Computer Glasses: Protecting Vision In Front Of Screens

Why Do We Need Computer Glasses?

With so many jobs now being computer-oriented, looking after your eyes has never been so important. Staring at a screen for a long period of time can cause blurred vision, eye strain and other ailments known collectively as computer vision syndrome (CVS).

It is estimated that anywhere between 75 to 90 percent of computer users suffer from digital eye strain. Therefore taking steps to protect your eyes is necessary to help reduce risks of further vision problems in the future. Choosing the right glasses can be the first step towards protecting against digital eye strain.
 

  • Computer risks for your eyes

What Are The Risks For Your Eyes In Front Of Screens?

Just two hours of staring at a screen can cause eye strain, and it’s estimated that people spend on average around seven hours behind screens daily. Prolonged time in front of screens can cause:

  • Solutions for eye strain

What Are the Solutions to Digital Eye Strain?

The obvious answer is to stop looking at screens, but that’s simply not possible for most people. Many jobs involve working on computers and the widespread use of smartphones means we’re not putting our screens down anytime soon.

Fortunately, there’s new lens technology that helps to protect against the harmful effects of screens; they are referred to as computer glasses like Eyezen. Using these and taking measures to help reduce the risks of eye strain (outlined at the end of this article) will help prevent the adverse effects on your eyes of living in the digital age.

 


How To Alleviate Eye Strain

Eye strain is not only caused by overuse of screens but also by prolonged periods of reading and straining to see in certain lighting. It can result in tired eyes, redness, dryness, headaches and neck and back pain. Here are some tips to help reduce these problems:

  • Check your lighting - eye strain can be caused by bright office lighting or light coming in through windows. Close blinds where possible and turn your computer so the light is to the side instead of in front or behind. Overhead fluorescent lights can cause challenges to the eyes for many office workers, but halogen or indirect incandescent lamps may be easier on the eye.
  • Set up your desk properly - your screen should be about 20-30 inches away from your face, or arm's length. The top of your monitor should be at eye level.
  • Adjust your display settings - The brightness of your screen should be around the same brightness level as your surroundings. Ensure the text is at a comfortable size when reading, so be sure to zoom in to avoid straining.
  • Eye exercises - blink regularly (it moistens your eyes), take regular breaks and remember to look away from the screen. It may sound obvious, but we spend hours forgetting to even look up, too absorbed in our work. Aim to look away from your screen every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds and turn your gaze towards the distance (out of a window if possible)
  • Protect your eyes - wear computer glasses

When you’re a computer user it’s even more important to have regular eye tests. Find out more information about computer glasses online here.

FAQ

What makes computer glasses different from other types of glasses?

Computer glasses are different from other types of glasses because they have an anti-reflective coating on the lenses which reduces the glare from the computer screen and some can also help block the blue light from the screen. This, in turn, helps reduce the digital strain on the user’s eyes if they are wearing the computer glasses.

Is a doctor's prescription needed to purchase computer glasses?

It is alright to purchase computer glasses without a doctor’s prescription if you do not have any other issues such as being short-sighted or far-sighted. However, those who do have pre-existing eye issues should consult their doctor about the type of computer glasses they should get.

Are computer glasses for kids as well?

Yes, if a child spends a lot of time at the computer during their online classes or for playing games, they should have computer glasses to help them protect their eyes from suffering the strain caused by the glare and the blue light from the screen.

Are computer glasses the same as reading glasses?

Computer glasses are designed for those who need to spend long hours in front of the computer to help avoid the digital strain on the eyes while reading glasses help you read better if you are far-sighted. Both the types of glasses are prescription glasses but serve different purposes.

Do computer glasses block blue lights?

Computer screens radiate quite a bit of light and glare which can cause eye problems due to long hours of exposure. The blue light from the screen can also cause issues but with the right computer glasses which are designed to block blue light, you can reduce this strain on your eyes.

How to check computer glasses?

Computer glasses have an anti-reflective coating that helps reduce the glare from the screen. The glare causes your eyes to get tired faster and the anti-reflective coating protects your eyes. If you check the glasses against the clear blue sky in day light, you should be able to see a slight tint of colour which belongs to the coating

Can I wear computer glasses all day?

No, it is not necessary to wear computer glasses all day if you are not working at the computer. These are not like the regular prescription glass which can help you see objects from near or from far. Computer glasses are meant to help protect your eyes from the glare of computer screens.

How do I know, if I need computer glasses?

With regular use, computer glasses can help relieve the strain from your eyes caused by spending long hours in front of the computer screen. If you are using the computer for long and experience a digital strain on your eyes, it is time to let your doctor know so that they can prescribe the right computer glasses.

Need computer glasses to protect your eyes?

Talk to your nearest optician today and ask about Eyezen

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