Staring at a computer screen for hours is part of daily life for many people, but it can come with an unwelcome side effect: computer eye strain. Whether you’re working in an office, gaming, or browsing the web, digital screens are hard to avoid! This sharp, prolonged focus on screens can make your eyes work harder than they should. The answer could be right before your eyes.
Some glasses that can help with computer eye strain include:
- Computer glasses
- Prescription glasses
The right glasses can help alleviate computer eye strain, enhance clarity, and make your screen time more comfortable.
What Is Computer Eye Strain?
Computer eye strain, also known as digital eye strain, is a common problem that occurs when your eyes are overworked from prolonged screen use. Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Difficulty focusing
- Neck or shoulder discomfort
It’s easy enough to say that screens cause eye strain, but the specific reason can be a bit more complex. Several factors contribute to eyestrain caused by screen use, including:
- Uncorrected vision conditions: Vision conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism result in blurry vision and eyestrain.
- Poor binocularity: Eyes that do not coordinate well together cause a reduction in depth perception, blurry vision, intermittent double vision, or eye strain.
- Screen glare: Light reflecting off a screen causes glare that reduces clarity, making it harder to see clearly and, thus, forcing your eyes to overexert themselves.
- Blue light exposure: The blue light emitted from digital screens may disrupt your sleep, which can eventually compound into tired eyes.
- Poor posture and workstation setup: Incorrect monitor height or prolonged viewing angles can stress not only your eyes but your body as well.
Addressing these factors is key to reducing the impact of computer eyestrain and improving your overall experience online.
Types of Glasses That May Help
The right solution depends on what’s causing your eyestrain, but here are a few glasses that could help:
Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are designed to filter or block blue light emitted from computer screens, phones, and other devices. These glasses feature lenses that reduce the intensity of blue light reaching your eyes. Although eliminating blue light can improve the quality of your sleep and natural circadian rhythms, blue light glasses do not reduce visual fatigue. They are not a substitute for proper eye care or vision correcting glasses.
Computer Glasses
Computer glasses, sometimes referred to as digital reading glasses, address your computer screen’s specific focal distance, which is typically between 20 and 26 inches away. This mid-range distance may sometimes be a separate and different prescription than your other prescriptions for other situations.
Computer glasses help your eyes maintain clarity and reduce the strain of over-focusing with screens. By offering sharper vision and relaxing your visual system at the computer, computer glassescreduce eye strain, make text and images clearer, and prevent the constant strain of switching focus.
Prescription Glasses
Screen time can reveal vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that you might not even realize you have. A prescription designed for how you use screens can reduce eye strain and make everything look sharper.
Don’t skip the eye exam! Regular check-ups are the best way to make sure your vision is optimized and that your glasses are doing their job.
Features to Look for in Glasses
When selecting the right glasses for reducing computer eye strain, consider these features to maximize visual comfort and functionality:
- Anti-glare coating: Helps reduce screen reflections and glare, making it easier to focus on your digital tasks.
- Scratch resistance: Durable lenses that maintain clarity over time.
- Lightweight frames: Minimizes pressure on your nose and ears for all-day comfort.
- Adjustable fit: Ensure a proper fit with measurements that suit your nose bridge and temple length.
Additional Tips for Reducing Computer Eye Strain
Glasses can work wonders for reducing digital eye strain, but there are additional ways to protect your eyes and enhance your screen experience:
- Adjust screen settings: Lower your screen’s brightness and adjust contrast to a level that’s comfortable for your eyes. Enlarge text if needed for better readability.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a much-needed break.
- Optimize ergonomics: Position your monitor at 5-10 degrees below your line of sight and about an arm’s length away to maintain a comfortable viewing angle.
- Proper lighting: Reduce glare by ensuring your workspace is evenly lit without harsh contrasts between the screen and surrounding areas. Avoid placing your computer screen in front of a window.
Take the Strain Out of Your Screen Time
Computer eyestrain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of digital life. Computer glasses and prescription lenses provide solutions to help you work, browse, or game comfortably and efficiently. Combine this with small lifestyle adjustments, and you can feel an immediate difference in your screen time experience.
Don’t struggle with eye strain. There’s never a better time to improve your vision and comfort during work or play. Contact Luminance Vision today to book an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. Our team is ready to provide the best eye care and personalized solutions to help you!
