In the age of information, it might be close to impossible to avoid looking at a glaring computer screen for even a few hours. Computers run the lives of many industries and such is now the lives of almost every employee. And when we are not on our desktops and laptops, we might be scrolling on another form of computer screen which is our smartphones. When you put this much strain in your eyes, it is of little wonder that you may be experiencing eye strains that causes redness, irritation, and/or blurred vision. The visual demands of today’s time takes a toll on our eyesight and one of the recent solution that is slowly catching on are computer glasses. But are they worth it and will they be able to reduce the strain. This article will try to answer questions about computer glasses.

Computer screen related problems tend to compound themselves as we get older. However, the younger computer users, usually under 40, have shown that an inability to focus on more than one thing at once such as looking at a screen and the keyboard or mouse. These problems in regards to focus are one of the major symptoms dealt with by computer screens.

So, if some of the symptoms mentioned applies to you, or if the activities somehow describes perfectly your daily routine, the question now is what can you do to treat it or, in the best case, avoid it? For one, if you are already experiencing symptoms, then you should immediately consult your doctor so you would know if you require prescription. Prescription needs to be accurate as studies have revealed that any inaccuracy can not only be uncomfortable but can further the symptoms and worsen the problem.

If you have done your check up and concluded that your prescription is just fine, then you might think of trying on computer glasses. If the symptoms persist, then maybe the source of the problem is not your eyesight per se, but what is directed into it. Computer glasses are especially designed to reduce the symptoms brought upon by countless hours of looking at computer screens.

Why wear one

Some people substitute reading glasses for computer glasses and this can be dangerous. There are key differences between the two glasses which will be further explained below.

The way people look at computers is usually at a distance of 20 to 25 inches. This differs significantly from driving distance which is way too far in comparison or reading distance which is too close. The distance by which to view a computer is considered to be the intermediate zone.

Younger people and children who need assistance in seeing are usually given prescription glasses which are single vision lenses. These lenses correct the vision whether it is nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Computer glasses has its own unique shape that gives the wearer extra magnifying power to view computer screens better at intermediate distance.

Without computer glasses and working with computer screens for extended periods of time, people often start to complain about eye strain, headaches and blurry vision. These are all hallmarks of CVS or computer vision syndrome. Because of these inconveniences, computer users tend to compensate by leaning forward which opens a slew of other problems. They even sometimes remove their glasses or simply look through the bottom to see the screen bare. These can result in furthering the symptoms of CVS and problems in posture which can cause neck pains, sore backs, and sore shoulders.

It is important to note that computer glasses are not meant for reading the same way reading glasses are not meant for computer use. Reading takes place at a nearer distance from the eyes compared to computer use. This means that the glasses will optimize visions at different conditions and will make the glasses useless, or worse, damaging.

Most computer glasses have a 60 percent magnifying power to optimize computer use, but can be adjusted base on your computer habits. This will largely depend on how far you sit from the computer screen and how big your screen is.

For the reasons described above, one should always customize their computer glasses, not just to fit the prescription but for his/her own comfort as well. Using glasses which are weaker and not optimized for computer work will not improve sight and will not be enough to sustain clarity and accuracy.

Design

Most types of lenses can be used to be the basis for a computer glass. Because these lenses are highly specialized, it would not be a good idea to wear them for when driving, reading or all purpose wear.

The most common form of computer glasses comes in single lens which are customized to the specifications desired by the wearer. It has to be comfortable to wear at an intermediate distance from the subject.

Single vision computer glasses can help reduce reduce the risk of eye strain as well as blurred vision. Unnatural posture which can progress to neck and back pain, and can be avoided. And finally, it can be worn comfortably by young and old computer users alike.

Another kind of lens design that is becoming more popular today are for use in computer glasses are the occupational progressive lens. It has a no-line multifocal which does the correction for near, intermediate, and, up to a point, distance vision.

Occupational progressive lenses have a distinct larger range intermediate zone. This compared to regular progressive lenses for more comfortable and natural vision at the computer. However, this leaves a bit less lens area for vision from a farther distance. So these lenses are not recommended for driving or other kinds of tasks that require one to see far.

Other kinds of lenses that can be used for computer glasses are the occupational bifocal and trifocal lenses. They use lined multifocal lenses and they have a bigger zone for intermediate and near distance compared to regular bifocals and trifocals. The position of the intermediate and near zones can be adjusted for your specific computer vision needs for each user.