Glasses Blue Light Shop On Amazon! | Clear/yellow | 290-390NM | |
Swannies Blue Light Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Orange | 400-460nm | |
Elements Active Fitover Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Amber | 450-520NM | |
PROSPEK Premium Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Yellow | 450nm | |
Altec Vision Blue Light Glasses Shop On Amazon! | Yellow | 400 nm |
Gunnar Optics Gaming Glasses
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These glasses by Gunnar are said to be the only pair of blue light blocking glasses on the market that come equipped with patented lens technology that’s doctor recommended and designed to enhance and protect the wearer’s vision. These glasses will help to prevent eye strain caused by digital devices such as computers, phones, and tablets. Unlike competing models, these glasses feature a peak blue light spectrum of four hundred and fifty nanometers. Not all glasses in this price bracket can provide this level of protection. The manufacturer claims that regular wear can help to prevent blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches and eye pain, and migraines. They will also protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. These glasses feature an ergonomic design that ensures user comfort and promotes regular wear. So, if you’re searching for the perfect glasses that can help to improve your performance at work or when you’re gaming, then hit that buy now button.
J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Computer Reading/Gaming Glasses
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The newest blue light shield glasses from J+S will protect your eyes from harmful artificial blue light and will work to boost eye health by preventing dry eyes, eye fatigue, headaches, and more. These glasses will block out ninety percent of blue light, which is pretty impressive, offering a range of four hundred to four hundred and thirty nanometers. Unlike competing models on the market that feature lenses that are heavily tinted, these glasses offer low color distortion that’s designed to boost viewing quality while protecting the eyes. While the glasses are available in only one lens color option, buyers can choose from seven frame designs. This allows you to choose a pair that’s flattering and works with your current style. Reasonably priced, comfortable to wear, and providing top protection from artificial blue light, you’ll find yourself constantly relying on these glasses in the workplace or for game time.
KLIM Optics Blue Light Blocking Glasses
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These glasses are designed to prevent headaches, eye fatigue, redness, swelling, general irritation, and promote eye health and wearer comfort. Regular use can also help to normalize your circadian cycle, which will improve your sleep and prevent restless nights that are a result of constant exposure to blue light. These glasses can filter out an impressive ninety-percent of blue light at four hundred nanometers, which is significantly higher than other models in this price range. Since these glasses only weigh in at just twenty grams, they promote longer use.
The manufacturer claims that the lenses are equipped with some of the strongest blue light filters on the market. The yellow-tinted lenses will also work well for outdoor use. However, since these glasses don’t come equipped with amber colored lenses, which work the best for artificial blue light, you may need to pass these glasses by if you’re looking for a model you can wear at the office that can provide maximum protection.
Gamma Ray Blue Light Blocking Glasses
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These lightweight glasses are equipped with powerful amber lenses, which offer top of the line protection against artificial and natural blue light. These glasses are designed to eliminate eyestrain, redness, irritation, excessive tearing and also provide UV400 protection, in addition to glare reduction. The ultra-light frames are perfect for all-day use, however, despite the lighter weight, they offer a flexible, durable design. They also feature magnification power ranging from 0.00x up to 250x. Blue light protection comes in at ninety percent, or four hundred nanometers, which is the standard for glasses in this price range. The lack of frame design options may be a drawback for some potential buyers who want a low-key look or the ability to choose frames that will work for their personal style.
Anima Computer/Gaming Blue Light Glasses
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The Anima glasses offer ultimate protection against blue light and harmful UV rays. The glasses are designed to increase eye comfort for gaming, computer use, or protection from blue light due to constant use of other types of digital devices such as TVs, tablets, smartphones, and more. However, unlike competing models, these glasses only offer fifty-two percent protection, while other brands claim their glasses can provide ninety percent protection from blue light. While these glasses don’t offer the type of protection some users may be looking for, they do come equipped with CR39 lenses, a heavy-duty frame, and amber-tinted lenses.
In terms of blue light frequency, the manufacturer states that the glasses can block out three hundred and eighty nanometers, which is also lower than average. Overall, these glasses have a reputation for providing better than average protection from blue light, but if you need glasses you can wear all day long at the office, then you may want to opt for a stronger pair.
