If you’re anything like me, you probably spend an enormous amount of time staring at a screen. Between drafting your novel, editing, answering emails, posting on social media, and researching obscure historical details you may or may not actually use in your book, that screen time adds up fast.

As authors, our creativity depends on our ability to focus, but here’s the problem—staring at a screen for hours on end can leave you with tired, strained eyes, headaches, and even disrupted sleep. That’s where blue light glasses come in, and honestly, I don’t know how I went so long without them.

Let’s talk about why these seemingly simple lenses are a total game-changer for authors.

What Is Blue Light, and Why Should Authors Care?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum, and it’s emitted by pretty much every screen you use—your laptop, phone, tablet, and even that second monitor you swore you didn’t need but now can’t live without.

Here’s the issue: while some blue light exposure is natural (the sun gives it off too), the artificial blue light from our devices can mess with our eyes and sleep patterns—especially if we’re exposed to it late in the day.

For authors, who often work into the evening or late at night when inspiration strikes, this can be a real problem. That late-night writing session might help you hit your word count, but it could also make it harder to fall asleep afterward.

The Author’s Screen Time Reality

Let’s be honest—writing is just the beginning. Our careers involve:

• Writing and revising manuscripts

• Researching online for historical accuracy or worldbuilding details

• Managing our author websites

• Marketing through social media and email newsletters

• Reading e-books or ARC PDFs

• Meeting with editors and fellow authors over Zoom

That’s a LOT of hours in front of a glowing rectangle. Without protection, it’s easy to end the day feeling like you’ve been run over by a plot twist you didn’t see coming.

How Blue Light Glasses Help

Blue light glasses have special lenses that filter out a portion of blue light from screens, reducing eye strain and minimizing the disruption to your circadian rhythm (your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle).

Here are the benefits I’ve noticed personally:

1. Less Eye Strain – No more gritty, burning eyes after a long writing session.

2. Reduced Headaches – I used to get tension headaches after hours of editing—these have almost disappeared.

3. Better Sleep – I can actually wind down after a late-night writing sprint.

4. Longer Productivity – I can work for longer without that “I can’t look at this screen for another second” feeling.

The Sleep Factor Is HUGE

Sleep might not sound like a writing tool, but it’s one of the most important things you can give yourself as an author. A tired brain has a much harder time weaving plot threads, crafting dialogue, or even catching typos.

Blue light in the evening tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, which suppresses melatonin production. By filtering some of that light, blue light glasses make it easier for your brain to wind down naturally—so you can dream about your characters instead of lying awake staring at the ceiling.

But Aren’t Blue Light Glasses Just a Trend?

Some people think blue light glasses are a fad, but I can tell you from personal experience—they work. Sure, there’s debate in the scientific community about exactly how much blue light glasses help, but when it comes to my eyes and my writing stamina, the difference is noticeable.

Even if some of the benefits are due to reducing overall glare and eye strain rather than blue light specifically, I’ll take it. Writing is already hard enough without fighting your own body for comfort and focus.

Choosing the Right Pair for You

If you’re ready to try blue light glasses, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Lens Tint – Some have a yellow tint, which can slightly alter colors but often block more blue light. Others are nearly clear.

• Style – If you’re going to wear them for hours, pick frames you actually like. (Authors still have Zoom calls, after all.)

• Fit & Comfort – Look for lightweight frames that don’t pinch your nose or ears.

• Coatings – An anti-reflective coating is a must—it cuts glare from lights and screens.

When to Wear Them

You don’t have to wear blue light glasses all the time. I put mine on when:

• I’m writing or editing on my laptop

• I’m reading e-books on my tablet

• I’m answering emails or scrolling on my phone in the evening

• I’m doing research that keeps me online for hours

I’ve even gotten into the habit of slipping them on before I open my laptop for the day—it’s like my brain’s signal that it’s time to get into “author mode.”

Your Eyes Are Part of Your Writing Toolkit

As authors, we’re quick to invest in software, fancy notebooks, ergonomic chairs, and courses to improve our craft. But our eyes? They’re the most important tool we have, and they deserve just as much care.

If protecting your vision means you can write longer, focus better, and sleep more soundly—well, I’d say that’s worth the $20–$60 investment for a good pair of blue light glasses.

So, the next time you find yourself rubbing your temples halfway through your writing session, take it from me: give blue light glasses a try. Your future self—and your next book—will thank you.

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