I spend a sometimes alarming amount of time every day staring at a display. At least eight hours a day in front of a computer, plus the time I spend scrolling through my iPhone, watching TV, reading e-books and — when there’s time — enjoying a little gaming on a Nintendo Switch. That’s caused some issues related to eyestrain, including occasional blurred vision and headaches. I’m not alone here, and eyestrain from staring at screens is a growing concern. Reflections on glossy screens are a problem, as is blue light.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) notes:
The sun emits blue light, but so do our phones, desktop monitors, tablets and laptops. Blue light has several harmful effects. It can contribute to computer vision syndrome by reducing contrast and causing eyestrain. It can alter our sleep pattern by suppressing our melatonin secretion, which makes us less tired and makes it harder for us to fall asleep. Lastly, blue light can damage the light sensitive cells at the back of our eye in our macula and increase the risk of developing macular degeneration later in life.
Felix Gray sent me a pair of eyeglasses to try out as a solution.
The Difference Between Felix Gray and Other “Computer” Glasses
There are a number of companies selling computer glasses that reduce blue light. You can buy many of these off-the-shelf at drug stores. Most of these options I’ve encountered have inexpensive-looking and utilitarian frames, and/or the lenses are often tinted yellow or amber. They may be effective at reducing blue light, but the look doesn’t appeal to me. Tinting has the side effect of distorting color, something that’s not an option if you’re doing tasks like editing photos. And not all of these glasses tackle another big problem in screen glare.
Felix Gray’s solution is to embed blue light filtering within the lenses of the glasses. The result is clear — no giveaway or color-distorting tinting — with a claimed effectiveness of filtering 50% of blue light. Their lenses are also coated front and rear to protect against both glare and UV light.
In addition to the technical advantages, the company says it uses premium materials including Japanese titanium, stainless steel barrel-hinges and Italian acetate.
You won’t find an overwhelming selection of frames, just seven. But they’re unisex, each is available in a variety of color options and there are choices for every size and shape of face. There are no rectangle wired frames, no wraparounds and no fancy metal filigree, but the variations on classic frame designs stand out. And they start at $95 ($145 with prescription lenses), making them an affordable option despite the quality optics and frames.
The Ordering Process
Because the company’s products are sold through its website, there are extensive resources provided for ensuring you pick the right pair. This includes high resolution photos of each frame in all of its color options, from all angles, on both male and female models. A fitting guide organizes the frames by key criteria including those most suited to different face shapes. Full measurements for each frame (lens width, bridge width and temple length) are provided. And when I ordered, part of the process included taking and submitting a “PD” photo that helps to ensure proper fit.
You can choose each frame as non-prescription glasses — the equivalent to those computer glasses you can buy off-the shelf — with a prescription, with magnification, as reading glasses, or as sunglasses.
Shipping is free within the U.S.
The company offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days of new eyeglasses arriving, taking the risk out of ordering glasses online without being able to try them out first in person.
Hands On: Living Up to Claims of Reduced Eyestrain
I was able to order a pair of prescription glasses (used for reading and computer work) and sunglasses. Despite having to clear customs and cross the border into Canada, the sunglasses arrived in several days. The prescription glasses took roughly two weeks, which is about on par with the length of time it takes when I order new prescription glasses from my optometrist.
Packaging made it clear that Felix Gray is positioning these as premium, yet casual eyeglasses. There’s the expected case and wiping cloth (packaged in a box sporting the company logo), but also a playful tote bag and everything is wrapped nicely in tissue paper.
I chose Nash frames in Whiskey Tortoise, a $95 option. The glasses fit perfectly, and I loved the look. A few months ago, I bought new prescription glasses from my optometrist that were treated for blue light filtering and glare to deal with eyestrain issues, and those cost around $Cdn 450, or roughly $350. I found the Felix Gray glasses performed just as well on all fronts. In fact, switching back and forth between the two, the Felix Gray glasses were superior when I was reading non-backlit material.
They were also more comfortable. After a week of testing and comparing, I switched to the Felix Gray glasses permanently for work, and rotated my previous glasses to nightstand bedtime reading duty.
Felix Gray Also Offers Sunglasses
The company also sent me a pair of their sunglasses (I ordered the Kepler frames in Magma, a 50’s-inspired style.). These also filter blue light as well as both UVA and UVB light, and feature front and back antireflective coating. I found them extremely comfortable and stylish with a nice retro vibe. Compared to the several pairs of sunglasses I own (which are admittedly off-the-shelf glasses costing half the $125 of the Magma Kepler glasses I was sent), the Felix Gray sunglasses immediately impressed with an obviously more premium construction and feel.
As sunglasses, they did the job as well as anything else I’ve worn, keeping my eyes comfortable in bright sun, even on the beach. While switching back and forth between sunglasses it became obvious the Felix Gray sunglasses did a better job of preserving natural color. And when checking my iPhone, the thinner polarized lenses the company uses made it possible to read without having to remove the sunglasses. In contrast, the other sunglasses I own don’t play well with smartphone displays, making content too dark and sometimes distorted. That means having to take them off to check messages, which is inconvenient.
Should You Consider Investing in a Pair?
When it comes to eyestrain from spending time looking at displays, there are already plenty of options for glasses that minimize factors like blue light and reflections. However, many of these can be expensive and/or utilitarian. Not everyone wants to pay for special coatings through an optometrist and not everyone wants to wear yellow-tinted glasses all day. Felix Gray offers an attractive option: stylish, high quality eyeglasses that effectively reduce eyestrain without looking like computer glasses, plus easy online ordering and affordable pricing.
Based on my experience, if you’re worried about eyestrain, Felix Gray eyewear should be on your radar, whether you’re looking for non-prescription, prescription, reading glasses or even sunglasses.
Disclosure: Felix Gray provided sample eyeglasses for evaluation but had no input into this review.