Noon Glasses Blue Light Glasses
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The Noon Glasses blue light glasses protect the eyes from natural and artificial blue light, and harmful UV rays. They feature a lightweight design and are shock-resistant, dust-proof, and waterproof. They come equipped with transparent lenses or yellow lenses, which makes it easier to see in bright light conditions. The clear lenses have a two hundred and ninety-nanometer rating, while the yellow-tinted lenses offer a three hundred and ninety-nanometer rating, which shows you how much protection these glasses can provide against blue light frequency. Obviously, the yellow lens option provides much better protection, however, the clear lens glasses offer improved visibility in bright light conditions.
Swannies Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
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Blue light glasses do more than just help to minimize eye discomfort associated with eyestrain, dry eyes, and chronic redness. These glasses can help to improve your sleep since constant exposure to blue light can have a negative impact on the amount of melatonin released in the body. These glasses will protect the eyes from harmful blue light from gaming, computer use, smartphones, and other types of digital devices. These glasses feature acetate frames that have a sleek, lightweight design that promotes all-day use. In terms of blue light protection, these glasses have a range of four hundred to four hundred and sixty nanometers. They’re also registered with the FDA and come with a one hundred percent money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the results. These glasses are available in one frame design and come equipped with orange lenses that are anti-glare and anti-reflective.
Elements Active Fitover Anti-Blue Blocking Computer Glasses
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These glasses are FDA certified and are safe to wear over your regular prescription glasses. They’re designed to provide top of the line protection from blue light sources including TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers. The amber lenses will block out blue light more effectively compared to competing models and can help to minimize eyestrain, migraines, headaches, eye irritation, eye pain, and redness. The redesigned flexible frames make the glasses comfortable to wear all day long, thanks partially to the lightweight design.
These are not just your average lenses with a special coating. Instead, the lenses are made using a special polymer with blue-light blocking capabilities. This means that the blue light blocking power will not fade over time. The lenses can filter out over ninety-five percent of blue light for a wavelength frequency that ranges from four hundred and fifty to five hundred and twenty nanometers. Typically, your average yellow lenses can only block out ninety percent of blue light, which is why the manufacturer chose the amber lenses, which offer ultimate protection.
PROSPEK Premium Computer Glasses
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The Prospek premium blue light glasses are top of the line. They also feature eight magnification options ranging from +1.00 to +3.00. Unlike some competing models, these glasses are not equipped with harsh yellow lenses, instead, these glasses feature a light yellow tint that’s said to offer ultimate protection. However, studies have shown that amber tinted or deep red lenses provide the best protection, so if you’re looking for blue light blocking glasses that can be worn all day at the office, you may need to choose another pair, one that can provide better protection. These glasses are covered by a lifetime warranty, which will give potential buyers more confidence in this purchase considering the manufacturer stands behind its product.
Altec Vision Blue Light Blocking Glasses
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Buyers will get two pairs of blue light blocking glasses for the price of one. The glasses are equipped with amber tinted lenses, which are said to provide ultimate protection against blue light. The thin, lightweight frames are durable and comfortable for all-day use. The lenses can also provide ninety percent blue light protection and UV protection and are dustproof and shock-resistant. The anti-glare design will also improve user visibility, whether you’re indoors or out. In terms of magnification power, buyers can choose from 1.00x up to 2.00x. Overall, these glasses feature the type of ergonomic design many buyers are looking for, especially gamers, or people with computer-based jobs who are in need of glasses that can be used all day long.
Gaming Glasses Buyer’s Guide
These glasses are used to protect the eyes from the glare of TV screens and computer screens. They prevent headaches that are caused by blue light, a common issue that people who game run into if they enjoy playing for more than an hour or two at a time. The amber-colored lenses work by increasing the contrast of the colors on the screen and are anti-reflective, which helps in terms of creating more protection for the eyes. Most models are scratch-resistant and dust repellent.
Lens Colors
These powerful glasses are used to protect the eyes from the glare of the laptop or television screen, smartphones, tablets, and basically any type of digital device. The glasses work by preventing headaches caused by constant blue light exposure and other types of eye-related issues ranging from redness and swelling to migraines. These glasses will also protect the eyes from natural blue light exposure, which will be a big plus for those who work outdoors.
