My day-time job requires me to stare at a computer screen for more than 6 hours on a normal workday. Starting about 2 months ago, I would wake up at 5 am to work on my blog for 2-3 hours before switching to my day-time job on the same desk (thanks to WFH). Adding up with mobile phone usage, my screen time total to more than 10 hours a day.
I am a true believer that you need to put in the hard work to make things happen. If it was easy, everybody would do it. But I am only a human. After two months, I started to develop eye strain – with dry eyes throughout the days.
I used eye drops day after day to comfort my eyes but it wasn’t working. Until one morning I felt my eyes were burning and I could not even look at the screen for more than 10 minutes, I knew I was stretching too far.
Orthopedist Gave Me No Surprise
Luckily I was able to make an appointment on the same day with an orthopedist within 20 minutes drive from my area. The best thing is that it was covered by my insurance plan. Long story short, the result shows my eyes were fine after a full checkup.
And my orthopedist gave me two advices to follow:
- Cut down screen time (this one is too obvious)
- Apply 20-20-20 rule – Look away over 20 feet for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time. (check healthline for detail)
I knew it was easier said than done. But I certainly need more than just that to protect my eyes.
Then Blue Light Glasses Came To Me
When I arrived home, my wife handed me a pair of blue light glasses she had for a couple of years. It was a cat-eye shaped, polyester frame in transparent purple.
I was not sure about them but I only knew I still had a lot of deadlines to chase in front of the computer screen. I set it aside and gave my eyes a break by not looking at the computer screen for the entire night.
What Happened When I Tried Blue Light Glasses For The First Day?
The next morning, I did followed the advice from my orthopedist to cut down screen time by skipping my 5 am routine. Then, I started wearing my wife’s blue light glasses for the workday at home. And I also followed the 20-20-20 rule as much as I could.
With those glasses on, the immediate effect was that the screen light felt warmer and softer. Usually my eyes sore after 10-20 minutes of computer work, and I had to apply eye drops to lubricate them.
But with the blue light glasses, I could work without my eyes feeling tired. I just know that my eyes don’t get as tired as I used to be.
Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work?
Out of curiosity, I did some research online to find out more about blue light glasses later that day.
Blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light with yellow-tint glasses. Blue light blocking glasses can block from 20% to 65% of blue light. The higher the blockage percentage, the yellower the lenses become.
And according to an American Academy of Ophthalmology report, “There’s really no evidence that [blue light glasses] help,” said Amir Mohsenin, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at UTHealth‘s McGovern Medical School.
But you know what, I said to myself, I really don’t care.
I just know they work for me.
The good news is, the amount of radiation coming from a computer has never been demonstrated to cause any eye disease. This is already a big relief for me.
After Just One Day – I Decided to Get A Pair Of My Own
The next day, I headed to Zoff near my area and got myself a pair of blue light glasses. They were labelled as “PC Glasses” packed in a nice little box ready to be used.
There were two levels of blue light blockage to choose from (30% and 50%). I picked a pair with 50% cut. It was sold at HKD480. ($61.50)
Right out of the box, they are ready to use and fit my face without the need for any adjustment. What I like the most about these glasses is the weight of 15g (0.53 oz). It is so light that sometimes I don’t even notice I have them on.
How I Use Blue Light Glasses?
My blue light glasses work best for my eyes when working in the dark. My eyes used to get tired easily looking at the computer screen especially at night or early in the morning when the room was darker than the screen.
These blue light glasses did a great job taming the screen light (blue light to be exact). And there is a very slight warmth when comparing a white section of a digital screen with the glasses on. With them, I do not have to use eye drops as often.
And since then, I have never been working in front of a computer screen without them.
How to Choose Blue Light Glasses?
With all being said, I do recommend blue light glasses for those who need to stare at the computer screen during their workday. When choosing the right pair of blue light glasses, here a few things you may need to be aware of:
- Frame material – frames are usually made of plastic, metal or a combination of both. Plastic is by definition lighter in weight and easier to maintain especially when you live in a humid area. At the end of the day, it is a matter of personal taste.
- Percentage of blue light blockage– Blue light blocking glasses with clear lenses can block from 20% to 65% of blue light. The higher the blockage percentage, the yellower the lenses become. You will need to check your retailer to see what option they have for you.
- Weight – If you are wearing them for most of the time during the day, weight is a main concern. Try them on to feel if you can. Or make sure you check the weight when you make your purchase online.
- Price – The price of blue light glasses can range from $9 to $300 a pair. And most of them are listed for $50-70. So if you are unsure, you may start with a pair in the lower price point and make your way up as you go.
- Return Policy – Chances are, like ordering apparel online, the glasses may not fit or are not exactly how you would like them to be. Be sure to choose from merchants with a free return policy.
Where to Buy Blue Light Glasses?
Of course, you can get blue glasses from your local store. And to save your time, I include here optical shops with dedicated pages on blue light glasses for your convenience. All of them accept online orders and provide full refund policy from 14 to 100 days.
1. SmartBuyGlasses
| SmartBuyGlasses | |
| Return Policy: | 100-Day |
| Warranty: | Exclusive 24-Months Warranty |
| Shipping: |
Standard Shipping, 5-8 working days, FREE Express Shipping, 1-2 working days, $10.40 |
2. Yes Glasses
Yes Glasses |
|
| Return Policy: | 14-Day refund or one-time replacement |
| Warranty: | 12-month warranty |
| Shipping: |
Standard Shipping (USPS): 7-14 business days, FREE Express Shipping (UPS/DHL/FedEx): 3-9 business days, $18.95 |
3. GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA |
|
| Return Policy: | Full refund, product exchange, or a 100% store credit, within 14 days after delivery |
| Warranty: | All frames have a 365-day manufacturer’s warranty |
| Shipping: |
Standard Shipping: 7-10 business days, FREE US Expedited Shipping: 5-7 business days, $9.95 US Express Shipping: 3-5 business days, $12.95 |
4. 39Dollar Glasses
39Dollar Glasses |
|
| Return Policy: | 30-Day Full Refund (less shipping) or 90 days full exchange or store credit |
| Warranty: | N/A |
| Shipping: |
USPS First Class: 1-5 days, $4.95 or FREE with orders over $99 USPS Priority Mail:1-3 days, $5.95 or $1 with orders over $99 |
Conclusion
After using blue light glasses for all my time in front of the computer screen for a month, my eyes didn’t get tired easily as I used to be. And I feel less eye strain after a month. Although it might have something to do with reducing screen time and following the 20-20-20 rule.
With all that being said, I do recommend blue light glasses for those who need to stare at the computer screen during their workday.
Blue Light Glasses FAQ
Where does blue light come from?The largest source of blue light is sunlight. Besides, there are many other sources:
Blue light exposure you receive from screens is small compared to the amount of exposure from the sun. And yet, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent looking at them. (Source) Is blue light harmful to my eyes?According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is no evidence that the kind or amount of light coming from computer screens is damaging to the eyes. And there is still no evidence that blue light from our devices would cause eye strain or even eye disease. How do blue light glasses work?Blue light makes your eyes work harder, which is why people who spend long hours in front of screens often complain of eyestrain and headaches. Blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light with yellow-tint glasses. How much blue light do blue light glasses block?Blue light blocking glasses with clear lenses can block from 20% to 65% of blue light. The higher the blockage percentage, the yellower the lenses become. Can I wear blue light glasses all day?Blue light blocking glasses only filter out blue light, they are fine to be worn all day long. Can you get blue light glasses with prescription?Yes. They’re available for prescription and non-prescription glasses. |
