These days, many of us spend far more time looking at screens than ever before, and problems such as digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome are rampant. Blue light and anti-glare glasses have become popular options to protect our eyes, but are the two types of glasses actually the same thing?
Blue light glasses are not the same as anti-glare. While blue light glasses actually minimize the amount of blue light that enters the eyes from screens, anti-glare glasses don’t actually limit light entry. They use a different technology to reflect light instead.
Now, if you want to understand the similarities and differences between blue light and anti-glare glasses, as well as which option is better for your eyes and your lifestyle, read on! You are going to understand everything in just a few moments.
Blue Light & Anti-Glare Glasses: Similarities and Differences
The first thing you need to understand about blue light and anti-glare glasses is that while they have some similarities, there are many differences to be aware of before choosing which ones will work best for you.
Blue light glasses and anti-glare glasses both protect your eyes from strain, but with different tactics.
Where blue light glasses actually limit the amount of harmful blue light that enters the eyes, anti-glare glasses do not. They simply reflect light rays before they can enter through the lens, which makes it easier to see.
Anti-glare glasses are not typically created to actually block blue light; however, some blue light glasses do come with anti-glare technology.
Do Blue Light Glasses Have Anti-Glare?
When choosing the right pair of blue light glasses for your eyes and your lifestyle, there are several factors to consider.
Certain blue light glasses have stronger blue-light-blocking technology. And it’s quite easy to tell which ones do so as they have a darker red, orange, or yellow tint to them, whereas colorless blue light glasses do the least to protect your eyes from the blue light emitted by screens.
But that being said, the colored blue light glasses can make it challenging to view your screen if the tint is too dark. For many people, the most comfortable blue light glasses are colorless.
However, you should be aware that some blue light glasses have anti-glare while others do not.
So if you opt for a colorless pair of blue light glasses with anti-glare technology, you are really getting the best of both worlds!
Not only will your eyes be protected from excess blue light rays, but general computer and fluorescent lighting will also be reflected before it passes through the lens, helping with any eye strain or computer vision syndrome you struggle with.
Are Blue Light or Anti-Glare Glasses Better for Computer Work?
Alright, now that you know the differences between blue light and anti-glare glasses, you might be wondering which option is the best for you!
And the truth is that while blue light glasses are technically better for computer work, there are several aspects to consider before making your glasses purchase.
The first thing to think about is how much time you actually spend looking at screens. Many people don’t realize that blue light actually occurs in nature and some blue light is necessary for the health of your eyes.
So, if you do not spend more than a few hours looking at screens every day, you might not need to invest in a pair of blue light glasses! Anti-glare options can sufficiently protect your eyes from strain.
On the other hand, excess blue light can cause a lot of problems. So if you work full time on the computer or on your phone, you should opt for blue light glasses over anti-glare.
It’s also important to note that if your eyes are hypersensitive to light, anti-glare glasses might actually be the right choice, as you can safely keep them on all day. However, if you use blue light glasses, you need to ensure you take them off periodically throughout the day so that your eyes receive a healthy amount of blue light.
At the end of the day, blue light glasses with anti-glare technology are likely the best option for most people.
The Bottom Line
Let’s recap! Are blue light glasses the same as anti-glare? No, they definitely are not!
Although many pairs of blue light glasses do have anti-glare technology, the two, by definition, are quite different.
While blue light glasses actually limit the amount of blue light that enters the pupils, anti-glare glasses simply reflect various types of light rays, which can make it easier to see.
Both options offer protection from strain, and if you notice yourself feeling lethargic, have itchy or tired eyes, insomnia, or even blurry vision, you should probably opt for a pair of blue light glasses with anti-glare technology.