The lenses are the key feature of the glasses and they work by using light blocking technology. Many companies now offer these glasses with lenses available in a broad range of colors such as yellow or deep red. Each color will come with its own pros and cons both in terms of what time of day they can be worn and the percentage of light they are able to block.
- Yellow glasses are often recommended for daytime use. Because blue light is actually important to your health, blocking out all of it during the day isn’t necessary. These lighter lenses will allow for a higher percentage of light to pass through, however, some will also work to block UV rays. This is crucial to reduce eyestrain while limiting natural light exposure.
- Deep red lenses offer a variety of health benefits. The goal of these glasses is to protect the eyes from artificial blue light and balance the visible color spectrum. Both amber and red are perfect for people who are constantly exposed to blue light, such as gamers and people with computer-based jobs. These glasses may protect the eyes from artificial light, but they can still allow the wearer to differentiate between colors.
- Amber-colored lenses provide the most blue light protection. They can also block out one hundred percent of UV rays, which makes them great for day and nighttime wear. However, some doctors argue that since these glasses do such an excellent job of blocking out blue light, you may want to avoid wearing them at all times when you’re outdoors, in order to experience some of the benefits that natural blue light offers.
Blue Light Filtering Technology
The primary goal of these glasses is to prevent eyestrain caused by constant exposure to computer screens, TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other techy devices. These glasses can also be used to protect the eyes from constant exposure to natural blue light, so they’ll be a great choice if you do a lot of camping, hiking, or even when you’re spending a few hours working in the yard.
These glasses do so by:
- Increasing the contrast of colors on the screen
- Making visuals appear larger on your PC or TV
- A snug fit that helps to prevent the air from causing dry eyes
People who have computer-based jobs or those who game often should consider using these glasses, especially if they experience the following symptoms often:
- Red eyes
- Drainage
- Swelling around the eyes
- Headaches
- Excessive tearing
- Tenderness around the eyes
- Aching eyes
- Blurred vision after several hours of exposure to blue light
Regular use of these blue light glasses can offer a wide range of benefits, by preventing:
- Dry eyes
- Chronic tension headaches
- Eyestrain
- Swelling
- General irritation
- Eye discharge
Filter Rating
These glasses are designed to absorb blue light that’s emitted by digital devices or the sun. These lenses don’t exactly block the light out completely and instead absorb a large portion of it, at around seventy to ninety-five percent. This percentage tends to vary from model to model. Higher priced glasses will offer more protection, allowing you to work or game comfortably, for hours. Lower priced models tend to only filter out about fifteen to forty percent of blue light. If you need protection for outdoor use only, then you can get by with a lower protection rating, whereas the gamer or office worker will need a higher level of protection.
Outdoor Use
You can wear these glasses anywhere, and not just when you’re looking at a digital screen. They can also be helpful if you wear them outdoors. Since they block out blue light, they can improve your vision and boost clarity outdoors, especially in bright sunlight.
Lens Quality
High-quality lenses are important. To determine whether or not the glasses you want offer the type of protection you need, you’ll first need to pay attention to the percentage of blue light these glasses are able to absorb. Lenses that are able to filter out over eighty percent will be perfect for those with computer-based jobs or gamers who spend more than two hours a day staring at the TV.
UV protection is another indicator of quality. Top of the line glasses will provide one hundred percent protection from the sun. Many models are also able to minimize glare. Lens material and durability will be another factor you’ll want to consider and a major one if you’re looking for glasses you can wear daily.
Material
Some glasses will come equipped with cheap, thin plastic lenses that don’t work for very long and need to be replaced frequently. Others are made from high-quality materials that are designed to repel scratches, grease, and dirt, naturally. So, like with anything in life, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for glasses that are designed to last, expect to pay more.
Filter Design
There are a couple of different types of protection techniques used during the design process. The protection can be applied as a finishing coat or it can be directly applied to the material in the lenses. While both techniques are said to be effective, most researchers can agree that the second method is more effective. Studies have proven as much and have concluded that models that have protective materials added directly to the lenses are able to filter four to six times more blue light compared to glasses that have a blue light filter coating.
Prescription Glasses
These glasses are also available by prescription, but these days, you can purchase a pair online from a reputable retailer. Now, ordering a pair online is easier than ever. Thanks to the rise in popularity of these glasses, you’ll find no shortage of models to choose from.
While the over the counter glasses are not quite as strong as prescription-strength, many of the higher-priced models can offer comparable protection. Over the counter blue light glasses that don’t feature magnification can be worn directly over your glasses, however, comfort may be an issue, due to the snug fit of the gaming glasses.
How These Glasses Can Improve Your Gaming Experience
If you’ve found that eyestrain and fatigue have had a negative impact on your gaming performance, then these glasses can help. Wearing these glasses can give you the edge you need after spending several hours in front of the TV. Since they provide better clarity and a higher contrast, you’ll be able to react faster and better. Additionally, they have a magnifying effect and reduce eye strain and fatigue, so you can play better, for longer.
But as I mentioned earlier, wearing these glasses will not only improve your performance, but they also offer some great health benefits.
The Impact of Constant Exposure to Blue Light
Despite the fact that blue light is considered environmentally friendly, it’s been known to cause a wide range of symptoms and conditions, such as insomnia. People need blue wavelengths during the day since they can help to elevate the mood and improve mental focus. The main source of blue light comes from the sun, especially early in the morning. At night, the body’s pineal glands will release a hormone called melatonin, which sends a signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep. When a person is constantly exposed to blue light, whether it’s from a TV, PC, or the sun, their body’s ability to produce melatonin is negatively impacted. Did you know that certain diseases are attributed to constant exposure to blue light? Studies have shown that this type of constant exposure can lead to obesity and diabetes due to increased blood sugar levels.
Why These Glasses Aren’t Just for Gaming
While the name gaming glasses may lead people to believe that these glasses are solely designed for gaming use, they’re not. In fact, if you have a desk job, you’re a student, or you’re constantly hooked to your phone or TV, you can definitely benefit from wearing these glasses since you’re also constantly exposed to blue light.
Did you know that over eighty percent of Americans spend over two hours every day either watching TV or staring at some type of digital screen? A high percentage of sixty percent of these people also admit to using two or more digital screen devices simultaneously. Because of this, a staggering thirty-five percent suffer from dry eye symptoms, insomnia, eye strain, red eyes, and other related symptoms.
The Effects of the Digital Age
If you’ve ever stared at your TV until your eyes started hurting, then you’ve experienced overexposure to blue light. Most people have experienced this type of discomfort at some point. Healthcare professionals claim that this type of discomfort and eye strain can be attributed to many different things. For instance, even if you’ve slept a solid eight hours, the rest you’ve given your eyes can rapidly diminish once you’re in front of a TV or your computer screen. Most people aren’t aware that the frequency in which they blink is reduced by as much as sixty percent when using devices such as their phone, computer, or tablet. This reduction in blinking can lead to headaches, blurry vision, red eyes, and dry eyes.
Additionally, the death of photoreceptors can occur. This results in permanent damage and it’s a common side effect caused by constant exposure to blue light. Whether it’s due to ignoring the urge to blink, straining your eye muscles, or frequent exposure to UV rays, studies have shown that too much screen time can be dangerous if you fail to protect your eyes.
Fortunately, these glasses can provide the type of protection you need to keep your eyes healthy, prevent your eyes from drying out and can even work wonders in terms of protecting your eyes from the glare in a brightly lit room. This is accomplished by innovative designs that focus on alleviating and preventing many of the symptoms linked to too much exposure to digital screens. Since these glasses fit snuggly on the face they will also help to trap humidity, which can keep the eyes moist, preventing them from drying out. This can help to solve chronic dry eye syndrome.
Blue Light and Insomnia
Constant exposure to blue light can have the biggest impact on your sleep, especially when you compare it to other wavelengths. This is because blue light works to increase alertness, so it’s mainly delivered via the sun. Blue light tells the brain that it’s daytime. Any time you’re outside you’ll experience a large amount of blue light exposure.
Bright rays of sunlight, combined with a blue sky can feel good, but too much exposure can have a negative impact. The body utilizes blue light in order to naturally time the body’s sleep schedule. With this type of constant exposure to artificial light or sunlight, it can trick the brain into holding onto melatonin. Many people who suffer from insomnia who begin using gaming glasses have finally found relief because of their reduced exposure to blue light.
Exposure to blue light will have a disastrous impact on the quality of your sleep, which is why doctors and scientists often recommend abstaining from watching TV or staring at your phone before bed.
