Computer Glasses
Relieve Computer Eye Strain with Computer Eyewear
Computer Vision Syndrome
Many computer users often end up with blurred vision, eye strain, or headaches — the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward or by tipping their head to look through the bottom of their lenses. This can result in sore shoulders, a sore neck, or a sore back.
Special computer glasses differ from regular eyeglasses and reading glasses. Computer glasses put the optimum lens power for viewing your computer screen right where you need it for a wide, clear field of view without the need for excessive effort or awkward postures.
Most young people wear eyeglasses to correct their distance vision. And reading glasses are prescribed to correct near vision. Bifocals for those over age 40 with presbyopia correct only near and far vision. Even trifocals and progressive lenses (which do have some lens power for intermediate vision) often don’t have a large enough intermediate zone for comfortable computer work.
Computer screens usually are positioned 20 to 26 inches from the user’s eyes. This is considered the intermediate zone of vision — closer than driving (“distance”) vision, but farther away than reading (“near”) vision.
The opticians at Van’s Eyecare can optimize your eyeglasses for viewing your computer screen to eliminate vision discomfort and other complications of eye strain.
What Should You Do?
First, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to rule out unrelated vision problems and to update your regular eyeglasses prescription. Tell Dr. Van Amerongen you’re interested in computer glasses.
If your glasses are up-to-date (or if you don’t need prescription eye wear for most tasks) and you experience vision discomfort during computer work, consider purchasing 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.
How to Buy Computer Glasses
Resist the temptation to buy over-the-counter reading glasses for use as computer glasses. An accurate prescription is essential if you want the full benefits from your computer glasses. (See “More information” at the end of this article.) It’s best to purchase this special-purpose eye wear from the knowledgeable eyecare professionals at Van’s Eyecare.
Prior to your eye exam, measure how far you like to sit from your computer. Measure from the bridge of your nose to the surface of your computer screen. Bring this measurement with you to your exam so your Van’s Eyecare optometrist can use it to help determine the optimum lens power for your computer glasses.
More information: