Computer Glasses
When you work at a computer for any length of time, it’s common to experience eye strain, blurred vision and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). This is because the visual demands of computer work are unlike those associated with most other activities. What then do you do?
The first thing is to have a comprehensive eye exam to rule out vision problems and update your eyeglasses prescription. This is especially important since Studies show that even small inaccuracies in your prescription lenses can contribute to computer vision problems.
If your eye problems don’t subside, the next thing is to purchase customized computer glasses. These special-purpose glasses are prescribed specifically to reduce eye strain and give you the most comfortable vision possible at your computer.
Why Computer Glasses?
Why the Computer glasses are better than the regular eyeglasses or reading glasses is that they are customized to optimize your eyesight when viewing your computer screen.
They are made to for viewing computer screens which are positioned 20 to 26 inches from the user’s eyes (intermediate zone of vision). This is closer than driving (“distance”) vision, but farther away than reading (“near”) vision.
Without computer eyeglasses, the ordinary computer user will often end up with blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches and most will try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their glasses then will go home complaining of sore neck, sore shoulders and a sore back.
These glasses can be labeled “computer reading glasses,” and without the direction of a specialist, one can be led to buy the wrong eyeglasses. Computer glasses put the optimum lens power for viewing your computer screen right where you need it for a clear, wide field of view without the need for excessive focusing effort or unhealthful postures.
Lens Designs for Computer Eyewear
Many special purpose lens designs work well for computer glasses. Because these lenses are prescribed specifically for computer use, they are not suitable for doing other things such as driving or general purpose wear.
Computer vision syndrome causes eye fatigue, which can make you feel tired in general.
The simplest computer glasses have single vision lenses with a modified lens power prescribed to give the most comfortable vision at the user’s computer screen. This lens power relaxes the amount of accommodation required to keep objects in focus at the distance of the computer screen and provides the largest field of view.
Single vision computer glasses reduce the risk of eye strain, blurred vision and unnatural posture that can cause neck and back pain, and can be used comfortably by young and old computer users alike.
Another popular lens design for computer glasses is the occupational progressive lens — a no-line multifocal that corrects near, intermediate, and, up to a point, distance vision. It has a larger intermediate zone than regular progressive lenses for more comfortable vision at the computer. But this leaves less lens area for distance vision. So these lenses are not recommended for driving or other significant distance vision tasks.
Other lenses used for computer glasses include occupational bifocal and trifocal lenses. These lined multifocal lenses have larger zones for intermediate and near vision than regular bifocals and trifocals, and the position of the intermediate and near zones can be customized for your particular computer vision needs.
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can help you decide which lens design will best suit your needs for computer glasses.
Lens Coatings and Tints
Buying computer glasses with anti-reflective coating is the most important thing maximum viewing comfort, the lenses of your computer. These anti-reflective (AR) coatings eliminate reflections of light from surfaces that are in front or the back of your lenses that can cause eye strain.
To also reduce glare, some eye doctors will recommend that you buy lens with a light, contrast-enhancing tint be added to lenses for computer glasses. These tints help caused by harsh overhead lighting found in many office environments.
Where to Buy Computer Glasses
Over the counter purchase is not recommended for any type of glasses since accurate eyeglasses prescription is essential if you want to get the full benefits from computer glasses. When in need of glasses, make sure that you visit a knowledgeable eye care professional.