Macular Degeneration
This is a condition that results in reduced vision or blurred vision in the center of the visual field. In severe cases, it can lead to total blindness. But in most cases, it will simply make it difficult to recognize faces, makes it difficult to read, and generally lower’s a person’s quality of life. It can also be a major problem for people with computer-based jobs. The most common form of macular degeneration is referred to as age-related macular degeneration. However, recent studies have been able to closely link blue light exposure to macular degeneration.
This condition is caused by damage to the portion of the eye that gives high-resolution and vibrant colors to central vision. This part of the eye is called the macula. Constant exposure to blue light is harmful to the photoreceptor cells in the eye, and can actually kill these cells that allow you to see clearly. Once these cells have died off, that’s the end of them. They cannot be revived, repaired, and they don’t ever come back.
Since these cells are required in order for a person to experience high-resolution vision and vibrant colors, constant exposure can lead to major medical problems later down the line. If you spend more than two to three hours working on your PC, then you’re definitely at risk of developing medical conditions later down the line. Unfortunately, age-related macular degeneration is not rare, with more than two million people diagnosed every year, making it one of the most common visual impairment conditions in the country.
Who Should Wear Blue Light Glasses?
These glasses will work for everyone, whether you’re on your phone all day, you work on a computer, or if you game a lot in your spare time. These glasses are mainly marketed towards the avid gamer since gamers often use their TVs or PCs for several hours at a time, but these glasses will work just as well for the office worker, graphic designer, writer, or anyone who regularly spends a prolonged period of time exposed to blue light.
Regularly wearing these glasses will improve your gaming, help you to work better, sleep better, and enjoy playing on digital devices for several hours at a time without pain and discomfort. Wearing these glasses is crucial for the office worker who spends eight to twelve hours on their computer every day. People who have a desk job can easily spend more than ten hours staring at a screen daily, which can lead to a variety of vision problems.
Summing it Up
If the glasses you buy aren’t comfortable to wear for a long period of time, then the odds are that you’re not going to wear them often. So, comfort should be at the top of your list of priorities when you’re shopping for a pair of blue light glasses. Aside from fit, comfort can also refer to the percentage of blue light the glasses block out and whether or not the glasses provide magnification. Now that you’ve learned more about the benefits of wearing these gaming glasses and how they can help to reduce eyestrain, boost eye health, and prevent vision complications later down the line, remember to look for the following features to ensure you have glasses that can deliver the type of protection you need:
Blue light blocking power-All light is measured in wavelengths, with blue light existing between two hundred and eighty and five hundred and ten nanometers. However, more intense light is between four hundred and four hundred and thirty nanometers. Any pair of blue light glasses should clearly indicate the percentage of light that it’s able to block, in addition to the range they’re blocking.
Fit-Because these glasses are relatively new, there isn’t a wide variety of designs available, at least when compared to sunglasses or prescription glasses. Because of this, finding a pair of frames that you love can be tricky. Most manufacturers also tend to offer a one size fits all model that can make it difficult for some people to find a pair that’s comfortable and won’t slip down on the bridge of their nose. Make sure you pay close attention to the product’s dimensions before you buy.
Style-If you plan on wearing these glasses all day long, then you need a pair that vibes with your style. Some of the top brands offer an extensive product line that includes a variety of colors, styles, and shapes.
Color-The color of the lenses is also important in terms of effectiveness and aesthetics. The color of the lenses offers a different blue light blocking capability, so choose the lens color based on the level of protection you need and whether you plan to mainly wear the glasses indoors or outdoors.
Prescription-There are prescription strength models available. If you’re suffering from severe dry eye syndrome, you might want to opt for this level of protection since these glasses may be more comfortable for you to wear if you already wear prescription glasses.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons to buy the best glasses for gaming and computer use, aside from the fact that can soothe the eyes and prevent eyestrain. Whether your family has a medical history of cataracts, you work on a computer for several hours a day, or you enjoy unwinding by playing video games for several hours after work, there are a variety of glasses to choose from that offer different levels of protection from harmful UV rays and natural and artificial blue light. With the help of this buyer’s guide and my reviews of many of the best-selling models available, you should have no trouble finding a pair that will work for you and your work or gaming needs.
