We live in a digital world, from television and phones to computers and tablets, it’s almost impossible to go a day without looking at a screen. Many people notice this is causing digital eye strain, which causes tired eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and more. Computer glasses can help reduce these symptoms.
Computer glasses often need a different prescription than your usual pair of glasses. Since you sit a fixed distance from the screen, the glasses are optimized to correct vision at this distance. You can book an eye exam to get this new prescription.
What Are Computer Glasses?
If you’ve ever spent too long at a screen and felt like your eyes are physically tired, you’ve probably experienced digital eye strain. It’s also often called “computer vision syndrome”. You start to get these feelings because the muscles in your eyes are overworked. It’s a sign that they need a break.
Digital eye strain occurs when you:
- Look at screens for long periods (we’ve all been guilty of this!)
- Use poor lighting or work in a dimly lit room
- Sit too close to the screen (remember what your mom used to say about sitting too close to the TV?)
- Don’t take enough breaks to rest your eyes and stretch
- Use devices with screens that have glare or reflections
- Have an improper viewing angle, such as looking downward or upward for extended periods
- Forget to blink (yes, blinking is important!)
- Wear incorrect or non-prescription eyeglasses while using digital devices
- Strain to read small text or images on screens
This is why computer glasses exist. This specialized eyewear addresses issues that lead to digital eye strain when working on a screen for a long time. They can help:
- Decrease glare
- Improve contrast
- Improve clarity
- Improve focal length
- Decrease fatigue
Do Computer Glasses Use Your Normal Glasses Prescription?
Your regular glasses are designed to provide clear vision at most distances by correcting refractive errors and adjusting how light enters your eyes. Computer glasses are specifically designed to enhance your vision when working at a specific distance from your computer screen. They are a modified prescription tailored to the distance you typically sit from your screen.
While it’s possible to use your regular glasses for computer use, they may not be as effective as a dedicated pair of computer glasses. Computer glasses are optimized to reduce eye strain and discomfort caused by prolonged screen time.
How to Tell If You Need Computer Glasses
If you’re wondering if you should try computer glasses, consider this: do you ever deal with digital eye strain?
Watch out for these symptoms the next time you’re at your desk:
- Irritated eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sensitivity to light
If your eyes feel heavier than normal or exhausted, you’re probably dealing with digital eye strain. If it’s getting too hard to focus on fine print or you constantly adjust your screen’s brightness, computer glasses might help.
How to Avoid Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain is common, but it’s also often avoidable. While computer glasses can ease some of the strain, there are some things you can do to help avoid digital eye strain:
- Take regular breaks when you’re using screens.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
- Place your screen at a comfortable distance and angle.
- Limit glare by adjusting your lighting or using a screen protector.
- Blink more frequently, we should blink 10-12 times per minute
If you’re experiencing digital eye strain, you’re not alone. By making adjustments to your screen usage, you may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms. However, if you’re still dealing with eye strain after making adjustments, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam at Downtown Vision Care. Eye strain symptoms can be similar to other eye conditions, so knowing the underlying cause can help address the issue and provide relief.
Where to Get Computer Glasses
If you’re interested in computer glasses, visit us at Downtown Vision Care. We can give you an in-depth eye exam and show you the options for computer glasses. It’s almost impossible to avoid screens, so take the step to protect your eyes and request an appointment with us today!
