Review: Blue Light Blocking Shades from Lucyd Make Reading Screens Easy on the Eyes

I have reviewed the Bluetooth-enabled sunglasses from Lucyd, which Lucyd developed in partnership with NFL star Richard Sherman, and found them to be affordable and useful, so I was anxious to try their newest collaboration, known as Sherman Shades. These are an assortment of stylish sunglasses (or clear glasses) designed to make screen reading easier with blue light blocking. Lucyd sent me the Cool Down Glasses ($24.99), which is one of four styles.

Related: Review: Promising Smart Sunglasses Deliver Surround Sound & Calling

I have worn prescription lenses for dozens of years, ever since I started using computers in the 1980s. Yet I removed mine and used these for typing this review and I was able to view my screen without squinting as I normally would have to do without my prescription glasses. Admittedly, I have just a mild prescription and can legally drive without glasses, but I was pleasantly surprised that the Cool Down Glasses enhanced my vision. The main benefit they offer is blue light blocking, which is important for smartphone, tablet, and computer users, but an interesting side benefit is that they turn slightly darker when exposed to sunlight and slightly enhance night vision. I could use these throughout my waking time, in the car, at the computer, and around town.

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The surprise is how affordable they are. At around $25 (or $20 for some models) for the Cool Down version I'm using, they are well made, look stylish, and are comfortable too, with a soft, smooth finish. As mentioned, these are Richard Sherman endorsed, so fans will appreciate that the glasses are limited to 2,700 units and that they include a limited edition collectible player card for Sherman. If you have a stronger prescription they may not work for you unless you are wearing contacts, but there are free returns on Amazon.

Pros

  • Stylish options
  • Comfortable to wear and to view screens
  • Very affordable
  • Richard Sherman endorsed
  • Limited edition collectibles included

Cons

  • Not for prescriptions

Final Verdict

If you don't have a strong prescription or use contacts, the Cool Down Glasses from Sherman Shades are a stylish way to reduce eye strain due to screen use, while looking stylish.

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Author Details

Todd Bernhard's picture

Author Details

Todd Bernhard

Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!

An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.