Computer use is a normal part of many jobs in today’s technological world.
As time spent in front of screens increases, so do many common and frustrating symptoms. Many people experience irritated, dry and/or strained eyes after using the computer for an extended period of time. This is known as Computer Vision Syndrome. It’s easy to see that in today’s age, it’s only normal to ask the question… “What glasses are best for working in front of computers?“
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by extended periods of time staring at screens without proper eyewear and/or visual hygiene practices. Some common symptoms of this temporary eye condition include…
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Blurry Vision
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Redness
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Strained Eyes
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Headaches
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Dry Eyes
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Double Vision
There are simple and effective practices that can reduce the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. At Inspired Eyes Optometry, we provide these specific recommendations to our patients during their vision assessments. In addition to certain lifestyle recommendations, a full comprehensive eye examination is crucial to establish the best type of glasses are best for working in front of computers.
Although you may see clearly when you first look at a computer screen, the need for lenses often increases after about 4 hours. Because our eyes are in their most natural posture when looking far, they have to alter this posture when looking at close objects for an extended period. For many people, spending 8 or more hours per day on their computer may require a specific pair of computer glasses to protect and relieve eyestrain effectively over time.
The good news is that as our computer time has increased, so have many advanced lens options to effectively manage visual symptoms.
At Inspired Eyes Optometry, glasses prescriptions are customized based on specific visual needs. So…
What types of lenses are best for working in front of computers?
- Single Vision lenses
- Anti-fatigue lenses
- Office lenses
- Bifocal and Trifocal lenses
- Progressive lenses
Depending on how the eyes work as a team and their natural posture (always evaluated at routine Vision Wellness Assessments), the prism can be an effective tool to correct abnormal postures and can be added to the lenses above.
Why is it important to see an optometrist to get properly fitted computer glasses?
If a licensed Optician does not properly fit you for these glasses, there can be some unintentional prism in your glasses based on the position of your eyes. This means that your eyes could be under unecessary stress leading to headaches, tiredness, redness of the eyes or even (in some instances) a loss of previously perfect vision
The anti-reflective coating on computer glasses helps to reduce glare from the screen. We often recommend a blue-blocking anti-reflective coating for computer glasses, as these reduce the exposure to short-wavelength light, which may contribute to damaging the retina over time. Lastly, lens tints can be a useful tool in some cases to further reduce symptoms associated with spending extended periods on the computer.
For more information, check out this article about taking care of your eyes throughout the day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Danny Walker hails from Mississauga, Ontario, and has been practicing Optometry in the Okanagan for the past three years. Dr. Walker completed both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees at the University of Waterloo. At Inspired Eyes Optometry, Dr. Walker enjoys being able to provide his patients with thorough examinations and personalized eye care.
Dr. Walker is available for morning, daytime, evening and Saturday appointments at Inspired Eyes Creative Eyewear & Optometry.
Call (250) 862-5900 or Book Online.
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