Looking to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light? Prescription blue light glasses might be just what you need. Like a shield for your vision, these glasses filter out the potentially harmful blue light emitted by digital screens.
But how much do they cost? In this article, we’ll discuss what you can expect to pay for a pair of Rx blue light glasses – and whether you even need them!
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What are Prescription Blue Light Glasses?
Prescription blue light glasses are glasses that correct your vision but also reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
By filtering out the blue light wavelength, they can help alleviate eye strain, improve sleep quality, and prevent potential long-term damage.
They’re useful for anyone who spends a significant amount of time in front of computer screens or digital devices.
Benefits of Wearing Prescription Blue Light Glasses
Wearing prescription blue light glasses can reduce digital eye strain and improve your overall visual comfort when using digital devices for long periods.
They work by blocking or filtering out the harmful blue light emitted by screens, alleviating symptoms such as irritation, headache and fatigue.
They can also improve sleep quality by minimizing blue light exposure in the evening, helping you maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
Additionally, wearing prescription blue light glasses may reduce the risk of macular degeneration as you get older.
Cost of Prescription Blue Light Glasses
There’s a wide range of prices for prescription blue light glasses, with costs varying based on the frame you choose, lens type, your prescription complexity, and where you buy them.
On average, Rx blue light glasses cost anywhere from $50 to over $300.
Some insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage for prescription blue light glasses, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Types of Blue Light Glasses
Non-Prescription or Over-the-Counter Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Non-prescription blue light blocking glasses are a cost-effective solution for reducing eye strain from digital screens.
These glasses are suitable for individuals who don’t need vision correction but still want protection from blue light.
Unlike prescription glasses, non-prescription blue light blocking glasses are typically cheaper and widely available online and in some stores.
Investing in a pair of non-prescription blue light blocking glasses are a practical and affordable way to reduce the effects of substantial screen time, especially if you do so at night.
Prescription Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Prescription blue light blocking glasses are specifically tailored to your prescription strength and provide both vision correction and blue light filtering.
If you’re ordering new prescription glasses, you have the option to add a blue light filter or coating to your lenses.
This does add to the cost of your glasses, but may be a worthwhile investment if you experience eye fatigue, dry eyes, or sleep issues from staring at digital screens all day.
Computer Blue Light Glasses
Besides over-the-counter and prescription blue light glasses, you can also get computer glasses with blue light lenses.
Computer glasses are designed to provide the best visual experience for intermediate distance viewing, such as computer or tablet use.
There’s normally a slight ADD power on computer glasses to reduce eyestrain and improve visual focus.
Also, they usually come with a good anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and reflections from screens, making it easier and more comfortable for you to work or play on your laptop.
How To Know if You Need Prescription Blue Light Glasses
Symptoms That Indicate You Might Benefit from Blue Light Blocking Lenses
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, blurred vision, or dry eyes after extended screen time, you may benefit from wearing prescription blue light blocking lenses.
Here are four symptoms that indicate you might benefit from these lenses:
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing after prolonged screen use.
- Dry, itchy, or burning eyes.
- Disrupted sleep patterns, especially if you use screens before bed.
- Sensitivity to screen brightness or glare.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, get yourself an eye checkup pronto! You’ll figure out if your vision needs correction, and whether you should get blue light lenses at the same time.
Potential Downsides/Critiques of Blue Light Glasses
Yellow or Orange Lens Tint
One of the biggest drawbacks to wearing blue light glasses is the yellow or amber tint commonly found on the lens.
While yellow or amber are effective at absorbing blue light, they also alter the colors of the objects you see.
Additionally, some people don’t like the look of yellow/orange tinted lenses. Though there are clear blue light lenses, the most effective blue light lenses usually have a slight yellowish tint.
Scientific Debate on the Efficacy of Blue Light Glasses
Some experts argue that there’s limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of blue light glasses in reducing eye strain and improving sleep.
While many users claim to experience benefits, scientific research on this matter is inconclusive.
Studies have shown mixed results, suggesting that the amount of blue light emitted from screens may not be significant enough to cause harm.
Over-Reliance on Glasses Instead of Healthy Screen Habits
Just like taking blood pressure medication isn’t a magic bullet for lowering your blood pressure, blue light glasses shouldn’t be used as a substitute for healthy screen habits.
While blue light glasses provide some protection against the effects of blue light, they aren’t a complete solution.
They’re just one tool that should be used in conjunction with other healthy screen habits.
Taking regular screen breaks, maintaining an appropriate screen distance, and ensuring appropriate ambient lighting are all vital for reducing eye strain and overall eye and sleep health.
Potential Placebo Effect
Given the debate over the actual benefits of prescription blue light glasses, it’s possible that wearing them may induce a placebo effect.
If you believe that blue light glasses will alleviate your symptoms, you may experience a perceived benefit, even if the glasses themselves don’t actually provide any physiological relief – a.k.a., the placebo effect.
Critics argue that the benefits felt by users might be attributed to this psychological phenomenon rather than the actual efficacy of the glasses.
Cost Implications
Blue light filtering generally increases the price of prescription glasses. If they don’t provide that much benefit, it may not be worth the added cost.
Bottom Line
Blue light prescription glasses can provide relief from digital eye strain and help improve sleep patterns, but there is debate over the actual effectiveness of blue light filtering lenses.
Adding a blue light blocking treatment adds to the cost, and some people don’t like the look of yellow or orange tinted lenses.
But if you spend a lot of time looking at digital devices and experience eye fatigue or sleep issues, ask your eye doctor if he or she recommends a blue light filter the next time you get an updated prescription.