The amount of time we spend on screens today is only increasing. Whether you’re on your computer for work or scrolling Facebook on your lunch breaks, the screen time can start causing uncomfortable digital eye strain symptoms.
You may not think that there is much difference between computer and reading glasses. However, choosing the right glasses for what you’re doing can make a big difference in how your eyes feel. While both are designed to reduce eye strain, computer glasses are optimized for intermediate digital screens, whereas reading glasses are for close-up print.
Why Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
Long hours in front of screens are a modern reality, and it has a noticeable impact on our vision. This phenomenon, often called digital eye strain, comes with a set of common symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
When you focus on a screen for too long, you might experience:
- Tired, aching, or scratchy eyes
- Dryness or watering
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light
These symptoms occur because we tend to blink less when looking at screens, which leads to dryness and irritation. The constant effort of focusing on pixelated text and images also puts a heavy load on our eye muscles.
The Impact of Long Hours on Screens
Consistently spending long hours in front of screens without the right visual support can take a toll. The intermediate distance of a computer monitor, typically 50–70 centimetres from your face, is a unique focal range. Standard reading glasses are usually optimized for a closer distance of about 35–40 centimetres.
When you use reading glasses to view a computer, you may find yourself leaning forward or tilting your head to find a clear spot, which can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Types of Glasses
If you’re experiencing eye strain or dry eye symptoms, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam with your optometrist. While your symptoms may be due to screen usage, an optometrist can rule out other potential issues and recommend the best glasses for you.
Prescription Reading Glasses
Prescription single-vision reading can be made for a specific task within the working distance. With prescription reading glasses, the prescription is the same throughout the lens. These are best used for tasks where the focal point does not change. For example, when you are sitting and reading a book for an extended period of time.
Computer Glasses
Our doctors can prescribe a specific prescription for computer glasses (there are also non-prescription computer glasses, too). These glasses feature special filters to help reduce eye strain when using computers or other electronic devices. A prescription computer lens is designed for digital screens held approximately 2 feet from your face.
Office Glasses
Office glasses allow for 2 focal points. When you look through the top of the lens, you can focus on your computer screen and desk. As your eyes look down through the bottom of the lens, you can focus on paperwork and reading. This allows you to go back and forth between 2 focal points comfortably. Many people wear office glasses at work so they can comfortably keep the glasses on throughout their workday.
Anti-Reflective Coating
An anti-reflective coating is always recommended to help control glare from your computer screen. Some people find that a blue-light filtering coating can also help with eye strain. The blue light filter can help minimize the effects of screens on your natural circadian rhythm as well.
Difference Between Computer Glasses and Reading Glasses
These glasses work to reduce eye strain while you’re performing different tasks. However, even though they perform similar jobs, they do so in different ways.
Reading glasses have various magnification levels designed to reduce eye strain while reading small print. Typically, the lenses are clear but are available with light tints as well. In most cases, reading glasses are fine for occasional computer use where you need to read something small on a screen.
Other than that, reading glasses help reduce headaches from straining to read. Computer glasses and office glasses can help you focus better while minimizing symptoms of eye strain or dry eye while looking at screens all day.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right eyewear goes beyond just your prescription; it’s about matching your glasses to your lifestyle. To find the right solution, it’s helpful to consider all the ways you use your eyes throughout the day.
Factors to Consider: Work, Hobbies, and Daily Screen Time
To determine what type of glasses you need, think about your typical day. What does your work involve? A graphic designer who spends 8 hours in front of multiple monitors has different visual needs than a librarian who divides their time between a computer and physical books.
Your hobbies matter, too. An artist who paints for hours requires precise near vision, while a musician reading sheet music may need a clear view at an intermediate distance.
Your daily screen time can tell you what kind of glasses can support your needs. Track how many hours you spend on a computer, tablet, and smartphone.
Why an Eye Exam Helps You Decide
A comprehensive eye exam is the most important step in choosing the right glasses. An off-the-shelf pair of reading glasses only offers a generic magnification power. They don’t account for your specific prescription, astigmatism, or any differences between your eyes.
During an exam, your optometrist will determine your exact prescription and discuss your lifestyle and visual needs. This helps us recommend lenses tailored to you, whether it’s single-vision computer glasses or multifocal lenses for clear vision at multiple ranges.
Let’s Find Your Vision Solution
While specialized lenses are often the best solution, for those who only need support with light reading or occasional screen use, basic reading glasses may also be an option.
Reading Glasses
Over-the-counter reading glasses may work for people who have the same prescription in each eye with no astigmatism. Over-the-counter reading glasses provide only one focal point. However, the optics in these lenses may not be optimal. Depending on the strength of the lenses in the glasses, they should assist with reading and digital strain. You may also experience glare from the lenses.
At Henderson Vision Centre, we carry a selection of these over-the-counter reading glasses for you to see if they may work for your needs.
Consult your Eye Doctor for Better Vision
For people who require different levels of vision correction for various tasks, having more than one pair of glasses can be a practical solution. If you use reading glasses for books or your phone but spend hours in front of a computer, you may find that a single pair doesn’t cover all your needs effectively.
Talking to your optometrist about your specific visual demands is one of the best ways to determine what you need. During your appointment, be prepared to discuss your work habits, hobbies, and how many hours you spend on digital devices each day. At Henderson Vision Centre, we’re dedicated to helping you find a solution that fits your life.
Ready to see the difference the right pair of glasses can make? Book your appointment with us today, and let’s get you focused on what matters most.
