From smartphones and televisions to computers and tablets, digital screens have become embedded into most of our daily lives. For those whose jobs require them to be in front of a computer, screen time can consume over half our waking hours. This can be a big challenge for our eyes and bodies and has led many to consider computer glasses as a solution.
If you already wear glasses, it can be discouraging to consider getting another pair. While some people can use the same prescription for computer glasses, most need a different prescription to account for the fixed distance they usually sit from their computers.
However, even if you do not feel like you need them, computer eyeglass lenses are still worth considering! Especially if you’re finding your eyes are strained after long days in front of the computer.
How Do Computer Glasses Work?
Computer glasses are specialized eyewear designed for typical viewing distances with desktop and laptop screens (at least 20 inches from your eyes). As such, these lenses have a different focusing power than regular prescriptions to minimize the strain on your eye muscles.
Computer glasses can also offer:
- Anti-reflective coatings: These coatings help minimize glare and reduce the amount of light reflecting off your computer screen and into your eyes.
- Blue light filters: These filters help reduce your eye’s exposure to the blue light emitted by digital screens, which can disrupt your sleep cycle and contribute to eye strain.
- Integration with compatible prescription lenses: This is especially important if you are farsighted, have presbyopia, astigmatism, or need reading glasses.
These features are particularly helpful for addressing digital eye strain when working on screens for long periods, helping improve clarity and contrast while decreasing glare and fatigue.
How Does This Differ From My Regular Prescription?
Your regular prescription is designed specifically for your eye’s needs by correcting refractive errors and adjusting how light enters your eyes. While it might seem easy enough to tack on computer use to what your eyes need, it’s not quite that simple.
First, regular prescription glasses typically come with single-vision, progressive, or bifocal lenses for varying uses. Computer glasses, however, are often multi-focal, optimized for the specific distance of your computer screen. This can even include the height of your monitor and the distance you sit from it. This level of personalization isn’t usually considered in standard prescriptions.
How Do I Know If I Need Computer Glasses?
Just because you work with computers doesn’t necessarily mean you need computer glasses. The biggest indication of needing computer glasses is if you notice you have symptoms of digital eye strain after extended periods in front of a screen, which can include:
- Light sensitivity
- Burning or itching eyes
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Trouble concentrating
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, encompasses several eye and vision-related problems related to digital screen use. The blue light emitted from screens scatters more in the eye and is more challenging to focus, leading to visual noise that reduces contrast and can cause digital eye strain.
Continuous focus on a digital screen requires constant, repetitive eye movements that can lead to strain over time. Additionally, using screens causes us to stare, which reduces how frequently we blink. This can drop from roughly 17 times per minute to 4 times, which can cause the surfaces of our eyes to dry out.
While eye health should be a top priority, it often takes a backseat when we have many other responsibilities. However, when your eyes are tired, it can impact your mood and productivity, further influencing your life. That’s worth paying some attention to!
Choosing the Right Computer Glasses
Just like your regular prescription is tailored to your needs, so are computer glasses. Your optometrist can help make decisions during an eye exam. Still, you’ll have to consider what additions you’d like made to your computer glasses, including if you need single, bifocal, or progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, or lens tints.
You’ll also want to make sure your frames fit well since you’ll likely wear them for hours at a time. Ideal computer glasses sit high on your nose with the lenses positioned so your eyes look through the centre.
Preventing Digital Eye Strain
Wearing computer glasses is just one part of the equation. You can also help prevent digital eye strain by:
- Take regular breaks: Following the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away.
- Adjust your computer monitor: Make adjustments so it’s at eye level or about an arm’s length away. This position reduces the need to tilt your head or strain your eyes.
- Use proper lighting: Make sure the lighting around you is balanced to prevent glare from your screen.
- Maintain good posture: Remember to sit up straight to reduce pain in your neck and back.
However, if you spend a significant amount of time in front of a computer screen most days, investing in a pair of computer glasses can still be a wise choice.
Consider Computer Glasses
YXE Vision Group understands the value of your time, experience, and comfort when it comes to eye care. We aim to provide a full range of eye health services to suit your needs. Whether you require stylish everyday glasses or specialized computer eyewear to enhance your comfort during prolonged screen use, we cater to all your optical needs. Contact us today to see how we can best help you get the right prescription computer glasses.
