When people decide to buy “computer glasses,” they usually mean that they want glasses designed to reduce eye strain from long hours staring at a screen. There are a number of options, but which one is right for you?
Keep reading as I explore how computer glasses work, when they’re helpful, and how to find the best computer glasses for you.
What Are Computer Glasses?
Computer glasses are adjusted for the typical distance of a monitor, and they often have anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare. Some contain blue light filters, although there is no evidence that reducing blue light exposure relieves eye strain.
Are Computer Glasses Basically Just Reading Glasses?
No, your readers won’t work as well for computer usage. Reading glasses are typically designed for the distance that you would hold a book from your face, about 14-16 inches. Computer glasses are designed to help you see clearly at 20-36 inches, and they have about half the magnification strength of readers.
How Do You Get Computer Glasses?
You’ll need to see a doctor and explain your needs. Let them know what kind of difficulty you’re having when using your computer, such as an inability to see the screen clearly, eye strain, headaches, etc. This will help your doctor find the right solution.
They will likely perform an eye exam to ensure your current prescription is accurate. Sometimes, this solves your whole problem. If your eyes have changed and your vision has declined, you might just need to update your prescription so you can see the screen better.
If your current prescription is still good, the doctor will have you look through different lenses to find one that will work at a distance of 20-36 inches. (Tip: If you measure the distance between your face and your computer screen at home before your exam, it may help the doctor with accuracy.)
After the doctor finds an appropriate lens for your needs, they will discuss your options. For some patients, they may suggest progressive lenses, which include a level appropriate for computer usage. If progressives don’t work well for you, a single-vision prescription that you only wear for computer usage is another option.
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Beyond Prescriptions: Addressing Eye Strain
Depending on the issues you described to your doctor, they may also make other suggestions. For instance, some people find that anti-glare coatings help reduce eye strain.
But for others, even new glasses won’t fix all the issues associated with staring at a screen all day. One reason is that eye strain is often related to blinking less. I know when I get into the zone and stay focused on my screen, my eyes often start to feel dry and fatigued.
Will new glasses solve this problem? No. But you can use hydrating eye drops to replace some of the lost moisture. In some cases, this is more helpful than computer glasses. Also, it never hurts to try to blink a little more often.
Another suggestion is to take time to refocus your eyes occasionally. Experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule, where you take your eyes away from the screen (I know it’s hard) for 20 seconds to stare at something 20 feet away. You should try to do this every 20 minutes.
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How to Add Anti-Glare Coatings or Blue Light Filters When Ordering Prescription Glasses
If you and your doctor agree that computer glasses would be helpful, the doctor may recommend anti-glare coatings or blue light filters. Discover the benefits of anti reflective coating for glasses.
When ordering online, you can often add an anti-reflective coating or other types of coatings. For example, at eyewear retailer EZContacts, you can easily add a variety of coatings to your prescription lenses.
FAQs
Is it true that computer glasses can help my neck pain or headaches from computer usage?
Maybe, but it depends on the cause of your neck pain or headaches. If they’re rooted in eye strain, anti-glare coatings and other steps to reduce eye strain may be helpful.
Some people have headaches or neck pain because they struggle to see the monitor clearly. As a result, they end up leaning closer or bending their necks at a weird angle to see better. If that’s the cause of your pain, getting a prescription that helps you see well at 20-36 inches will likely be a big help. It may even improve your posture.
Seeing a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your headache or neck pain is the best place to start. Then, you and your doctor can determine if computer glasses would be helpful.
What if I wear contact lenses; is there a specific kind that can help reduce eye strain while on the computer?
Eye strain while wearing contact lenses can sometimes be related to dry eyes, which may become more noticeable during prolonged computer use. Staring at a screen can reduce how often you blink, allowing your eyes to dry out.
Some people may find silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses more comfortable because they allow more oxygen to reach the cornea. However, there isn’t one type of contact lens that universally prevents computer-related eye strain. If your lenses feel dry or uncomfortable, your eye-care professional can help determine whether a different lens material, wearing schedule, or rewetting drops may be appropriate.
For people with more severe or persistent dryness, scleral lenses may be an option. These are rigid gas permeable contacts that have to be specially made for the wearer, but they include a “well” of liquid solution to hydrate the eye.
If you’re thinking about buying contacts, this guide goes through some of the best contact lens brands to try.