Between endless hours spent staring at laptops, scrolling on phones, and soaking up sunlight outdoors, it’s no surprise that our eyes are working harder than ever. Digital eye strain is the name for the visual and ocular symptoms that are associated with prolonged use of our digital devices – think dry eyes, headaches, and stiff neck. Studies even reveal that exposure to blue light from our electronic devices can have negative effects on our sleep quality and duration. 

That’s where specialized eyewear comes in. Red light glasses are designed to block blue and green light, which can promote overall eye comfort and wellness, while infrared glasses can provide additional protection during infrared light exposure by helping shield sensitive eye tissues. 

Whether you’re looking to reduce daily eye stress or simply take better care of your vision, we’re adding these red light or infrared glasses to our wellness toolkit!

What do red light glasses do?

Unlike red light therapy devices, which use specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support things like skin health and recovery, red light glasses work by filtering out blue and green light emitted by phones, computers, TVs, LED lighting, and other digital devices. Their purpose is similar to that of blue light blocking glasses, which is why the two are often confused. Both are designed to make screen time easier on the eyes and less disruptive to sleep, but red light glasses typically block a much larger portion of blue and green light, making them a more popular choice for nighttime use.

Wearing red light glasses before bed can help support our natural sleep-wake cycle and make late-night screen time a little less disruptive. By reducing exposure to the wavelengths most likely to interfere with melatonin production, they can help your body recognize that it’s time to wind down – even if you’re still scrolling, streaming, or working on your laptop. They can even help with common screen-related complaints like eye fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, and difficulty falling asleep after a long day of device use. Keep in mind that while red light glasses are not a cure-all and won’t replace healthy sleep habits, they can be a supportive tool for creating a more sleep-friendly environment.

What’s the difference between red light and infrared glasses?

According to our friends at Zenni, one of the largest online shops for affordable glasses, red light glasses and infrared glasses serve slightly different purposes. Red light glasses use red-tinted lenses that filter visible light, blocking most blue and green wavelengths while allowing red light to pass through. This is why they’re often used to reduce blue light exposure from screens, support better sleep, or preserve night vision. 

Infrared glasses, on the other hand, deal with infrared (IR) light, which exists beyond the visible spectrum and can’t be seen by the human eye at all. Depending on the application, infrared eyewear may either block IR radiation to protect the eyes in industrial settings or use specialized technology to detect infrared light and convert it into a visible image, such as with night vision devices. Some specialized infrared technologies can also reduce visibility to certain infrared cameras or sensors. Essentially, red light glasses filter light you can already see, while infrared glasses are designed to block or detect a type of light that’s completely invisible to the naked eye.

Read on for our top picks on the best red light and infrared glasses on the market that help not only support your eye health, but your sleep too! You’ll also find options that offer prescription lenses, UV protection, and even privacy-focused designs.

For daytime eye support, check out our guide to the best blue light glasses from sustainable brands.

1. ROKA

American made
Warranty offered
Made to order
Science backed

Best For | Sleep/circadian-support glasses
Light Blocking Options | Blue light spectrum (100%), blocks most of green light spectrum
Prices Starting At | $125

Developed in partnership with neuroscientist and sleep expert Dr. Andrew Huberman, ROKA‘s glasses are designed to help you unwind at the end of the day by filtering the short-wavelength light that can interfere with healthy sleep. These premium red-tinted lenses block 100% of visible blue light and most green light in the 400–520 nm range while allowing beneficial red light to pass through, helping support your natural circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and evening relaxation. Beyond the lens technology, the glasses feature ROKA’s ultra-lightweight trademarked frame, adjustable temples, interchangeable nose pads, and non-slip grips for a secure, comfortable fit. Say hello to better sleep, lower stress levels, and a more balanced mood.

Customer Review | “I bought these winddown glasses for my daughter who had a hard time falling asleep. She said the glasses make her feel relaxed and fall asleep right away. I decided I’m going to buy a pair for myself.” – Charlene S. (Read all reviews.)

Shop RoKA
A person wearing orange-tinted glasses looks at a laptop screen while holding a small black and brown dog on their lap.
A man wearing sunglasses and a black Puma King t-shirt uses a laptop, concentrating on the screen in a dimly lit indoor setting.

2. Zenni

Warranty offered
Budget friendly
Recycled materials
Gives back
Accepts insurance
1% for the planet

Best For | All-in-one glasses
Light Blocking Options | UVA/UVB rays (100%), blue light spectrum (32.5%), near-infrared rays (80.44%)
Prices Starting At | $55

If you’re looking for everyday eyewear that goes beyond basic blue light protection, Zenni offers a surprisingly comprehensive solution. Their innovative EyeQLenz™ glasses combine blue light filtering, 100% UVA/UVB protection, light-adaptive technology, and near-infrared defense in a single pair of glasses. What really sets them apart is the proprietary Zenni ID Guard™ coating, which reflects more than 80% of near-infrared light – the same invisible wavelengths emitted by the sun and used in some facial recognition and iris-scanning systems. The coolest feature is that Zenni’s lenses remain virtually clear indoors with a subtle pink sheen, then automatically darken outdoors for added comfort and protection. You can even customize your outdoor tint colors, with seven shades to pick from, including gray, brown, and purple, with each offering their own unique benefits. These all-in-one glasses truly cover all the bases, and more.

