Recommended: Computer Glasses For Blocking Blue Light

Do your eyes ever hurt after working at a computer or staring at a screen for long stretches of time? Here's a potential fix for you.

Because The Writer's Glove® is what some consider an "office hack," and also because I spend a lot of time at a keyboard, I'm always on the lookout for products that can make me more productive.

What are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses?

One area a lot of office workers could improve on is eyesight. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure all those hours of staring into computer screens takes a toll on the eyes. Insurance providers, for one, are picking up on it. I noticed it myself, from headaches to blurry vision to sleeplessness, after especially long computer sessions.

A writer friend of mine recently mentioned how she picked up a pair of non-prescription, blue light-blocking glasses after experiencing eye pain. She said they helped quite a bit by filtering out light and glare that can strain the eyes.

I'd always been skeptical of blue light glasses before, but I took her word for it. She, like me, spends time in front of a computer for her job and writes fiction on the side. She recommended Gunnar blue light-blocking glasses, so I ordered a pair for myself.

Testing Blue Light Glasses

Wow.

I didn't realize how much staring at screens was impacting me until I put these glasses on. Within the first 10 seconds of first wearing them, I felt not just my eyes relax, but also my entire face. I had no idea I was tensing up like that.

At the end of the first full work day of wearing the blue light glasses, my eyes weren't nearly as tired. I wasn't rubbing my eyes or squinting while making supper. At night, I wore the glasses while working on my latest novel, and I felt more relaxed at bedtime.

Long story short, blue light glasses are worth it. I can't explain the science behind it, but whatever these glasses do have improved my day-to-day life significantly.

Given how useful they were to me, and how often I've heard them recommended, I can safely suggest Gunnar blue light-blocking computer glasses as the best of the bunch. No prescription from the eye doctor is needed. They're available online, including Amazon.

One note: I only tested the glasses on a desktop computer. I imagine they'd be beneficial for use with smartphones and tablets, too.

Where to Get 'em

Click here to give Gunnar glasses a shot. Who knows? For 50 bucks or so, they could make you more productive, or at least more comfortable, at work.

Other Ways to Help Your Eyes While Working at a Computer

If glasses aren't right for you, there are other ways to keep your eyes healthy while working at a computer or using screen devices. These suggestions come from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• Sit about 25 inches (arm's length) from the computer screen. Position the screen so you are gazing slightly downward.
• Reduce screen glare by using a matte screen filter if needed.
• Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• When your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to refresh them.
• Adjust your room lighting and try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain.
• If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses.

~Ben