Why Do You Need Computer Glasses?

In today's digital society, many of us spend hours in front of computer screens every day, both at work and at home. This prolonged exposure to screen light can lead to various issues, such as tired and strained eyes, headaches, and blurry vision. This phenomenon is often referred to as digital eye strain syndrome or computer vision syndrome.

Computer glasses are specially designed to reduce these issues and provide your eyes with a more relaxed experience during screen work. They often have a slightly yellow tint that filters out some of the blue light from the screen, which can be particularly straining on the eyes.

Additionally, computer glasses have an adjusted strength optimized for the typical distance between the eyes and the screen, usually around 50-70 cm. This differs from regular reading glasses intended for shorter distances and progressive glasses with varying strengths for different distances.

Benefits of Using Computer Glasses

By using specialized computer glasses, you can experience several benefits:

• Reduced eye fatigue and strain
• Lower risk of headaches and neck pain
• Sharper and clearer vision during screen work
• Better contrast vision and color rendering
• Increased productivity and comfort during long computer sessions

Many who start using computer glasses notice a clear difference in how their eyes feel after a long day in front of the screen. It can be a relief to avoid that heavy, tired feeling in the eyes that one might otherwise experience.

Who Can Benefit from Computer Glasses?

In principle, anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a computer screen or other digital device can benefit from specialized computer glasses. However, some groups may be particularly well-served by them:

• People over 40 who start having difficulty focusing on nearby objects (presbyopia)
• Those who already have vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and use regular glasses or contact lenses
• Individuals who are particularly sensitive to blue light or suffer from dry eyes
• Professionals such as programmers, graphic designers, and others who have the computer screen as their primary work tool

Even if you don't belong to any of these groups, you may still experience the benefits of computer glasses if you experience symptoms of digital eye strain. It may be worth trying a pair and seeing if it makes a difference for your eyes.

Things to Consider When Choosing Computer Glasses

When choosing computer glasses, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Eye Examination: Start by getting an eye examination from an optician to determine the strength you need for your computer distance.
• Lens Properties: Choose lenses with blue light filters and anti-reflective coatings for the best effect. A slightly yellow tint on the lenses is common to reduce blue light.
• Frame Selection: Choose a frame that fits your face and is comfortable even after many hours of use. Lightweight frames are often preferable.
• Working Distance: Measure the distance between your eyes and the screen when you are in your usual working position, so the glasses can be optimally adjusted for this distance.
• Use Them Correctly: Computer glasses are intended for intermediate distances and work best at your measured working distance. Use them primarily for screen work and have a separate pair of glasses for other activities.

By choosing the right computer glasses and using them correctly, you can give your eyes the best conditions for screen work. Your eye health is important, so don't hesitate to invest in a pair of specialized computer glasses if you feel you need them.

Alternatives to Computer Glasses

If for some reason you don't want or can't use computer glasses, there are a few alternatives you can try to reduce eye strain during screen work:

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and counteracts focus lock.

Adjust Screen Position and Brightness

Make sure your screen is positioned slightly below eye level and about an arm's length away. Adjust the brightness so that it matches the surroundings and is not too harsh.

Use Eye Drops

If you have problems with dry eyes, eye drops can help lubricate and moisturize your eyes during the day. Choose preservative-free eye drops if you use them frequently.

Try Computer Glasses with Clip-On

If you already wear regular glasses, you can try a pair of computer glasses with a clip-on feature that you attach on top of your regular glasses when working at the computer.

Remember that no alternative can completely replace the benefits of specialized computer glasses, but by combining these tips with regular breaks and an ergonomic workstation, you can still reduce the strain on your eyes.

Whether you choose computer glasses or one of the alternatives, it's important to listen to your eyes and give them the care they need. With the right tools and habits, you can enjoy clear and comfortable eyes even in our digital age!