Do You Need Computer Glasses?
Has your vision seemed off lately, even when wearing your corrective lenses? Have you thought about seeing an optometrist for a new pair of glasses? Maybe you need computer glasses to help with computer vision syndrome (CVS). It’s a condition that’s more prevalent than you may realize.
GW Eye Associates serves patients throughout La Jolla, Carmel Valley, and San Diego, CA, providing stylish eyewear and other vision services. Below we’ll note the basics of computer vision syndrome and why you may want to consider getting computer glasses.
What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Also known as digital eye strain, CVS refers to eye discomfort and vision problems caused by prolonged use of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Common indications of computer vision syndrome include:
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Irreversible eyestrain
- Chronic neck or shoulder pain
CVS is common given how dependent we are on computers and other devices. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 92 percent of households own at least one computer. This number doesn’t include tablets, smartphones, and other devices with screens that can cause computer vision syndrome.
3 Computer Glasses Features to Think About
Not all glasses are created equal. A pair of computer glasses could help preserve your overall visual health, and the vision of your children. Computer glasses can do the following:
- Improve eye focus on the screen. Computer glasses have lenses that make viewing and focusing on screens easier on the eyes.
- Prevent glare and reflections. Computer glasses reduce reflections from the front and back of the lenses, to eliminate eye strain.
- Block or filter out blue light. Computer glasses can protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light, and can potentially improve sleep health in the process.
Let’s elaborate on each of these features in more detail.
Improve Eye Focus on the Screen
Do you find yourself constantly squinting at your screen? People usually have a computer further away from their eyes than they do printed materials. Many people experience relief from eye strain after using computer glasses with lenses designed to account for the increased viewing distance.
Reduce Reflections
Reflections in your line of vision aren’t just annoying, they are harmful. These reflections are called back-glare, light that hits your lenses and is reflected back to your eyes. Back-glare can cause eye strain, headaches, and visual impairment. In some cases, the glare can lead to permanent retina or lens damage.
An anti-reflective (AR) coating on computer glasses virtually eliminates back-glare, so you can enjoy your screen time and prevent injury.
Block or Filter Out Blue Light
Blue light is a type of light on the shorter end of the spectrum, meaning that it emits higher levels of energy than other lights within the human visual range. Unlike harmful UV rays that are at least partially blocked by the cornea, virtually all blue light passes through to the retina, resulting in damage to the cells. Blue light also interferes with melatonin, which in turn negatively affects sleep health.
Since computer glasses help filter out blue light, patients can protect their eyes from harm and potentially improve the restfulness of their sleep.
Should I Invest in Computer Glasses?
If you spend long hours of the day looking at screens, a pair of computer glasses is a worthwhile investment to consider. Screens are a fact of life (you’re reading this article on a screen, after all), so it’s important that you take steps now to protect your eyes from computer vision syndrome.
Schedule a Consultation
GW Eye Associates is here to help you make the right decision for your visual health. Call us at (858) 454-4699 or contact our office by sending a message online to schedule your appointment.