Customer Review | “Absolutely love the glasses and great price for them!” – Heather A. (Read all reviews.)

Use code GOODTRADE at checkout to save 15%

Shop Zenni
Three people wearing glasses sit on a couch, smiling and looking at a smartphone held by the woman in the center. Shelves with decor items are visible in the background.
Woman with curly hair and sunglasses sits on a striped chair outdoors, smiling and holding a smartphone up for a selfie.

Good Gear Partner

3. Ra Optics

Science backed
Warranty offered

Best For | Daytime & nighttime options; options for kids
Light Blocking Options | Blue & green light spectrum (95-100%)
Prices Starting At | $174

Ra Optics takes a science-first approach to eyewear, creating specialized lenses designed to support your body’s natural rhythms from morning to night. The brand’s three signature lens technologies each serve a distinct purpose: The Sunset glasses are designed for evening use, blocking melatonin-disrupting wavelengths from screens and artificial lighting to help support relaxation, deeper sleep, and a healthier circadian rhythm. The Daylight glasses are made for daytime screen use, selectively filtering excess blue light from LEDs and digital devices while preserving beneficial wavelengths that support focus, energy, and visual comfort. For outdoor wear, the BlueSync lenses take a unique approach by filtering harmful UV and high-energy visible light while allowing beneficial red and near-infrared wavelengths to reach the eyes, for better mood, performance, and natural circadian signaling. Developed with guidance from light therapy expert Dr. Alexander Wunsch, each lens is engineered around decades of research, so you can rest assured your eyes are getting the trusted support they need.

Customer Review | “All of their glasses are game changers. Help me get into sleep mode at night and work mode during the day. Recommend getting both the sunset and daylight glasses” – Cole S. (Read all reviews.)

Shop Ra Optics
A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair wears large red sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and a beige and white striped button-up shirt, standing against a plain background.
A man with tousled brown hair wears black sunglasses, a blue jacket, and a white shirt, looking directly at the camera against a plain light background.

4. Reflectacles

Budget friendly

Best For | Privacy; clip-on lenses
Light Blocking Options | Near infrared rays (75-95%), blue light spectrum, UV rays
Prices Starting At | $48

Reflectacles takes a privacy-focused approach to eyewear, creating specialized glasses designed to interfere with the infrared technologies increasingly used in facial recognition, eye tracking, and biometric scanning systems. Depending on the model, the glasses either reflect or absorb near-infrared light, helping obscure key facial and eye data that many modern cameras and sensors rely on. The brand offers both IR-Light lenses for everyday indoor and outdoor use and darker IR-Dark lenses for bright outdoor environments, with both options filtering ultraviolet light, visible blue light, and significant portions of the near-infrared spectrum. Beyond their privacy-focused design, the lenses can also help reduce glare, squinting, and visual discomfort while enhancing contrast and clarity in challenging conditions like haze, smoke, or bright sunlight. Reflectacles even offers flippable clip-on lenses which you can attach to your everyday glasses, without needing to purchase a whole new pair.

Shop Reflectacles
An older man with long gray hair, wearing yellow-tinted sunglasses and layered clothing, stands in a narrow alleyway between brick walls.
Two older men with long gray hair and sunglasses stand in front of a chain-link fence and brick wall, facing the camera.

5. RedSpec

Natural materials

Best For | High color fidelity 
Light Blocking Options | Blue & green light spectrum (78%), HEV light (77%)
Prices Starting At | $196

RedSpec‘s eyewear system is built around two purpose-driven lenses designed to support how you see and feel across the full day-night cycle. Their day lenses are engineered for high-clarity daytime use, filtering blue light while preserving true-to-life color perception – so reds, greens, and yellows stay vibrant and accurate, with less visual strain . With an impressive 90.38% light transmittance, they stay bright and transparent enough for screens, work, and everyday wear without dulling your environment. In contrast, their evening lenses are designed for post-sunset wind-down, blocking 100% of blue light and reducing stimulating wavelengths to help support melatonin production, reduce eye and mental strain, and encourage a smoother transition into sleep. Together, the two lenses create a simple rhythm-based system – one that keeps you sharp and focused during the day, and more relaxed, aligned, and ready for rest at night.

Customer Review | “No more eye pressure after being in front of the screen, love them” – Guy Z. (Read all reviews.)

Shop RedSpec
Woman with long brown hair wearing amber-tinted sunglasses and a black top, posing against a plain light background.
A man with short black hair wears yellow-tinted glasses and a black shirt, facing forward with a neutral expression against a plain white background.

Featured image by Ra Optics