Kids’ Blue Light Glasses: Who Needs Them & Where to Buy

Blue light glasses block blue light rays from the sun and electronic screens. 

Many parents and medical professionals are concerned about the effects of blue light exposure on children. Blue light glasses may protect children’s eyes, potentially helping to reduce eye strain and improve sleep patterns.

Effects From Blue Light

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) confirms that there is evidence suggesting that blue light can be disruptive to sleep patterns. According to AAO, scientific evidence does not support concerns about emissions from electronic screens causing eye strain, however. 

There is a mix of opinions and perspectives on the benefit of blue light glasses for children. 

Recent studies show that the blue light from smartphones could potentially be detrimental to vision and bad for overall health. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the importance of balancing technology with human interaction to promote health and brain development in children.

There is little dispute that breaks from screen time are beneficial for children, and screentime is no substitute for in-person interactions or outdoor play. Still, most children spend a good amount of time on screens. Because of this, blue light glasses may help to ease digital eye strain and protect children’s eyes.

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Best Blue Light Glasses for Kids 

You can find blue light glasses in a wide range of options for kids. Here are some of the top choices:

Baby & Toddler-Friendly Blue Light Glasses

• Aieyezo with glasses rope: These glasses feature a flexible silicone frame with a glasses rope, so your little one doesn’t lose them. These glasses are hard to break. They cost $12.99 on Amazon.

• Babiators: This is a popular brand for babies and toddlers due to their comfort and durability. They offer protection from blue light in adorable styles and colors. They cost $24, on average.

Blue Light Glasses for Gaming & Computer 

• Blue Light Glasses Kids ANWOOD 2 Pack: These glasses feature a lightweight frame that resists damage. They generally fit boys and girls ages 3 to 12. They cost about $15 on Amazon. 

• AZorb Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses 2 Pack Unbreakable Frame: This option is great for toddlers. You can bend, twist, and drop them without hurting the glasses. They cost about $18 on Amazon.
  
• Penbea Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses: These glasses are designed to lessen eye strain. They are durable and scratch-resistant. They cost about $10 on Amazon.

• AHXLL Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses 2 Pack: These glasses come in a range of fun colors like pink, green, and transparent blue. They work well for computer gaming, television, and smartphone use. They cost about $9 on Amazon.

• Cyxus Blue-Light Blocking Glasses for Kids: Available in cute colors and fun shapes, these glasses combine quality and style. They cost about $19 on Amazon.

• Exerscribe Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses: These are some of the most inexpensive glasses available at just about $3 on Amazon. They are amber-tinted gaming glasses that offer a sci-fi look kids love.

• Okany Blue Light Glasses for Kids 3 Pack AntiGlare: These glasses are made with environmentally friendly and anti-allergic material. The 3-pack is a good deal for about $10 on Amazon. They are convenient to use with computers, televisions, gaming consoles, and phones.

• Gabriel & Simone: These blue light glasses combine trendy shapes with blue light protection. They cost about $30. 

Blue Light Glasses to Improve Sleep Quality

• Swanwick Kids Colors Swannies: This brand makes glasses that may help wearers to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. They cost about $40.

Options With or Without a Prescription

• Felix Gray: These blue light glasses are designed for children ages 4 to 13. Pick a frame, and you can get the glasses with or without a prescription. You can choose from clear or amber lenses. Prices start at $95.

• Swanwick Kids: Swannies are available in multiple colors, with and without prescription. Prices start at about $200.

• Barner: This company makes blue light glasses for children ages 5 to 12. They have a rubberized texture for a comfortable grip on faces as well as flexible temples to adapt to different face widths and shapes. These super light frames cost about $72 to $120.

• Jonas Paul: These glasses are designed for teens, and they feature trendy, square, acetate frames. They are available in fun colors like brown tortoiseshell, purple tortoiseshell, blue striped, and black. They cost around $90. 

Who Needs Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light lenses are a topic of a lot of controversies, discussion, and research. 

If you are concerned about sleep patterns and must spend a lot of time in front of a computer, blue light glasses could potentially be beneficial. Blue light interferes with the natural circadian rhythm of the body and can disrupt your natural ability to fall asleep or wake up in the morning. Blue light glasses may help to guard against the negative effects of too much artificial blue light exposure. 

If you are concerned about your child’s eyes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recommends taking special precautions while using electronic screens. They offer parents specific tips to avoid eye strain, especially if your child is involved in virtual learning programs.

Here are some of the top recommendations to reduce eye strain and protect eyes from too much screen time:

• Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away, for 20 seconds to give the eyes a break.
• Alternate reading from a screen with reading from books. Don’t let all reading take place on a screen.
• Spend time outside in nature on a daily basis.
• Watch your posture, and make sure to stretch regularly.
• Turn off devices 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

Should You Buy These Glasses for Your Kids?

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that blue light blocking glasses can be useful. These glasses can potentially protect against the negative effects of blue light that is emitted from a computer or phone. 

This may have a positive impact on circadian physiology, resulting in improved sleep quality, better functioning during the day, and increased alertness. This can positively impact health, mood, and well-being. 

According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), screen time and online learning can increase the risk of eye strain, headaches, and nearsightedness. 

If you are concerned about adverse effects of screen time on your child’s sleep or negative effects on eye physiology, consider getting blue light filtering glasses.

Downsides of Blue Light Glasses

Not all ophthalmologists recommend blue light glasses. Some experts feel there isn’t sufficient evidence to support the use of these glasses, and they are a waste of money. But most eye doctors agree that there is no harm in wearing them, even if they don’t advise their use.

Blue Light Glasses for Kids FAQs

Are blue light filtering glasses good for kids? 

Blue light glasses are safe for kids. 

More children are spending time in front of electronic screens. Exposure to blue light from screens is linked to problems with sleep, which can lead to other physical and emotional health issues. Blue light glasses may be a positive measure to support your child’s healthy sleep, but there is limited scientific evidence supporting their use.

Should kids wear blue light glasses?

If you are concerned about symptoms of disrupted sleep patterns or eye strain from using electronic screens, consider getting blue light glasses for your children. By combining blue light blocking glasses with recommendations for screen use, you can make choices that support your child’s health and well-being.

Do blue light glasses make screens safe for kids?

While blue light glasses may potentially protect the eyes from eye strain and sleep disruptions associated with blue light from screens, they don’t fully alleviate these issues. The best approach is to limit screen time, take breaks to rest the eyes, and spend time outside every day.

References

1. Should You Be Worried About Blue Light? (March 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2. Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Worth It? (March 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

3. Effects of Blue Light on the Circadian System and Eye Physiology. (January 2016). Molecular Vision.

4. Media and Young Minds. (November 2016). American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. Blue Light and Your Eyes. Children’s Vision Massachusetts.

6. Do Blue Light Glasses Work? (November 2021). Cleveland Clinic.

7. Why You Should Ditch Your Phone Before Bed. (May 2022). Cleveland Clinic.

8. Ophthalmologists Anticipate a School Year Marked by Complaints of Eye Strain (August 2020). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

9. Blue Blocker Glasses as a Countermeasure for Alerting Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Screen Exposure in Male Teenagers. (January 2015). Journal of Adolescent Health.

10. Screen Time and Online Learning. (March 2022). American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

11. Debunking Blue Light Glasses Claims to Focus on Proven Eye Issues. Texas Medical Center.