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In this digital age, there’s hardly a day goes by that we don’t spend a few hours in front of a computer screen. And if we’re not on the computer, we’re staring at our phones. All of that screen time can be hard on our eyes, which is why it’s a good idea to pick up a pair of computer glasses. These handy little specs not only shield your eyes from harmful screen glare, they’ll look great, too.
What are computer glasses?
Computer glasses are made especially for looking at screens. Rather than magnifying objects, like reading glasses would, or helping to correct your vision, like prescription lenses, these peepers are designed to reduce screen glare that can cause eye strain, increase contrast, and block high energy blue light, which can be damaging to eyes.
If you do wear corrective eyeglasses, you can have them made with lenses that incorporate screen protection (just ask your optometrist).
What is blue light?
To be clear, blue light is not always a bad thing — and that’s lucky, because it’s all around us! The sun, for instance, is a source of blue light, and blue light wavelengths are the reason the sky is blue.
Blue light also helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, making us sleepy at night and keeping us more alert in the daytime. In addition, blue light can boost our mood with special blue light therapy lamps acting as an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Other sources of blue light include electronic devices, LED lighting, fluorescent lighting, and digital screens.
Why is blue light dangerous?
While blue light can be a great regulator and mood-booster, it’s not so awesome for your eyes — particularly when absorbed for lengthy periods of time. Blue light from digital devices can penetrate the cornea (even through regular eyeglasses), directly entering the macular area of the eye, which can injure the retina, cause eye strain, make your eyes feel gritty, and even adversely affect sleep.
Other symptoms of prolonged blue light exposure can include headaches, fatigue, general eye irritation, blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, watery or dry eyes, and trouble focusing.
Do I need to wear computer glasses?
Blue light-reducing glasses have been proven to alleviate eye fatigue, so if you spend more than an hour a day on your devices (as most of us do), it’s a good idea to wear them.
Even if you think your eyes are fine, and you’re not constantly squinting at the screen, rubbing your watery eyes, or getting headaches from too much time spent on the computer, it’s smart to take the precaution to protect your vision from the glare of computer monitors, tablets, and smartphones.
The Best Computer Glasses for Women
Convinced you should be wearing a pair of these? You’re in luck: We’ve already done the hard work of looking for an affordable and stylish pair for you. What’s more, they’re all under $100. Keep scrolling to shop FIRST for Women’s picks for the best computer glasses for women.
Just because they're computer glasses doesn't mean they have to be boring! These anti-reflective spectacles from Eyekepper, which meet FDA-standards for blue light-blockers and exceed that of the European Union, come in eight bright colors, so you're not likely to lose them! They have a sturdy, plastic frame, and come with a cleaning cloth and a case.
If you need some magnification when you're looking at your screen, try this pair from Eyekepper, which double as computer and reading glasses: The tinted lenses will obliterate blue light and keep eyes safe from the harmful glare of electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and TVs, and they come in seven different powers.
We're loving this pair of round, blue light-blocking computer glasses by DONNA. With slender arms, these resin spectacles look vintage, but they serve a very modern purpose — reducing eye strain during prolonged computer exposure. Users noted significant improvement in dry-, sticky-, and gritty-feeling eyes. Lightweight and durable, they also have a scratch-resistant coating.
These eyeglasses by Simvey are made with an amber lens tint and anti-glare coating to provide sharper, clearer vision. They're also super lightweight, flexible, and have maximum durability for longterm use. Most importantly, however, they block 90 percent of high-energy blue light, so they'll keep your eyes plenty protected.
This pair of eye protectors will not only block blue light from reaching your eyes, they're designed with an enhanced nose pad that will allow you to truck through your work day with ease.
What's more, reviewers say they really work, with one writing, "I work an office job and pretty much stare at a computer for the entire day. My eyes were starting to feel strained and regular reading glasses were not solving my issue. I heard in passing someone mention [these glasses] and thought I'd give them a shot. At the end of the day my eyes are not as red and they don't feel so tired. I get compliments all the time on the clear style. I like them so much that I wear them even when I am not staring at a computer!"
Making for an easy way to block 90 percent of harmful blue light rays are these J&S specs with low-color distortion, which means they've got a great balance between eye protection and viewing quality.
If the review by an Amazon customer is anything to go by, these glasses really help relieve eyestrain and look good, too: "These really do work, I can see them reflecting blue light back out, and looking at a screen is noticeably less harsh," she wrote. "I've only had one headache in a week since using these, as opposed to having one every day before, and my eyes feel so much healthier and more focused. I'm seriously blown away by how much of a help these have been. Not only that, but they look pretty cute too."
These cat-eye glasses by Eyekepper are a prime example of a model that's both chic and incredibly helpful in protecting the eyes. The patented, multi-layered coating is designed specifically to reduce glare, reflect blue light away from the user, and relieve long-term eye strain caused by excessive use of electronic devices. They also have a lifetime breakage warranty on both frames and lenses, so you won't have to worry about accidentally dropping them!
Reduced glare? Check. Massive reduction of blue light? Check. Anti-UV? Check. Anti-fog? Check. What more could you want from your computer glasses? Well, these orange-tinted glasses actually double as sleep glasses — safe and comfortable sleep aids that encourage natural sleep by counteracting the insomnia-inducing effects of computers. The company also offers a lifetime breakage warranty on frames and lenses, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
Foster Grant created a patented blue-cut coating for these eyeglasses that blocks up to 29 percent of harmful blue ray light. They also feature anti-reflective properties and SmartFocus technology — a slight enhancement to the lower portion of the lenses that will help eyes to stay relaxed. Plus, they're scratch-resistant, so you don't have to worry about accidentally shoving them in your bag without a protective case.
For something a little more fun, why not try this pair of bright computer eyeglasses by Blueberry? Blocking an impressive 100 percent of UV rays, they feature frames that are made from premium plastic and lenses cut from custom resin for long-lasting durability. They come in 12 fun shades, so there's something for everyone, and the versatile style will suit most face shapes.
Your eyes work hard all day long, and when you spend hours in front of a digital device, your eye muscles are begging for a break. These specs by Gunnar Optiks are designed to do just that. The exclusive design blocks 65 percent of blue light (100 percent of UV) and reduces eye strain while increasing contrast, protection, focus, and clarity.
These new, clear, scratch-resistant, acetate computer glasses by Verona Love are as chic as they come, with options for a black or tortoiseshell frame, and the fit suits all face shapes and sizes. They also just so happen to filter out 90 percent of the blue light that can wreak havoc on your eyesight, earning them a stamp of approval by the FDA.
Where to buy: From $32.68 (Originally $38.45),Amazon
The lenses on this stylish pair of Prospek computer glasses won’t distort screen colors, blocking only 50 percent of all blue light, while letting other spectrums through for optimal viewing experience. They come with or without magnification and have a lifetime warranty.
If you like the half-rim subtle glasses look, then this is the pair of computer glasses for you. Reviewers say that in addition to their sleek style, they also offer the perfect mix between magnification and glare-blocking.
"The lenses are excellent," wrote one happy customer. "The lenses are perfect ... [they] offer both intensity and prevention of eye strain. The hard case with its lens cloth is well-made and easily fits in a computer case. Very convenient. Not expensive for the quality."
Fed up with carrying bulky cases for all of your glasses? This folding pair, which all but obliterate blue rays, will be a breath of fresh air. They fold into a pocket-size carrying case and come with magnification up to 2.75+.
"Convenient to carry so they can always be with you," raved one happy buyer. "Really flexible. Solid value."
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