Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes feel strained and irritated after a long day in front of the computer? It could be the result of Computer Vision Syndrome.

In today’s technological world, many people spend hours each day on computers, tablets, and smartphones. After prolonged use of these devices, particularly desk top computers, people often experience blurred vision, eyestrain, dry and irritated eyes, double vision, headaches, back and neck pain, and even dizziness.

The best way to minimize or eliminate these symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome is the use of specific prescription computer glasses

Computer Glasses

Traditional prescription glasses have correction for distance vision on the top half of the lens and bifocals/trifocals for near vision on the bottom half of the lens. Many people spend hours each day at work staring at a computer and reading paper material. If they are using traditional prescription glasses, they are constantly tilting their chin upward to look through the narrow trifocal to see the computer, causing the eyestrain and discomfort associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.

Prescription computer glasses are specifically designed for these situations. They are custom fit to allow the person to see at the precise distance at which their computer is set, without causing eyestrain and posture discomfort.

Computer Lens Types

Most computers are positioned 20 to 26 inches from the user’s eyes. With everyday prescription glasses, the person would be required to look through the narrow trifocal portion of the lenses. Not so with computer glasses.

Several different lens designs are available for computer glasses:

• Single vision lenses are set for you to see precisely at the position of your computer. The entire lens is set for that range, eliminating eyestrain and neck and back pain. They do not work for distance vision, but are ideal for people who spend all day on the computer, younger individuals, and those who do not have much paperwork associated with their computer use.
• Occupational progressive lenses are no-line bifocals that correct near, intermediate, and distance vision. These lenses are designed with a larger zone in the center for computer range, and smaller zones on top and bottom for distance and near.
• Occupational desktop lenses are lined or no-line bifocals in which the entire top half of the lens is for computer range and the entire bottom half is for reading. They are ideal for all aspects of desk and computer work, but not distance vision. The strength of the intermediate and near vision prescriptions are customized to your specific workplace needs.

Other options include anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from the computer screen, or color tinting of the lenses to increase the screen’s contrast and reduce the harshness of its light on the eyes.

Benefits of Computer Glasses

• Reduced eyestrain
• Clearer vision
• Glare reduction
• Increased contrast
• Reduced headaches, back and neck pain
• Longer more comfortable work periods

See Dr. Gregory Bruchs at Warwar Eye Group to help you find the right pair of computer glasses for your workplace and everyday needs.