Blue Light Glasses for Computers: How They Work & Our Picks

If you stare at your computer screen for several hours a day, you’re at risk of developing issues like digital eye strain and difficulty sleeping at night.

Here’s the thing: Your computer screen emits high-energy blue light; the same light that you receive from the sun during daytime.

The only difference is that you don’t need it after sunset; continuous exposure to artificial blue light coming from your computer screen is problematic.

In this guide, you’ll learn why you need to protect your eyes from artificial blue light (Especially at night), why blue light glasses help, and more.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Blue Light?

It’s part of the visible white light spectrum; blue light falls into the short wavelength, high-energy part between roughly 400 - 500 nm.

Natural sunlight consists of blue light, but that serves a purpose; it regulates our sleep/wake cycles (Circadian rhythms).

On the flip side, LED screens like that of your computer, emit blue light too. If you use a computer at night, you’re at risk of developing issues our ancestors didn't have.

Why Blue Light From Computers Matters

Eye strain and sleep disruption are most likely the most problematic side effects of blue light exposure.

Staring at a computer screen for several hours can make your eyes work harder; blue light tends to reduce contrast and cause tiredness.

Plus, if you’re using a computer screen without effective protection at night, blue light can suppress your sleep hormone (Melatonin), making it hard to fall asleep.

Do Blue Light Glasses for Computers Actually Work?

The short answer is yes. However, it also depends on the problem you’re trying to solve. If blue light exposure isn’t the primary cause of your eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and sleeplessness, blue light glasses alone might not help.

Note that research on the effectiveness of blue light glasses for digital eye strain is limited. However, since these glasses also reduce glare and improve the overall screen experience, they’re worth trying for reducing eye strain.

There’s some evidence to back up the ability of these glasses to regulate sleep since they block the sleep-disrupting blue light. However, also note that computers aren’t the only source of blue light.

There are other sources as well, including your mobile phone and overhead fluorescent lights. This means you need a more comprehensive approach to blue light protection.

How to Choose the Right Blue Light Glasses for Computer Use

Of course, not all blue light glasses are right for you; here are the features to look out for and why they matter:

Feature	Why It Matters
Filter strength / spectrum	The more blue light (especially the shorter end, ~400-450 nm) blocked, the more effective.
Lens tint vs. clarity	Some lenses are clear (less color distortion) but often block less; others are tinted, which block more but change color perception.
Frame comfort & fit	You’ll probably wear these for hours; lightweight materials, good padding, proper fit make them comfortable.
Coatings (anti-glare, scratch resistant)	Reduce glare from screens, maintain lens clarity over time.
Price & warranty	Sometimes paying a bit more gets you better materials and better filtering specs. A warranty makes your purchase less risky.

When to Wear Them

You don’t need to wear blue light glasses 24/7. Here’s when they can help:

Working on the computer for long periods (especially in a dim or artificially lit room)
Using screens 1 - 2 hours before bed
Gaming, streaming, or watching video content late at night

Blue Light Glasses vs Built-in Screen Filters / Night Mode

You might think, “Why not just use the night mode on my device?”. While that helps:

Device filters aren’t always effective; they often shift color temperature. So even if you’re using them, glare and stray light can still reach your eyes
Screen filters vary in strength, and are often inconsistent across devices
You’ll have to use a filter on all of your devices; protective glasses block blue light from all possible sources (Including fluorescent bulbs)

Product Picks from Sleepzm.com

Not sure where to find the best blue light glasses for computers? Here are a couple of great options from Sleepzm:

Daytime Wayfarer Blue Light Computer Glasses

Daytime wayfarer blue light computer glasses from Sleepzm

Blocks 45% of harmful blue light to reduce eye strain and fatigue
100% UV400 protection plus anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings
Lightweight TR90 frame for durable, all-day comfort
Preserves color accuracy for work and entertainment
Stylish unisex Wayfarer design fits any look

Learn More

Daytime Wayfarer Blue Light Computer Glasses - Crystal

Daytime wayfarer blue light computer glasses crystal

Filters 45% of blue light to reduce strain and fatigue
100% UV400 protection plus anti-glare and anti-radiation coatings
Crystal-clear lenses preserve natural color accuracy
Lightweight, hypoallergenic TR90 frame ensures lasting comfort
Trendy transparent Wayfarer design for a modern look

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Blue Light Glasses Work During the Day?

Yes, but their main purpose is to block the artificial blue light from digital screens. The light that causes sleep disruption by affecting the natural production of our sleep hormone, melatonin.

Are Children and Teens Okay Using Them?

Generally, yes. If a child or teenager has to use screens, blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain and may improve sleep habits.

How Long Should I Wear Them Per Day?

The amount of time you should wear blue light glasses depends on your screen exposure. Their best use case is after sunset when you want to protect your eyes from sleep disrupting blue light.

Do Expensive Ones Perform Better than Budget Ones?

Expensive glasses often have better filter coatings and higher-quality lenses & frame materials. But mid-price options are also worth considering if specs and customer reviews are good.

Conclusion

If you spend a good portion of your evenings or nights in front of a computer, blue light glasses can benefit you in several ways.

They may reduce eye fatigue, make you feel more comfortable during long screen sessions, and help you fall asleep more easily.

You might not need the strongest blue light filter, but if you use your computer before bedtime, stronger blocking is more helpful.