Non-Prescription Blue Light Glasses: What They Are and Who Can Wear Them

What does "non-prescription" mean?

A non-prescription lens, also called a plain or neutral lens, has 0 diopters of power. In blue light glasses, that plain lens includes a filter that reduces part of the blue light coming from screens.

They are not a treatment, and the scientific evidence on health benefits is limited. They are an accessory for screen time that you choose because you like them, not because you need them medically.

Who are they made for?

1. People with normal vision who don't wear glasses day to day. They are made for these people.
2. People who wear contact lenses. You can wear them over your contacts without any problem.
3. People who wear prescription glasses need glasses with their own prescription.
4. People who have trouble reading up close need correction: see a vision professional.

What a plain lens with a filter does, and what to know

What it does

• Reduces part of the blue light from computer, phone, tablet and TV screens. This is a measurable property.
• Keeps colors natural when the lens is clear, as in LenBlu®.

What to know

• Plain 0.00-power lens: it is not for vision correction. For correction, see a vision professional.
• The research on eye strain and sleep is not conclusive (see below).

What the research says: a 2023 Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials concluded that blue light filtering lenses probably make no difference to short-term eye strain from computer use, and that effects on sleep are unclear. The American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn't recommend special glasses for screen work. More in Do blue light glasses work?.

Non-prescription, prescription or reading glasses: what's the difference?

The most common mistake is buying reading glasses thinking they are plain. Before you buy, check that the listing clearly says "non-prescription", "plain lens" or "0.00". All LenBlu® glasses have plain, 0.00-power lenses.

Can I wear blue light glasses over contact lenses?

Yes. The plain lens sits in front of your contacts. Your contacts keep correcting your vision, and the glasses add only the filter and the frame. Two things to keep in mind:

1. They don't replace your contact lenses. You still need your regular prescription glasses when you take your contacts out.
2. They don't change the fact that we blink less at a screen. If your eyes feel irritated, talk to a vision professional.

What if I already wear prescription glasses?

Plain glasses are not the right choice if you already wear prescription glasses: you cannot wear two pairs at once. The same goes if you have trouble reading up close: a plain lens can't make text bigger. For correction, speak to a vision professional.

Will they change how I see if I don't need them?

No. A plain lens doesn't alter the image, so you see the same with or without it. There is no adjustment period. If you feel any discomfort, take them off and talk to a vision professional. It also helps to choose a light frame in the right size.

Signs a prescription might be worth checking

• You move closer to the screen or squint to read.
• Signs, whiteboards or subtitles look blurry.
• You hold your phone far away to see small text.
• You often feel uncomfortable at the end of the day.
• It has been years since your last eye exam.

If any of these apply, the first step is an eye exam. Plain glasses won't solve them.

How to spot a good pair of non-prescription blue light glasses

A checklist for buying online:

1. Power. The listing should say non-prescription, with no magnification value.
2. Clear lens. Your screen should look natural, not yellowish. A very faint blue reflection on the surface is normal (it is the filter).
3. Light frame. Weight matters over long hours. TR90 frames are light and flexible.
4. Measurements. They should be published so you can compare with your own glasses. See What glasses size am I?.
5. Returns. You need a way back if the glasses don't meet your expectations.
6. Promises. Be wary of sellers who claim to cure insomnia or headaches.
7. Design. Pick a style you'd wear even without screens. Unused glasses end up in a drawer.

The full criteria are in Best blue light glasses: how to choose.

LenBlu® non-prescription glasses

• One frame design: square, thin, TR90.
• Lens: clear, non-prescription, with a built-in blue light filter.
• One size: lens 53 mm, bridge 18 mm, overall width 142 mm.

Finishes:

1. Clear: bright and discreet. €34.99
2. Matte Black: understated, with character. €34.99
3. Duo Pack: both styles. €49.99

15-day returns.

Frequently asked questions

Do non-prescription blue light glasses magnify anything?
No. "Non-prescription" means 0 diopters. Values like +1.00 or +1.50 mean reading glasses.

Do I need a prescription to buy them?
No. With no prescription, you buy them like any other accessory.

Do I have to get used to them?
The lens needs no adjusting, because your vision doesn't change. The only novelty is the feel of a frame if you've never worn glasses.

Can I wear them on the street?
Yes. The clear lens works indoors and out, like any glasses.

Can someone else at home wear them?
Yes. With no personal prescription, any adult whose face matches the frame size can wear them.

Are they suitable for children?
The frame is made for adults. For children, the general advice is to limit screen time and take breaks.

Do LenBlu® glasses come with a prescription?
All LenBlu® glasses have plain, 0.00-power lenses.

What if I'm not convinced?
You have 15 days from delivery to return them.

What does the research say about the effect?
Evidence on eye strain and sleep is inconclusive. We summarize it, without exaggeration, in Do blue light glasses work?.

Sources

1. Cochrane (2023). Blue light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep and macular health in adults.
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Are blue light-blocking glasses worth it?

This article is for information only and does not replace the advice of a vision professional.